Key takeaways
Voriconazole (Vfend) and amphotericin B liposome (Ambisome) are both antifungal medications used to treat serious fungal infections. They are similar in that they can both treat infections caused by Aspergillus and Candida. However, they differ in several ways. Voriconazole (Vfend) is an azole antifungal available in oral and injectable forms, while amphotericin B liposome (Ambisome) is only available as an injection. Voriconazole is typically started as an IV infusion in a hospital and then switched to oral forms, whereas Ambisome is always given through an IV, in a hospital or by a trained healthcare professional at home. Both are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of voriconazole include vision changes and rash, while Ambisome can cause chills, nausea, and low potassium levels. Voriconazole has many drug interactions, including with omeprazole, while Ambisome requires careful monitoring of kidney and liver function.
