Mounjaro, Relyvrio, and More: 9 New Drugs Approved in 2022 That You Should Know About
The FDA’s new approved drugs for 2022 includes 37 novel medications — meaning drugs that have never been approved or marketed in the U.S.
Vivjoa
Used for Yeast Infection
Used for Yeast Infection
Vivjoa (oteseconazole) is an fda-approved antifungal medication to reduce yeast infections in people with vaginal yeast infections that keep coming back, also known as recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (RVVC). The medication shouldn't be taken by those who can get pregnant because it might cause harm to unborn babies, especially since it stays in your body for around 2 years after the last dose. Common side effects include headache and nausea. It's only available as a brand-name medication.
What is Vivjoa (oteseconazole)?
What is Vivjoa (oteseconazole) used for?
- Recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis (chronic vaginal yeast infection) in people who can't get pregnant
How Vivjoa (oteseconazole) works
Vivjoa (oteseconazole) is an azole antifungal medication that kills the fungus that causes yeast infections. It does so by blocking the fungus from making an important substance needed for its outer protective layer. It also kills the fungus by causing a toxic substance to build up inside of it.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Vivjoa |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Azole antifungal |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Vivjoa (oteseconazole)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Headache (7%)
- Nausea (4%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Stomach upset
- Hot flush
- Painful urination
- Vaginal bleeding
- Vaginal irritation
The following Vivjoa (oteseconazole) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Facial flushing, redness
- Headache
- Heavy periods
- Nausea
- Pain or trouble when passing urine
- Upset stomach
Pros and cons of Vivjoa (oteseconazole)
Pros
- First FDA-approved medication for RVVC
- Only taken once per day or once per week
- Works well up to almost a year after starting treatment
- Doesn't interact with as many medications compared to similar medications
Cons
- Available as a brand-name medication only
- Can't be used in people who are able to become pregnant
- Not recommended in people with severe kidney or liver problems
- Must be taken with food in order to work fully
Pharmacist tips for Vivjoa (oteseconazole)
- The dosing schedule for Vivjoa (oteseconazole) can be confusing. Keep track of the days on your calendar when taking the medication, since you'll start taking it daily and then move to once a week dosing.
- Take Vivjoa (oteseconazole) with food to help it get absorbed better, and swallow the Vivjoa (oteseconazole) capsules whole. Don't crush, chew, open, or dissolve the capsules, since this could damage the medication or prevent you from getting your full dose.
- Vivjoa (oteseconazole) can raise the levels of some medications if taken together, like rosuvastatin (Crestor). This can lead to more side effects from the other medication. Make sure to tell your prescriber all of the medications you're taking before starting Vivjoa (oteseconazole).
- Don't stop taking Vivjoa (oteseconazole) suddenly without speaking with your prescriber first, even if you begin to feel better. Stopping too early can cause yeast infections to come back stronger.
- To help prevent yeast infections, a few things you can do include wearing cotton underwear, changing out of wet swimsuits and workout clothes as soon as possible, and avoiding certain scented products.
Risks and warnings for Vivjoa (oteseconazole)
Vivjoa (oteseconazole) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Harm to babies
People who are of reproductive potential (able to get pregnant), pregnant, or breastfeeding shouldn't take Vivjoa (oteseconazole) because of the risks to unborn babies and breastfed infants. Based on animal studies, Vivjoa (oteseconazole) might cause eye damage including cataracts, trouble seeing, and bleeding in the eyes of unborn babies. The risk is high in those who can get pregnant because Vivjoa (oteseconazole) stays in the body for almost 2 years after taking the last dose. If you haven't gone through menopause or have had surgeries that prevent you from having children, or if you're currently pregnant or breastfeeding, speak with your prescriber about safe options to treat RVVC.
Vivjoa (oteseconazole) dosage
The average cost for 1 carton of 18 capsules of 150mg of Vivjoa (oteseconazole) is $5.00 with a free GoodRx coupon.
Carton
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 capsules of 150mg | 1 carton | $5.00 | $5.00 |
Typical dosage for Vivjoa (oteseconazole)
Vivjoa (oteseconazole) is either taken by itself or after taking fluconazole (Diflucan). Your prescriber will help you decide the best option for you.
Vivjoa (oteseconazole) only - dosing lasts a total of 12 weeks
- Day 1: Take 600 mg (4 capsules) by mouth once.
- Day 2: Take 450 mg (3 capsules) by mouth once.
- Starting on Day 14: Take 150 mg (1 capsule) by mouth once a week (every 7 days) for 11 weeks.
Vivjoa (oteseconazole) and fluconazole (Diflucan): - dosing lasts a total of 14 weeks
- Day 1: Take 150 mg of fluconazole (Diflucan).
- Day 4: Take 150 mg of fluconazole (Diflucan).
- Day 7: Take 150 mg of fluconazole (Diflucan).
- Days 14 through 20: Take 150 mg (1 capsule) of Vivjoa (oteseconazole) by mouth once a day.
- Starting on Day 28: Take 150 mg (1 capsule) of Vivjoa (oteseconazole) by mouth once a week (every 7 days) for 11 weeks.
How much does Vivjoa (oteseconazole) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Vivjoa (brand)
$5.00
Vivjoa (oteseconazole) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Vivjoa (oteseconazole) will not be safe for you to take.
- People who are able to become pregnant
- Currently pregnant
- Currently breastfeeding
What are alternatives to Vivjoa (oteseconazole)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Vivjoa (oteseconazole). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Vivjoa (oteseconazole)
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