PICASA SYRUP

Introduction:

Picasa Syrup consists of the active ingredient Posaconazole. It is an antifungal agent used to treat invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in patients who are severely immunocompromised, such as Hemopoietic Stem cell Transplant recipients with Graft versus host disease or those with blood cancer with prolonged neutropenia from chemotherapy.

The common side effects of Picasa Syrup include diarrhea, nausea, fever, vomiting, headache, coughing, and hypokalaemia.

Uses of Picasa Syrup:

• Treatment of Invasive Aspergillus and Candida infections in patients who are severely immunocompromised.
• Treatment of infections caused by fungi of the Fusarium family that have not improved even after treatment with amphotericin B.
• Treatment of infections caused by fungi that cause the conditions known as “chromoblastomycosis” and “mycetoma” that have not improved even with treatment with itraconazole.
• Treatment of infections in the mouth or throat area caused by fungi called Candida.

How Picasa Syrup works:

Picasa Syrup inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol by binding and inhibiting the lanosterol-14alpha-demethylase, which is present in almost all fungi as a key component of the fungal cell membrane. This is the cause of antifungal activity.

Interaction with other drugs:

Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking or have taken before the treatment.

More Information:

Picasa Syrup oral suspension is stored at 25°C; excursions permitted to 15-30°C

References:

1. Merck, [Revised on Jul 2021], [Accessed on 29th Dec 2021], https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/n/noxafil/noxafil_pi.pdf 
2. Merck, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on May 2021], [Accessed on 29th Dec 2021], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.176.pdf

How to use Picasa Syrup:

Use as directed by the physician. Do not freeze and any suspension left in a bottle more than four weeks after it was first opened should not be used. Keep the suspension away from the reach of children. Picasa Syrup oral suspension should be taken with full meals.  Shake the suspension before use.

Safety Advice:

Pregnancy: 

It is not known whether Picasa Syrup causes harm to the unborn child. Hence should be used when the benefits outweigh the risks in the fetus.

Breastfeeding: 

Breastfeeding should be avoided as small amounts of this drug may pass through the milk.

Driving:

Dizziness, blurred vision, the sleepiness caused by Picasa Syrup may affect the ability to drive and use machines.

Others:

• Picasa Syrup contains glucose, so caution should be exercised in patients with glucose intolerance.
• Tell your physician before consuming Picasa Syrup if you are allergic to Posaconazole or any of its ingredients.

Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.

Serious:

• Hypersensitivity
• Liver toxicity
• Arrhythmias and QT prolongation

Common:

• Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea
• Fever, Headache, Cough
• Low potassium levels in blood
• Feeling weak, dizzy, tired, or sleepy
• Constipation
• Rectal discomfort
• Heartburn
• Low neutrophil count
• High BP
• Loss of appetite, stomach pain, passing wind, dry mouth, changes in taste
• Low magnesium levels
• Abnormal skin sensations, such as numbness, tingling, itching, creeping, pricking, or burning