From 1 April itraconazole 50 micrograms (Lozanoc) is PBS listed (Authority Required – Streamlined) for the management of systemic fungal infections.1 This listing is in line with the currently listed itraconazole 100 microgram (Sporanox) capsule for fungal infections.1
Lozanoc capsules have higher bioavailability than the currently available itraconazole capsule.2 Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that the 50 microgram Lozanoc capsules can be considered therapeutically equivalent to the 100 microgram Sporanox capsules.2
If switching patients to Lozanoc, GPs should ensure that patients are aware of their new dosing regimen and their new itraconazole brand.
PBS listing for systemic mycoses only
Itraconazole 50 and 100 microgram are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for superficial and systemic mycoses. However, the PBS listing is for the following systemic mycoses only:1
- systemic aspergillosis
- systemic sporotrichosis
- systemic histoplasmosis
- disseminated and chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis infection
- oropharyngeal or oesophageal candidiasis.
Itraconazole is not PBS listed for superficial mycoses.
