Malarone

 
Generic Name: atovaquone and proguanil

Brands: Malarone, Malarone Pediatric

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What is the most important information I should know about Malarone?

· No treatment for the prevention of malaria is 100 % effective. See your doctor if you have a fever during or after the time that you may have been exposed to malaria.

· Protective clothing, insect repellants, and bednets are important parts of malaria prevention.

· See a doctor if treatment with Malarone is stopped for any reason to discuss alternative forms of malaria prevention.

 

What is Malarone?

· Malarone are antimalarial medications.

· Malarone is used to prevent and to treat malaria.

· Malarone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Malarone?

· Before taking Malarone, tell your doctor if you have     ·kidney disease; or     ·diarrhea or vomiting.

· You may not be able to take Malarone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have either of the conditions listed above.

· Malarone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Malarone will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· Proguanil passes in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. It is not known whether atovaquone passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Malarone?

· Take Malarone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take Malarone at the same time each day with food or a milky drink.

· Take a repeat dose of Malarone if vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking a dose.

· For the prevention of malaria:     ·Treatment should be started 1 or 2 days before entering a malaria-endemic area. Take Malarone daily while staying in the malaria-endemic area and continue taking it daily for 7 days after leaving the area. See a doctor if treatment with Malarone is stopped for any reason to discuss alternative forms of malaria prevention. Protective clothing, insect repellants, and bednets are important parts of malaria prevention. No treatment for the prevention of malaria is 100 % effective. See your doctor if you have a fever during or after the time that you may have been exposed to malaria.

· To treat malaria:     ·Take the prescribed dose once daily for 3 days in a row. Take all of the Malarone that has been prescribed for you even if you begin to feel better. Your symptoms may start to improve before the infection is completely treated.

· It is important to take Malarone exactly as prescribed to get the most benefit.

· Store Malarone at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of an Malarone overdose are not well known, but may include a rash, stomach discomfort, vomiting, reversible hair loss, scaling of the skin on the palms and/or soles, mouth sores, and blood problems.

 

What should I avoid while taking Malarone?

· There are no restrictions on foods, beverages, or activities while taking Malarone unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

 

What are the possible side effects of Malarone?

· If you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of the throat; or hives) to Malarone, stop taking the medication and seek emergency medical attention.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Malarone and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·abdominal pain;     ·nausea or vomiting;     ·headache;     ·diarrhea;     ·weakness;     ·loss of appetite;     ·dizziness; or     ·itching.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Malarone?

· Before taking Malarone, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:     ·rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, others);     ·tetracycline (Panmycin, Sumycin, others); or     ·metoclopramide (Reglan, others).

· You may not be able to take Malarone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Malarone. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Malarone written for health professionals that you may read.

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