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Arakoda

[Generical name: tafenoquine] ta-FEN-o-kwin ta-FEN’-o-kwin [ta-FEN-o-kwin]
Drug class: antimalarial quinolines

What is Arakoda?

Arakoda is an anti-malaria medication that blocks growing parasites inside your body. Malaria-causing parasites can be introduced into the body via the bite of mosquitoes.Malaria is an epidemic afflicting regions such as Africa, South America and Southern Asia.Arakoda is a remedy to stop infection with malaria that is caused by the Plasmodium virax parasite.Arakoda is recommended for adults and children who are 16 years old and are taking a different medicine known as chloroquine.Arakoda is recommended for those aged 18 and over. It isn't known whether Arakoda is safe and effective for children.

Warnings

You shouldn't make use of Arakoda for those who suffer from a genetically-related enzyme defect known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. The doctor will run an examination to ensure that you don't have this condition.Do not consume Arakoda in the event that you are a victim of psychotic disorders or if you have current psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't actually there) as well as illusions (false or bizarre thoughts or ideas) or unorganised thinking or behaviour.

Before you take this drug

To be sure that Arakoda is suitable for you, inform your doctor if

  • You have a genetically-inherited enzyme defect known as G6PD, or glucose-6-phosphate (G6PD) deficiency.
  • You are sensitive to Arakoda or similar medications (for instance, primaquine).

Do not breastfeed when taking tafenoquine if you suspect your baby is suffering from G6PD deficiency (or has not been examined to determine it). If the baby is deficient in G6PD, then you shouldn't feed your baby for at least 3 months following your most recent dose of Arakoda.Tafenoquine can cause harm to an unborn baby. Before initiating this treatment, it may be necessary for you to undergo a pregnancy test. Make sure you are using effective birth control methods to avoid pregnancy while taking Arakoda, as well as at least three months after the last dose.

Talk to your doctor immediately if you find yourself pregnant.

Speak to your doctor if you were ever diagnosed with:

Arakoda is not a product that has been approved to be used by anyone younger than 16 years of age.

How to take Arakoda?

Before you start taking Arakoda, your doctor will conduct tests to ensure that you don't have a G6PD deficiency.Follow the instructions on the prescription label and read the medication guide or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medication precisely as directed.The standard dosage of Arakoda is two tablets at a time. You should begin taking Arakoda on the very first or second day of taking chloroquine.Eat food.Suck the tablets up whole, and don't crush, chew, or break them.If you experience vomiting within one hour of taking Arakoda, it is possible that you will need to take another dose. Consult your physician for advice.Get in touch with your doctor as quickly as you can after having had exposure to malaria or if you are suffering from diarrhoea, fever, nausea, and diarrhoea following your stay in a region in which malaria is prevalent.Wear the appropriate clothing, insect repellents, and mosquito nets on your bed to protect yourself from mosquito bites that can cause malaria.There is no medication that is 100 percent efficient in preventing or treating all forms of malaria. For the best results, you should continue taking the medication according to the instructions.Store Arakoda tablets in a cool, dry place, away from heat and moisture.Place the tablets in their original containers, and keep the packaging or canister of preservative that absorbs moisture.

Details on dosage

Usual Adult Dose of Arakoda for Malaria:

300 mg once orally as one dose.

Usual Adult Dose for Malaria Prophylaxis:

Dose of Loading: 200 mg orally twice every day for 3 days
Maintain a dose of 200 mg taken orally every week.
Dosage for terminal prophylaxis: 200 mg taken orally, once in one dose.
The duration of treatment: Up to six months of daily dosing
Comments:
The loading dose should be administered on each of the three days preceding travelling to a malarious location.
The maintenance dose should begin 7 days after the last loading dose. It should continue throughout the malarious region.
The final prophylaxis regimen must be administered 7 days following the dose that was last administered during the week following exit from the malarious area.
The full course of therapy must have been completed (including the dosage for loading, the dose for maintenance, and the final dose).
to replace missed doses:
If one loading dose is missed, one dosage of 200 mg will ensure that three daily loading doses have been administered. The maintenance dose must be administered one week after the previous loading dose.
If two loading doses are not taken, the following doses are recommended: two doses of 200mg over two consecutive days, so there are three daily loading doses administered, and the maintenance dose must be administered one week after the last loading dose.
If a dose of maintenance (weekly) dosage is not taken: one dosage of 200 mg any day until the moment of your next scheduled dose of weekly
If two daily maintenance (weekly) doses do not get taken, one dosage of 200 mg will be taken any day until the scheduled dose of the week.
If at least three regular (weekly) dosages have not been taken, two dosages of 200 mg will be given twice every day for two days prior to the start of the next dose of the week.
If the final dose of prophylaxis is missed, take one dosage of 200 mg as quickly as you remember.

Usual Paediatric Dose of Arakoda for Malaria:

Ages 16 and over, at least in a single dose
Comments:
The drug is not suitable to treat chronic P. vixax malaria.
The drug should be administered on the second or first day of the appropriate antimalarial treatment to treat severe P. vixax malaria (e.g., chloroquine).
A second dose is suggested in the event of vomiting within one hour of taking the dose; re-dosing is not recommended more than once.
Use: For the complete cure (prevention of the relapse) of P vixax malaria in patients who receive appropriate antimalarial treatment for acute P vixax malaria.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Your medication should be taken as quickly as possible.owever, do not take your missed dosage if you are close to the time of the next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

What happens if I overdose?

Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.

What should be avoided?

Follow the doctor's advice regarding any limitations on foods, drinks, or activities.

Side effects of Arakoda

Take immediate medical attention. If you exhibit symptoms of an allergic reaction, Arakod:hives; dizziness or breathing difficulty; and swelling of your lips, face, and throat.

Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:

  • Yellowed or pale skin; dark-coloured urine;
  • Darkening of your mouth, lips, or fingernails;
  • Quick heartbeats, breathlessness;
  • A headache, or a lightheaded feeling (like it's possible to get drunk);
  • Confusion, tiredness,
  • New or worsening mental health issues new or worsening mental health issues anxiety and strange dreams. Difficulty sleeping.

Common Arakoda adverse effects could include:

  • Nausea, vomiting;
  • Abnormal tests for haemoglobin;
  • Dizziness;
  • Headache.

This isn't an exhaustive list of all the side effects. Other effects may also be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. Report any adverse reactions directly to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Interaction with other drug

Other drugs can be incompatible with tafenoquine, such as medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your doctor all the medicines you are currently taking and any medication you begin or stop taking.