What is Daraprim?
Daraprim, an antiparasite medication, helps to prevent parasites from growing and reproducing within the body. Daraprim can be used to treat or prevent some types of malaria in both adults and children. This medicine is not recommended as a malaria prevention medicine when traveling. This medicine is best used in conjunction with an anti-malaria medication that works faster, such as quinine or chloroquine. Daraprim can also be used to treat toxoplasmosis. This is an infection that is caused by toxoplasma. Daraprim can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side-effects of Daraprim
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or swelling to face lips throat. Seek medical assistance immediately: difficulty in breathing; hives; facial, lips or throat swelling
Daraprim can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A sore throat; swelling of the tongue
- Pale skin, easy bruising, and purple spots beneath your skin
- The first sign of a skin rash is always mild.
- Blood in urine
- Symptoms of the cold or flu;
- New or worsening Cough; fever; trouble breathing
- Heartbeats irregular;
- Signs of folate deficiency include unusual tiredness, mood changes, feeling sick, mouth sores, stomach pain, and loss of appetite.
- Severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, and swelling of the face and tongue. Burning in the eyes. A red or purple rash appears, which spreads to other parts of your body, especially your face and upper part.
Daraprim side effects include:
- Vomiting;
- Loss of appetite
There may be other side effects.Call your doctor if experiencing symptoms. For safety purposes, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 in case any adverse events have taken place.
Warnings
Daraprim should not be used if you suffer from a folate-deficient blood cell disorder known as megaloblastic anemia.
Before you take this drug
Daraprim should not be used if:
- A disorder of the blood cells called megaloblastic anemia is caused by a folate (folic acid) deficit.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Daraprim will be safe for you:
- Seizures, especially if you are taking phenytoin;
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Alcoholism;
- If you are malnourished.
Daraprim can harm an unborn child. While taking Daraprim, you should use birth control in order to avoid pregnancy. Tell your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant. Daraprim can be given to pregnant women in some cases to treat toxoplasmosis. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits associated with using this medication if you're pregnant. Pyrimethamine may pass through breast milk, causing side effects for the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if breastfeeding is taking place.
How to take Daraprim?
Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally alter your dosage. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed or take more than the prescribed dosage. Daraprim dosage and duration will vary depending on why you are taking the medicine. Daraprim may be taken over a period of several weeks or only once a week. Daraprim is used to treat toxoplasmosis, which has a much higher dose than malaria. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions for dosage. After taking Daraprim for 1 to 3 weeks (or 2 to 4 days for children), you may need to reduce your dose by half. Daraprim may cause a stomach upset or affect your appetite. Take it with food. Daraprim may be prescribed in conjunction with other medications. All medications should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Each medication comes with a patient instruction guide or medication guide. You should not alter your medication or dose schedule without consulting your doctor. You may need to have frequent blood tests while using Daraprim. Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Daraprim overdose can be deadly, particularly to children. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, anxiety, convulsions, and a feeling of excitement or anxiety.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any new medications or if you will stop taking any of your current ones.
- Methotrexate;
- Phenytoin
- A sulfa drug.
This list is incomplete. Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products, may interact with pyrimethamine. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions.
