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Impavido

Drug class: anthelmintics

What is Impavido?

Impavido, an anti-parasitic medication used to treat leishmaniasis (a disease caused by parasites infecting the body via the bite of a sand fly), is a drug that treats the infection.

Impavido treats leishmaniasis that affects the skin, internal organs such as the liver, spleen, or bone marrow, and mucous tissues (nose, mouth, and throat).Impavido can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Warnings

Impavido caused birth defects in animals and the death of unborn babies. These effects are not known to occur in humans. If you are pregnant, do not use miltefosine.

Before starting this treatment, you may need to take a pregnancy test. Use birth control during your Impavido treatment and for at least five months after the end of your treatment.

Before you take this drug

Impavido should not be used if:

  • A rare genetic skin disorder and nerve disorder known as Sjogren-Larsson syndrome
  • If you are pregnant.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Impavido will be safe for you:

  • Liver or kidney disease

Miltefosine has been shown to cause birth defects, the death of unborn children, and affect fertility in both male and female adult animals. These effects may or may not occur for Impavido users. Consult your doctor to determine your risk.

Do not take Impavido while pregnant. A negative pregnancy test may be required before you begin this treatment. Use birth control during your Impavido treatment and for 5 months following the end of the treatment.

Birth control pills can be less effective if you have diarrhea or vomiting caused by Impavido. If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, ask your doctor about non-hormonal birth control methods (condoms, diaphragms with spermicide).

Your name could be added to a registry if you get pregnant. This will allow you to monitor the pregnancy's outcome and evaluate the effects of miltefosine.

Miltefosine is not known to pass into breast milk or whether it can harm a baby who is nursing. While using this medication, you should refrain from breastfeeding for at least five months following the end of your treatment.Impavido is not recommended for children younger than 12 years of age.

How to take Impavido?

Follow the directions on your prescription label to take Impavido. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Take this medication only as prescribed. Take the prescribed dose only. Do not take more or longer.Take with food to reduce an upset stomach.Do not crush, chew, break, or dissolve an Impavido tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.Inform your doctor of any weight changes. Miltefosine dosages are determined by weight, especially in children and adolescents. Any changes to your weight may have an impact on the dose.

Dehydration can be caused by vomiting or diarrhea. It can cause kidney failure if you take this medication. Take this medication with plenty of water.You may require frequent blood tests while using Impavido. During treatment and for four weeks after stopping this medication, you will need to have your kidney function checked.

Impavido should be taken for 28 consecutive days. This medicine should be taken for the prescribed time. You may experience some improvement in your symptoms before the infection has completely cleared.Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Store each tablet in the blister pack until ready to use.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for leishmaniasis:

-30 kg up to 44 kg: orally, 50 mg twice daily with food
-45 kg and greater: Orally, 50 mg three times per day with food
Duration of treatment: 28 consecutive days

What happens if I miss the dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dosage if your next dose is scheduled soon. Do not increase your dose to make up for the missed one.

What happens if I overdose?

Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.

What should be avoided?

Follow your doctor's instructions if he or she prescribes restrictions on food, drink, and activity.

Side effects of Impavido

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an Impavido allergy: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat,

If you experience:

  • Severe or ongoing stomach problems (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea);
  • Pain in the scrotum, abnormal ejaculation
  • Easy bruising and bleeding (nosebleeds or bleeding gums);
  • Signs of kidney disease: little or no urination; painful or difficult urination; swelling of your ankles or feet; fatigue or shortness of breath.
  • Liver problems: nausea, upper stomach pains, fatigue, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, or jaundice
  • 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.

Common Impavido side effects may include:

  • Vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite are all symptoms that can be associated with stomach pain.
  • Diarrhea;
  • Headache, dizziness, drowsiness,

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Interaction with other drug

Miltefosine may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbal products, vitamins, and supplements. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to take.