Daraprim

Daraprim is a medicine that fights parasites and stops them from growing and reproducing in the body.

Daraprim is used in adults and children to treat or prevent certain types of malaria. However, this medicine is usually not the first choice for preventing malaria while traveling. When treating malaria, this medicine should be taken along with a faster-acting anti-malaria medicine like chloroquine or quinine.

Daraprim is also used to treat toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by the Toxoplasma parasite.

Daraprim may also be used for other purposes not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than advised.

Your dosage and how long you take Daraprim will depend on why you are using this medicine. In some cases, this medicine is taken for several weeks, and you may only need to take it once a week.

The Daraprim dose for treating toxoplasmosis is much higher than the dose for malaria.

Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Your dose may need to be cut in half after you have been taking Daraprim for 1 to 3 weeks (after 2 to 4 days for a child).

Take with food if Daraprim makes your stomach upset or affects your appetite.

Daraprim is often given with other medications. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions that come with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

While using Daraprim, you may need to have frequent blood tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

You should not use Daraprim if you have a blood cell disorder called megaloblastic anemia that has been caused by folate deficiency.

You should not use Daraprim if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a blood cell disorder called megaloblastic anemia caused by folate (folic acid) deficiency.

To make sure Daraprim is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• seizures (especially if you take phenytoin);
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• alcoholism; or
• if you are malnourished.

Using Daraprim during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking Daraprim, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

In some cases, Daraprim is given to pregnant women to treat toxoplasmosis. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine if you are pregnant.

Pyrimethamine can pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Daraprim may cause serious side effects. Stop using Daraprim and call your doctor right away if you have:

• sore throat, swelling in your tongue;
• pale skin, easy bruising, purple spots under your skin;
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
• blood in your urine;
• fever, cold or flu symptoms;
• new or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing;
• irregular heartbeats;
• signs of folate deficiency--unusual tiredness, mood changes, feeling sick, mouth sores, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite;
• severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Common side effects of Daraprim may include:

• vomiting; or
• loss of appetite.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Daraprim can be fatal, especially to a child.

Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain, severe vomiting, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, feeling anxious or excited, seizure (convulsions), and weak or shallow breathing (breathing may stop).

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking and any that you begin or stop using, especially:

• methotrexate;
• phenytoin; or
• a sulfa drug.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with pyrimethamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.