Diethylcarbamazine (Oral)

In deciding to use a medicine, you and your doctor will weigh the risks of taking it against the benefits it may provide. The following points should be considered for this medicine:

Allergies

Inform your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reactions to this medicine or any other medicines. Also, let your health care professional know if you have other allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

There is no specific information comparing the use of diethylcarbamazine in children to its use in other age groups. This medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known if they work the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of diethylcarbamazine in elderly patients to its use in other age groups.

Interactions with Medicines

Some medicines should not be used together at all, while in other cases, two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these situations, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be taken at or around mealtimes, as interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Diethylcarbamazine should be taken right after meals.

To fully clear your infection, continue taking this medicine for the entire treatment period, even if your symptoms start to improve after a few days. Some patients may need a second course of this medicine to completely clear the infection. Stopping this medicine too soon may cause your infection to return. Do not skip any doses.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine can vary for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor instructs you to do so.

The amount of medicine you take depends on its strength. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time between doses, and the duration of treatment depend on the medical issue being treated.

• For oral dosage form (tablets): For Bancroft's filariasis, loiasis, and river blindness: Adults—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 2 to 3 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) (0.9 to 1.3 mg per pound) of body weight three times a day. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor. For eosinophilic lung: Adults—The dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The usual dose is 6 mg per kg (2.7 mg per pound) of body weight per day. This is taken for four to seven days. Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine you no longer need.

If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or if they worsen, consult your doctor.

For patients taking diethylcarbamazine for river blindness:

• It is important for your doctor to check your progress during regular visits. This ensures that the infection is fully resolved. Your doctor may also want you to have your eyes examined by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
• Diethylcarbamazine may cause vision loss, night blindness, or tunnel vision with long-term use. This medicine may also make some people feel dizzy. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you feel dizzy or are not alert or able to see well. If these effects are particularly bothersome, talk to your doctor.
• Doctors may also prescribe a corticosteroid (a cortisone-like medicine) for some patients with river blindness, especially those with severe symptoms. This helps reduce inflammation caused by the death of the worms. If your doctor prescribes both medicines together, it is important to take the corticosteroid along with diethylcarbamazine. Follow their instructions carefully and do not miss any doses.

Along with its necessary effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Not all of these side effects may occur, but if they do, they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Itching and swelling of the face, especially the eyes

Less common

• Fever
• Painful and tender glands in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Skin rash

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Loss of vision
• Night blindness
• Tunnel vision

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Your health care professional may also be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Headache
• Joint pain
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.