Daraprim

The active ingredient in Daraprim is pyrimethamine. It is an antimalarial and antiparasitic drug that kills parasites by inhibiting folic acid, a nutrient that parasites require for survival and growth.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Daraprim. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Daraprim:

• The dosage and duration of your Daraprim treatment will be determined by the reason you are taking it. In some circumstances, this medication is used for several weeks, although you may only need to take it once a week.
• After 1 to 3 weeks of Daraprim use (or 2 to 4 days for a kid), your dose may need to be reduced by half.
• If Daraprim causes stomach trouble or impairs your appetite, take it with meals.

The most common side effects of Daraprim include:

• Loss of appetite.
• Vomiting or nausea.
• Sore throat.
• Irregular heartbeats.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Daraprim. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction to the medication, such as skin rash, hives, or swelling.
• Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and erythema multiforme (EM). Symptoms include sore throat, fever, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, and a red or purple skin rash.
• Megaloblastic anemia (low red blood cells).
• Low white blood cell levels (leukopenia).
• Low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia).
• Low neutrophil levels (neutropenia).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Daraprim. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Daraprim, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including:

• Megaloblastic anemia (a blood cell condition caused by folate deficiency).
• Seizures (particularly if you use phenytoin).
• Liver disease.
• Kidney disease.
• Alcoholism.
• If you're malnourished or have anorexia.

You should not take Daraprim if you have hypersensitivity to pyrimethamine or any ingredients in the formulation, or if you have megaloblastic anemia due to a folate deficiency.

Daraprim is well absorbed and reaches peak blood levels in 2 to 6 hours. However, it can take up to a few weeks before you start noticing any symptom improvement.

When Daraprim is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Sulfonamide.
• Methotrexate.
• Folic acid.
• Folinic acid.
• Lorazepam.
• Trimethoprim.
• Sulfadoxine.
• Proguanil.
• Sulfamethoxazole.
• Zidovudine.
• Sulfadiazine.

For adults, the typical initial dose is 50 mg to 75 mg taken orally once daily for 1 to 3 weeks. After three weeks, the dose will be reduced by 50% and continued for another four to five weeks. This drug must be used with a sulfonamide (such as sulfadiazine) and leucovorin.

Store at room temperature and keep out of reach of children.

Turing Pharmaceuticals is the company that manufactures Daraprim.

There are several generic versions available for this medication.

You should only discontinue Daraprim after consulting with your doctor. Because it is used to treat dangerous illnesses such as toxoplasmosis, discontinuing too soon can cause the condition to recur or worsen. Your doctor will advise you how long you should take it and may gradually reduce or discontinue it based on your condition and whether you are taking any other medications. Never quit without seeking medical advice.

There aren’t any adequate and well-controlled studies of Daraprim being used during pregnancy. It should only be taken if the potential benefits outweigh any potential risks to the unborn baby. It is recommended that you take a folic acid supplement if it’s used during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and advantages of taking this medication.

Pyrimethamine can enter breast milk and induce adverse effects in breastfeeding infants. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. A decision should be made whether to stop nursing or discontinue Daraprim.