Mepron

The active ingredient in Mepron is atovaquone, which is an antifungal medication. The mechanism of action of Mepron involves stopping the growth of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia.

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 Mepron. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Mepron:

• Before using oral suspension, give the bottle a good shake and take it with food after the same meal or meals every day.
• Before measuring a dose, shake the liquid oral solution. Use a medication dose-measuring tool (not a kitchen spoon) or the supplied dosing syringe.
• Use all of the medication in the foil pouch if you are taking a pre-measured dose from it. It can be taken straight from the pouch or poured into a cup or spoon.

The most common side effects of atovaquone seen in clinical trials include:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Skin rash.
• Diarrhea.
• Fever or headache.
• Rhinitis.
• Abdominal pain.
• Constipation.
• Musculoskeletal side effects have included myalgia.

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

• An allergic reaction.
• Liver problems with symptoms such as pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or yellow eyes or skin.
• Blood and lymphatic system disorders such as methemoglobinemia and thrombocytopenia.
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as pancreatitis.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Mepron. 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 Mepron, 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 if you have:

• Food affects the amount of Mepron oral absorption that can enter the body. Mepron levels that are too low to treat the infection may arise from taking the prescription without eating, which could lead to treatment failure.
• Liver disease may be brought on by or made worse by Mepron resulting in hepatitis. Your healthcare provider will closely watch you to ensure that there are no liver problems, so let them know if you have a history of liver problems or hepatic impairment.
• If you have any immune system disorders, let your healthcare provider know.
• Atovaquone is not the first choice for the treatment of PCP. However, your healthcare provider may decide to use it if you have certain allergies or bad side effects.
• A decrease in atovaquone plasma concentrations has been linked to the concurrent administration of tetracycline and Mepron oral suspension.

Patients who experience or have experienced hypersensitivity responses (such as angioedema, bronchospasm, tightness in the throat, or urticaria) to atovaquone or any of the ingredients in the Mepron oral solution should not take this medication.

It is not known exactly how long it takes for Mepron to work in the body, as each individual will be different. Speak to your healthcare provider if you are concerned the medication is not working.

When Mepron 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:

• Rifabutin.
• Rifampin.
• Metoclopramide.
• Tetracycline.

Prevention of pneumonia: 1500 mg (10 mL) taken orally once daily with food.

Treatment for pneumonia: 750 mg (5 mL) taken orally twice a day with food for 21 days.

Take the medication as soon as you can after missing a dose, but if your next dose is almost due, skip the missed dose. Avoid taking two doses at once.

Store your Mepron at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

The pharmaceutical company that manufactures Mepron is GlaxoSmithKline.

There are several lower-cost generic versions available.

Even if you start feeling better after a few days, continue taking your medication for the duration of your therapy. Your symptoms can reappear if you stop taking this medication too soon.

There are no good studies on pregnant women using Mepron. It should only be used if the possible benefits outweigh the potential risks to your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

It is not known if Mepron is found in breast milk during lactation. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.