Daraprim
Daraprim generic name: Pyrimethamine
What is Daraprim used for?
This medication is used with other medication (such as a sulfonamide) to treat a serious parasite infection (toxoplasmosis) of the body, brain, or eye or to prevent toxoplasmosis infection in people with HIV infection. Pyrimethamine belongs to a class of drugs known as antiparasitics. It works by killing parasites.
CHEMICAL NAME
DRUG TYPE
MalariaDaraprim Prices
Searching for the lowest prices
Daraprim Frequently Asked Questions
See also How to Use section.
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Some people using this medication may develop serious side effects including blood problems, especially at higher doses. This risk can be reduced with the use of folic/folinic acid and regular blood tests. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), signs of low red blood cell count (such as unusual tiredness, pale lips/nails/skin, fast heartbeat, rapid breathing), swollen/painful tongue.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: bloody/pink urine, chest pain, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. Take this medication with food to decrease nausea and vomiting. If vomiting is severe or continues, your doctor may lower your dose or direct you to stop taking this medication. Your doctor will prescribe another medication (folic/folinic acid) to prevent blood problems caused by pyrimethamine. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent kidney problems if you are taking a "sulfa" medication with pyrimethamine.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug and other antiparasitic drugs regularly, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
The dosage is based on the type of infection, your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. The length of time you will take this medication depends on your infection. Your dose must be carefully adjusted by your doctor to treat your infection and prevent serious side effects. Follow your doctor's directions carefully.
Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed. Do not stop taking it before completing this prescription unless directed to do so by your doctor, even if you feel better. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the amount of parasites to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.