Are you planning to travel to a country where malaria is common? Or are you someone who works in such an area? If so, your doctor may have prescribed you a special pill to protect you from malaria. That medicine is called Tafenoquine, which we are talking about today. The name may sound a little strange, but this is a medicine that is very important for your safety. Let's take a look at this medicine, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.
What is Tafenoquine?
Simply put, Tafenoquine is a drug that prevents the development of malaria . Imagine that malaria is spread by a small parasite that enters our body from a mosquito. What this Tafenoquine pill does is kill that parasite before it grows inside our body and causes the disease. It's like a guard that stops an enemy coming into our body at the very beginning.
But one thing you need to remember is that this is only for malaria. It will not cure any illnesses caused by viruses or bacteria, such as the common cold, fever, or cough. Therefore, if the doctor has prescribed this to prevent malaria, it should only be used for that purpose.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
This is the most important part. This medicine can react badly with some conditions in your body. Therefore, if you have any of the following, you should definitely tell your doctor . Don't hide anything.
| Your health condition | Why is it important to inform the doctor? (Simple explanation) |
|---|---|
| G6PD deficiency | This is the most important thing. G6PD is an enzyme that helps keep our red blood cells healthy. Some people are born with a deficiency of this enzyme. If such people are given this medicine, a serious condition called hemolytic anemia can occur, in which red blood cells break down quickly. Therefore, your doctor will ask you to take a blood test to check your G6PD level before giving you this medicine. |
| Liver or kidney disease | The two filters in our body are the liver and the kidneys. The medicines we take are removed from the body through these two. So if these organs are not working properly, the medicines can accumulate in the body and become toxic. Therefore, it is essential to inform the doctor about this. |
| Mental health problems | If you have a pre-existing condition such as depression, tell your doctor about it. This medicine can sometimes have a slight effect on your mood. If the doctor knows about it, he can monitor you closely. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This is very important. If you take this medicine during pregnancy, it can cause serious birth defects in your unborn baby. Also, you should avoid getting pregnant for at least 3 months after stopping the medicine. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using a reliable form of birth control while you are taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping it. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Since this medication can pass to the baby through breast milk, breastfeeding mothers should tell their doctor about it. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or substances | Also tell us if you have had any previous allergies to Tafenoquine or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
The correct way to use the medicine
As the doctor says, it is very important to take the right dose at the right time.
- Take with food: Always take this pill with a meal. This will reduce the risk of stomach upset and help the medicine be absorbed better.
- Swallow the tablet whole: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew it. This is because these tablets are designed to dissolve gradually in the body. Breaking them can disrupt that process.
- Take it at the same time every day: As much as possible, try to take your medicine at the same time every day. This will help keep the concentration of the medicine in your body at the same level.
- Take the full course prescribed: Even if you feel well and are not sick, take the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. If you stop halfway, the malaria parasite may not be completely destroyed.
- If given to children: This medicine is sometimes prescribed to children over the age of 16. But there are special precautions. So if you are giving this medicine to a child, talk to your doctor about it.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if their symptoms are the same as yours. It can be dangerous.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
It is very important not to miss a single dose of this medicine. But if you forget to take a dose, don't worry. Don't take the next dose as soon as you remember. Or don't take two doses at once. Call your doctor immediately for advice. He or she will tell you what to do next.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications can cause problems when taken with Tafenoquine, so you should tell your doctor about everything you are taking.
- Do not take these with Tafenoquine:
- Dofetilide (a medicine for heart disease)
- Problems can also occur with these:
- Metformin (a common diabetes medication)
This list is not complete. Therefore, tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, traditional medicines, Ayurvedic medicines, and herbal teas you are taking. Also, if you smoke or drink alcohol, inform him/her about it.
Side effects to be aware of when taking medication
Like any medicine, Tafenoquine can cause side effects in some people. Some are normal and go away in a few days. But some are serious and require immediate medical attention.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of red blood cell breakdown (Hemolytic anemia) | Feeling unusually tired, dizziness, headache, difficulty breathing, dark brown or black urine, and yellowing of the eyes and skin. |
| Symptoms of methemoglobinemia | Headache, unusual weakness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, blue lips or skin. |
| Changes in mental state | Anxiety, restlessness, confusion, seeing or hearing things that are not there, anger, suicidal thoughts, depression. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | Dizziness |
| Headache | Nausea |
| Trouble sleeping | Vomiting |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms that are not on this list, tell your doctor about them as well.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have accidentally taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Don't waste time.
How to keep medicine safe?
- Keep this medicine away from children and pets. It is best to keep this medicine in a locked place, out of their reach, out of sight, and out of reach of children.
- Store at room temperature. Usually between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68-77 Fahrenheit). Protect from excessive heat and moisture. Do not store medication in damp areas, such as the bathroom.
- Throw away expired medication. If the expiration date on the medication package has passed, do not use the medication.
How do you get rid of unused medicine?
It is not a good idea to simply throw expired or unwanted medications in the trash or flush them down the toilet. They can end up in the environment. Ask your doctor about the proper way to dispose of them. The safest way to do this is to:
1. Take the pills out of the container.
2. Mix them well with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter.
3. Place this mixture in a sealable bag or container.
4. Then throw it in the trash.
By doing this, you can prevent someone or an animal from ingesting this medicine by stirring up dirt.
Take-Home Message
- Tafenoquine is a drug that prevents malaria from developing, not a treatment for it once it has developed. It also does not work for common colds and flu.
- Before taking the medication, be sure to tell your doctor if you have G6PD deficiency , liver or kidney disease, mental health problems, or if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant .
- Swallow the pill whole, without breaking it, with food, as directed by your doctor. Take the medicine for the full number of days prescribed.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or blue lips, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.
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