Halofantrine (Systemic)
Brand Names : Halfan
Before Using This MedicineIn deciding to use a medicine,
the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will
do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For halofantrine, the
following should be considered:
Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or
allergic reaction to halofantrine. Also tell your health care professional
if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives,
or dyes.
Pregnancy - Halofantrine has not been studied in pregnant women.
However, it has been found to cause unwanted effects, including death of the
fetus, in animals. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows
if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.
Breast-feeding - Halofantrine may pass into breast milk and cause
unwanted effects in nursing babies. It may be necessary for you to take another
medicine or to stop breast-feeding while taking halofantrine. Be sure you
have discussed the risks and benefits of the medicine with your doctor.
Children - Although there is no specific information comparing
use of halofantrine in children with use in other age groups, this medicine
is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than
it does in adults.
Older adults - Many medicines have not been studied specifically
in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly
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 use
of halofantrine in the elderly with use in other age groups.
Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking
halofantrine, it is especially important that your health care professional
know if you are taking the following:
-
Mefloquine (e.g., Lariam) - Recent use of mefloquine or use of
mefloquine with halofantrine may cause fast and irregular heartbeat
Other medical problems - The presence of other medical
problems may affect the use of halofantrine. Make sure you tell your doctor
if you have any other medical problems, especially:
-
Heart problems, especially abnormal heartbeat or
-
Thiamine deficiency or
-
Unexplained sudden fainting - These conditions increase the chance
of side effects affecting the heart, including fast irregular heartbeat
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