Lampit

Nifurtimox is used to treat a certain parasitic infection (Chagas disease). It works by stopping the growth of a certain parasite.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start taking nifurtimox and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day. The dosage is based on your weight.

Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects from nifurtimox.

If you have trouble swallowing the tablet, carefully read and follow the Instructions for Use. If you need to split tablet(s) for your dose, follow the directions to split the tablet(s) by hand. Do not use a tablet splitting device. Dissolve the dose in one-half teaspoonful (2.5 milliliters) water. Drink the mixture right away with food. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take this medication at the same times each day.

Continue to take this medication until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

Abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, headache, fever, dizziness, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Loss of appetite may cause weight loss. Your doctor should check your weight regularly (such as every 2 weeks) and may adjust your dose if needed.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: new or worsening of mental/mood/behavior problems.

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: fever that doesn't go away, new or worsening lymph node swelling, 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/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking nifurtimox, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain inherited blood problem (porphyria), brain injury, kidney problems, liver problems, mental/mood/behavior problems, seizures.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This drug may affect genetic information in cells (genotoxic). Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medication.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your doctor may order a pregnancy test before starting this medication. You should not become pregnant while using nifurtimox. Nifurtimox may harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 6 months after the last dose. Men with female partners of childbearing age should use reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 3 months after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Tell the doctor right away if your baby develops vomiting, decreased appetite, fever, or irritability. Consult your doctor for more details.

Store tightly closed in the original container at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep the desiccant (drying agent) in the bottle. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

If you miss a dose, take it with food as soon as you remember unless it is less than 3 hours before the next dose. If it is less than 3 hours before the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count, kidney/liver function) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.