Tafenoquine
Generic name: tafenoquine [ ta-FEN-o-kwin ]
Brand names: Arakoda, Krintafel
Dosage form: oral tablet (100 mg; 150 mg)
Drug class:Antimalarial quinolines
What is tafenoquine?
Tafenoquine is an anti-malaria medicine that interferes with the growth of parasites in the human body. Parasites that cause malaria can enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia.
Tafenoquine is used to prevent malaria caused by the Plasmodium vivax parasite.
Tafenoquine is for use in adults and children at least 16 years old who are also using another medicine called chloroquine.
Tafenoquine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use tafenoquine if you have a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Your doctor will perform a test to make sure you do not have this condition.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use tafenoquine if:
you have a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency; or
you are allergic to tafenoquine or similar medicines (such as primaquine).
Do not breastfeed while using tafenoquine if your baby has G6PD deficiency (or has not been tested for it). If the baby does have G6PD deficiency, you should also not breastfeed for at least 3 months after your last dose of tafenoquine.
Tafenoquine may harm an unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking tafenoquine, and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a mental illness; or
liver or kidney disease.
Tafenoquine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old.
How should I take tafenoquine?
Before you take tafenoquine, your doctor will perform a test to make sure you do not have G6PD deficiency.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
The usual dose of tafenoquine is 2 tablets taken at one time. Start taking tafenoquine on the first or second day you start taking chloroquine.
Take with food.
Swallow the tablets whole and do not crush, chew, or break them.
If you vomit within 1 hour after taking tafeno...
