Impavido

Generic name:miltefosine [ MIL-te-FOE-seen ]
Drug class:Anthelmintics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 14, 2021.

What is Impavido?

Impavido is an anti-parasitic drug used to treat leishmaniasis, a disease caused by an infection with parasites that enter the body through the bite of an infected sand fly.

Impavido is used to treat leishmaniasis affecting the skin, internal organs (such as the liver, spleen or bone marrow), and mucous membranes (nose, mouth, and throat).

Impavido may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

In animal studies, Impavido has caused birth defects and death of unborn offspring. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people. You should not use miltefosine you are pregnant.

You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control while you are taking Impavido and for at least 5 months after your treatment ends.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Impavido if you are allergic to miltefosine, or if you have:

• a rare genetic skin and nerve disorder called Sjogren-Larsson syndrome; or

• if you are pregnant.

To make sure Impavido is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver or kidney disease.

In animal studies, miltefosine caused birth defects and death of unborn offspring, and also affected fertility in male and female adults. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people using Impavido. Ask your doctor about your risk.

FDA pregnancy category D. You should not use Impavido if you are pregnant. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control while you are taking Impavido and for at least 5 months after your treatment ends.

Vomiting or diarrhea caused by Impavido can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using non hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm with spermicide) to prevent pregnancy if you have vomiting and/or diarrhea while taking this medicine.

If you become pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of miltefosine on the baby.

It is not known whether miltefosine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine, and for at least 5 months after your treatment ends.

Impavido should not be given to a child younger than 12 years old.

How should I take Impavido?

Take Impavido exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directio...