Artemether and Lumefantrine

Novartis | Artemether and Lumefantrine (Medication)

Desc:

The combination of artemether and lumefantrine is used to treat certain kinds of malaria infections.

Malaria is a serious infection that is spread by mosquitoes in certain parts of the world and can cause death. Artemether and lumefantrine should not be used to prevent malaria. Artemether and lumefantrine is in a class of medications called antimalarials. It works by killing the organisms that cause malaria.

These medicines work by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of the human body. Parasites that cause malaria typically enter the body through the bite of a mosquito.

Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia. The combination of artemether and lumefantrine is used to treat non-severe malaria. ...

Side Effect:

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Contact your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:worsening malaria symptoms; dizziness, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat; severe or uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea; or stomach pain, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Call your doctor if you develop fever, chills, body aches, severe headache, or flu symptoms after you have finished taking all your doses of artemether and lumefantrine.

Less serious side effects may include:weakness, mild headache; nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite; cough; joint or muscle pain; or sleep problems (insomnia). ...

Precaution:

This medication is used only to treat malaria. Do not use artemether and lumefantrine to prevent malaria. Do not use this medication if you are allergic to artemether or lumefantrine.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or Long QT syndrome, liver or kidney disease, or low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood.

In addition to taking artemether and lumefantrine, use protective clothing, insect repellents, and mosquito netting around your bed to further prevent mosquito bites that could cause malaria. No medication is 100% effective in treating or preventing malaria. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if you have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea during your treatment. ...