Severe and sometimes fatal reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been associated with the use of Fansidar . Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection (eg, fever, chills, sore throat), unusual tiredness or weakness, unusual bruising or bleeding, a skin rash, or if you develop red, swollen, or blistered skin.
Fansidar is used for:
Treating and preventing malaria when other medicines (eg, chloroquine) are not effective or appropriate.
Fansidar is an antimalarial agent. It works by blocking the formation of folinic acid within the malaria organism, which kills the parasite.
Some medical conditions may interact with Fansidar . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
* if you are planning to become pregnant
* if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
* if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
* if you have a history of asthma, severe allergies, kidney or liver problems, the blood disease porphyria or other blood problems, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency, seizures, alcohol abuse, or depression
* if you have diarrhea, a stomach or intestinal infection, or a sore throat
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Fansidar . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
* Methotrexate because side effects may be increased by Fansidar
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Fansidar may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Use Fansidar as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
* Take Fansidar after a meal.
* Swallow Fansidar whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
* Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Fansidar is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
* If you miss a dose of Fansidar , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Fansidar .
* Fansidar may cause dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Fansidar . Using Fansidar alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
* If you have had a severe allergic reaction to Fansidar or any other sulfonamide medicine (eg, sulfisoxazole, sulfamethoxazole, glyburide, probenecid), contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking Fansidar . A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to Fansidar or if a certain medicine is a sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
* It is important to use Fansidar for the full course of treatment. Failure to do so may decrease the effectiveness of Fansidar and increase the risk that the bacteria will no longer be sensitive to Fansidar and will not be able to be treated by this or certain other antibiotics in the future.
* Fansidar may reduce the number of clot-forming cells (platelets) in your blood. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Report any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in stools, or dark, tarry stools to your doctor.
* Fansidar may cause increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Fansidar . Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period.
* Diabetes patients - Fansidar may cause low blood sugar (eg, increased heartbeat, headache, chills, sweating, tremor, increased hunger, changes in vision, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, fainting). It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you do not have a reliable source of glucose available, eat a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink a glass of orange juice or nondiet soda to quickly raise your blood sugar level. Tell your doctor immediately about the reaction. To prevent hypoglycemia, eat meals on a regular schedule and do not skip meals.
* LAB TESTS, including complete blood cell counts and liver and kidney function tests, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
* Use Fansidar with caution in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to its effects.
* Fansidar is not recommended for use in CHILDREN younger than 2 months of age. Safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
* If you are traveling to an area where malaria is common, avoid becoming pregnant while using Fansidar and for 3 months after the last dose. Talk with your doctor about using effective contraception.
* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Fansidar may cause harm to the fetus. Avoid becoming pregnant while taking Fansidar . If you think you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Fansidar during pregnancy. Fansidar is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Fansidar .
Store Fansidar at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Fansidar out of the reach of children and away from pets.
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