Praziquantel Tablets

What is this medication?

PRAZIQUANTEL (PRAZ i KWON tel) treats infections caused by parasites, such as flatworms. It works by killing the parasite. It will not treat colds, the flu, or infections caused by bacteria or viruses.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Biltricide

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• History of irregular heartbeat
• Liver disease
• Seizures
• Worm cysts in the eye
• An unusual or allergic reaction to praziquantel, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not chew or melt this medication in your mouth. Take it with food. Tablets may be crushed or dissolved and mixed with liquid or semi-solid food; use within 1 hour of mixing. Take all of this medication unless your care team tells you to stop it early. Keep taking it even if you think you are better.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Apalutamide
• Certain medications for seizures, such as carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone
• Encorafenib
• Enzalutamide
• Lumacaftor; ivacaftor
• Mitotane
• Rifampin
• Rifapentine
• St. John's wort

This medication may also interact with the following:

• Cimetidine
• Efavirenz
• Erythromycin
• Grapefruit juice
• Medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole or itraconazole

Other medications may affect the way this medication works. Talk with your care team about all of the medications you take. They may suggest changes to your treatment plan to lower the risk of side effects and to make sure your medications work as intended.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

Practice good hygiene to prevent infection of others. Wash your hands, scrub your fingernails, and shower often. Change and launder linens and undergarments every day. Scrub toilets often and keep floors clean.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Heart rhythm changes—fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, chest pain, trouble breathing
• Seizures

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Dizziness
• General discomfort and fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light. Avoid exposure to heat. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.