Atovaquone oral suspension

What is this medication?

ATOVAQUONE (a TOE va kwone) is an anti-infective medicine. It is used to prevent and to treat Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP).

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mepron

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

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

•liver disease

•stomach problems

•an unusual or allergic reaction to atovaquone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with meals. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Always take this medicine with food. Shake gently before using. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Take all of your medicine as directed even if you think you are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 13 years old 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?

•metoclopramide

•rifampin

•rifabutin

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 doctor or health care professional for check ups as directed. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•breathing problems

•fever or infection

•unusual bleeding or bruising

•unusually weak or tired

•sore throat, white patches in the mouth

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

•cough

•diarrhea

•headache

•nausea, vomiting

•runny nose

•stomach pain

•trouble sleeping

•unusual sweating

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.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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.