Nifurtimox Tablets

What is this medication?

NIFURTIMOX (nye FURE ti mox) treats infections caused by parasites. 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): Lampit

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

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

• Frequently drink alcohol
• History of head injury
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Mental health condition
• Porphyria
• Seizures
• An unusual or allergic reaction to nifurtimox, 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. Take it with food. You may cut the tablet in half by hand if it is scored (has a line in the middle of it). Do not split tablets using a tablet splitting device. This may help you swallow the tablet if the whole tablet is too big. Be sure to take both halves. Do not take just one-half of the tablet. You may crush the tablet and mix with 2.5 mL of water. Take the medication and water right away. 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 this medication may be prescribed for children as young as newborns 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 the missed dose as soon as possible with food. If it is within 3 hours of the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

• Alcohol or any product containing alcohol

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?

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Avoid alcoholic drinks and products containing alcohol while you are taking this medication. Alcohol may make you feel dizzy, sick, or flushed.

Talk to your care team if you wish to become pregnant or think you might be pregnant. This medication can cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy or for 6 months after stopping therapy. Do not father a child while taking this medication or for 3 months after stopping therapy. Talk to your care team about effective forms of contraception.

Do not drive, cycle, or use machinery if muscle weakness or tremors occur during treatment.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

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

• Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
• Loss of appetite with weight loss

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

• Agitation, feeling irritable or restless
• Fever
• Headache
• Mood swings, irritability, hostility
• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting

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 between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container. Protect from moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Do not throw out the packet in the container. It keeps the medication dry. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that is no longer needed or has 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.