Artesunate injection

What is this medication?

ARTESUNATE (ar TES oo nate) is an antimalarial agent. It is used to treat malaria infections.

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

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

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

• an unusual or allergic reaction to artesunate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection into a vein. It is given by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed 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?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or healthcare professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

This medicine may interact with the following medications:

• axitinib
• carbamazepine
• diclofenac
• imatinib
• nevirapine
• phenytoin
• rifampin
• ritonavir
• vandetanib

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?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

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
• signs and symptoms of kidney injury like trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin
• signs and symptoms of low red blood cells or anemia such as unusually weak or tired; feeling faint or lightheaded; falls; breathing problems

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

• changes in taste
• cough
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• fever
• headache
• ringing of the ears
• 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?

This medicine is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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.