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Tafenoquine

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Precautions

Before taking tafenoquine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to chloroquine or primaquine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: mental/mood disorders (such as psychosis, schizophrenia, hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking/behavior), certain enzyme deficiencies (G6PD deficiency, NADH-dependent methemoglobin reductase deficiency).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using tafenoquine. Tafenoquine may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth control for 3 months after the dose. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. A blood test to check if your baby has G6PD deficiency should be done before you start breastfeeding. If your baby is G6PD deficient or if the G6PD status is unknown, breastfeeding is not recommended for 3 months after the dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side Effects

Tafenoquine stays in your body a long time, so side effects may be delayed or last longer than expected.

Trouble sleeping, anxiety, or nightmares may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: eye/vision problems.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations, unusual thoughts/behavior, confusion), unusual tiredness, rapid breathing, pale skin, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, dizziness/lightheadedness, bluish lips or skin, headache that lasts or is severe, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.