Daraprim is an antiparasite medicine that helps prevent parasites from growing and reproducing in the body.

Daraprim is used in adults and children to treat or prevent certain types of malaria. However, this medicine is generally not preferred as a medicine to prevent malaria while traveling. When used to treat malaria, this medicine should be used together with a faster-acting anti-malaria medicine such as chloroquine or quinine.

Daraprim is also used to treat toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by the Toxoplasma parasite.

Daraprim may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Your dosage and the length of time you take Daraprim will depend on the reason you are taking this medicine. In some cases this medicine is taken for several weeks, and you may need to take the medicine only once per week.

The Daraprim dose for treating toxoplasmosis is much higher than the dose for malaria.

Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Your dose may need to be cut in half after you have been taking Daraprim for 1 to 3 weeks (after 2 to 4 days for a child).

Take with food if Daraprim upsets your stomach or affects your appetite.

Daraprim is often given in combination with other medications. Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

While using Daraprim, you may need frequent blood tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Before taking pyrimethamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; 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: seizures, kidney problems, liver problems, a certain type of low red blood cell count (megaloblastic anemia due to low blood folate), low folic acid levels from other conditions (such as malnutrition, problems with absorption of food, alcoholism), low red/white blood cell counts, low blood-clotting cell (platelet) count.

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

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Folic acid is very important during pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe folic/folinic acid to prevent low folate levels.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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.

Some people using this medication may develop serious side effects including blood problems, especially at higher doses. This risk can be reduced with the use of folic/folinic acid and regular blood tests. Tell your doctor right away if any of these symptoms occur: easy bruising/bleeding, signs of serious infection (such as high fever, severe chills, persistent sore throat), signs of low red blood cell count (such as severe tiredness, pale lips/nails/skin, fast heartbeat/breathing with usual activities), swollen/painful tongue.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: bloody/pink urine, chest pain, slow/fast/irregular heartbeat.

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.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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

• anemia or other blood disorders
• folate deficiency
• history of an alcohol abuse problem
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• nutrition problems
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to pyrimethamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. If this medicine upsets your stomach take it with food or milk. 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 your are better. Do not skip doses or stop your medicine early.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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 medicine?

Daraprim may interact with sulfonamide antibiotics. Talk to your doctor about any possible drug interactions.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular check ups. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if you get new symptoms. If you get a skin rash, stop taking your medicine and contact your doctor right away.

Do not get pregnant while taking this drug. Talk to your doctor about effective birth control methods.

You may need to take folinic acid while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your health care professional.