Safely Buy Daraprim ( Pyrimethamine ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Daraprim, which contains the active ingredient pyrimethamine, is a medication primarily used in combination with leucovorin to treat the parasitic diseases toxoplasmosis and cystoisosporiasis. It was previously used for malaria but is no longer recommended due to resistance.

Daraprim gained notoriety in 2015 after a dramatic price increase from $13.50 to $750 per tablet, sparking controversy and leading to calls for increased regulation in the pharmaceutical industry.

A generic version of Daraprim was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2020.

Use and Dosage

Take this medication by mouth usually once or twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Take this medication with food to decrease nausea and vomiting. If vomiting is severe or continues, your doctor may lower your dose or direct you to stop taking this medication. Your doctor will prescribe another medication (folic/folinic acid) to prevent blood problems caused by pyrimethamine. Follow your doctor’s directions carefully. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent kidney problems if you are taking a “sulfa” medication with pyrimethamine.

This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug and other antiparasitic drugs regularly, exactly as prescribed by your doctor. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Dosage is based on the type of infection, your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. The length of time you will take this medication depends on your infection. Your dose must be carefully adjusted by your doctor to treat your infection and prevent serious side effects. Follow your doctor’s directions carefully.

Do not take more or less of this drug than prescribed. Do not stop taking it before completing this prescription unless directed to do so by your doctor, even if you feel better. Skipping or changing your dose without approval from your doctor may cause the number of parasites to increase, make the infection more difficult to treat (resistant), or worsen side effects.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Pyrimethamine may cause serious side effects. Stop using pyrimethamine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• Sore throat, swelling in your tongue
• Pale skin, easy bruising, purple spots under your skin
• The first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild
• Blood in your urine
• Fever, cold or flu symptoms
• New or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing
• Irregular heartbeats
• Signs of folate deficiency–unusual tiredness, mood changes, feeling sick, mouth sores, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite
• Severe skin reaction–fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling

Common side effects of pyrimethamine may include:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

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 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 breastfeeding.

Form and Strengths

Daraprim is available in the following form and strengths:

• Daraprim Tablet:
  • 25 mg

FAQ

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.

Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention. An overdose of pyrimethamine can be fatal, especially to a child.

Overdose symptoms may include stomach pain, severe vomiting, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, feeling anxious or excited, seizure (convulsions), and weak or shallow breathing (breathing may stop).

What should I avoid while taking pyrimethamine?

Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Resources:

1. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/pyrimethamine.html#side-effects
2. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-generic-daraprim
3. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-634/daraprim-oral/details
4. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2003/08578slr016_daraprim_lbl.pdf