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Artemether/Lumefantrine Oral Tablet (ARTEMETHER/LUMEFANTRINE - ORAL)

For malaria treatment.

Brand Name(s): Coartem

Generic Name: Artemether/Lumefantrine

Instructions

If unable to swallow the tablet, crush and mix with water or soft foods (such as applesauce). Mix well and take immediately.

Take the medicine with food.

Do not take on an empty stomach.

Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while on this medicine.

If vomiting occurs within 2 hours after taking the dose, contact doctor to see if dose needs to be repeated.

Tell your doctor if you have severe or persistent sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. These can increase your risk of a serious side effect.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Talk to your doctor before taking other medicines, including aspirins and ibuprofen containing products. Speak to your doctor about which medicines are safe to use while you are on this medicine.

Keep using this medicine for the full number of days that it is prescribed. Do not stop the medicine even if you start to feel better.

This medicine may decrease the effectiveness of some birth controls which use hormones (such as birth control pills and patches). Use an extra form of birth control, such as condoms, while on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than twice during 24 hours.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare but very serious medical condition. Please speak with your doctor about symptoms you should look out for while on this medicine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop those symptoms.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.

If possible, avoid using with marijuana or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

If you drink alcohol regularly, please speak with your doctor.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not take St. John's wort while on this medicine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • decreased appetite
  • chills
  • coughing
  • dizziness
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • fever
  • headaches
  • joint or muscle pain
  • nausea and vomiting
  • stomach upset or abdominal pain
  • weakness

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • chest pain
  • fainting
  • fast or irregular heart beats

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.