Tafenoquine is a substance indicated for the treatment of recurrent malaria, caused by Plasmodium vivax , which is administered in a single dose, which greatly reduces the total treatment time, making it easier to be complied with.
Studies already carried out confirm that the substance remains in the body for several days, being more efficient than primaquine.
Tafenoquine has already been approved by Anvisa, however, before being launched on the market, a study will be carried out to evaluate the feasibility of its use in conjunction with the G6PD enzyme test.
What is it for
Tafenoquine is used to cure and prevent malaria relapse caused by the parasite Plasmodium vivax in people over 16 years of age who are undergoing appropriate antimalarial therapy for acute Plasmodium vivax infection .
Learn more about treating malaria.
How is malaria treatment
For the treatment of malaria, chloroquine and primaquine are used in different doses and combinations, depending on the weight and age of the affected person.
The drugs should be taken daily for 3 to 14 days, according to medical advice, but they usually cause side effects that are difficult to endure such as severe headache, general malaise and lack of appetite, which leads many to abandon treatment, which can cause a relapse of the disease.
With the introduction of tafenoquine, it is believed that curing malaria can be achieved more quickly and with fewer side effects.
Who should not use
Tafenoquine should not be used in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, in women who are breastfeeding when the child is considered deficient in G6PD or when levels are unknown and in people with known hypersensitivity to tafenoquine, others 8- aminoquinolines or any component of the medicine.
In addition, this remedy should also be used with caution in people with hemolytic anemia, methemoglobinemia or psychiatric problems.
Possible side effects
The most common adverse reactions that can occur with the use of this medication are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache and decreased hemoglobin.
