DARAPRIM (PYRIMETHAMINE)

Daraprim Description

If you have recently been diagnosed with Toxoplasmosis, your doctor can prescribe Daraprim and a sulfonamide drug for treatment of this serious infection. Toxoplasmosis is caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite and is one of the most common parasites worldwide.

There is only a small number of people that will actually develop active Toxoplasmosis, usually those with a compromised immune system, such as with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Many others may carry the T. gondii parasite but an infection never has a chance to develop because of good health and a well functioning immune system.

How Daraprim Works in Your Body

When taken as directed, Daraprim focuses on inhibiting dihydrofolate reductase, an enzyme responsible for producing dihydrofolate acid. This action will prevent the ability of dihydrofolate acid to be reduced to tetrahydrofolic acid. The protozoa that causes Toxoplasmosis need tetrahydrofolic acid to copy their own genetic material so they are able to grow and replicate. Your doctor may recommend adding a sulfonamide drug to your treatment to help block another enzyme the parasites need to survive.

Conditions Treated by Daraprim

The parasite that causes Toxoplasmosis is found in most warm-blooded animals, however, cats are the only known host. They become the breeding grounds for the T. gondii, and the eggs are excreted through their stool. If your cat is indoors, you may be susceptible to Toxoplasmosis as you clean the litter box and forget to wash your hands afterward.

Gardening can also expose you to the parasitic eggs if your cat is known to use the garden as a toilet. Any contact with cat feces is risky so hand washing is important to help you avoid being infected. Symptoms can include a fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, sore throat, and muscle aches or pains.

Daraprim is also combined with quinine or Chloroquine to treat malaria in the geographical areas where the malaria parasite has not become resistant to these drugs. Malaria is transmitted from the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito.

Before Daraprim is Prescribed

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding before you take Daraprim as it may be a risk to your unborn or nursing baby. To determine if Daraprim is safe for you to take, explain other medical conditions or allergies to your doctor and list any current OTC or Rx drugs you use or take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements.

Daraprim Precautions and Proper Use

Take Daraprim for the entire treatment time prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel better before. Failure to do so could increase the risk of Daraprim becoming less effective and make the parasites less sensitive to it. Keep out of children’s reach as accidental ingestion could be fatal. Never share any medications with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Daraprim

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite