Brand Names: Malarone, Malarone Pediatric

Generic Name: atovaquone and proguanil (Pronunciation: a TOE va kwone and pro GWAHN il)

• What is atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?
• What are the possible side effects of atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?
• What is the most important information I should know about atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?
• How should I take atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Malarone)?
• What happens if I overdose (Malarone)?
• What should I avoid while taking atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?
• What other drugs will affect atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?

Atovaquone and proguanil are medications to treat malaria, a disease caused by parasites. These medicines work by interfering with the growth of parasites in the red blood cells of the human body.

Parasites that cause malaria typically enter the body through the bite of a mosquito. Malaria is common in areas such as Africa, South America, and Southern Asia.

The combination of atovaquone and proguanil is used to treat or prevent malaria.

Atovaquone and proguanil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Malarone

round, pink, imprinted with GXCM3

What are the possible side effects of atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe or uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea;
• fever;
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• mouth sores;
• unusual aches and pains, tired feeling, weight loss;
• severe skin rash; or
• easy bruising or bleeding.

Less serious side effects may include:

• cough;
• headache;
• weakness;
• dizziness; or
• itching.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about atovaquone and proguanil (Malarone)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to atovaquone or proguanil. You should not use this medication to prevent malaria if you have severe kidney disease.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, severe complications from infection with malaria, or uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea.

Take atovaquone and proguanil at the same time each day with food or a milky drink.

If you vomit within 1 hour after taking this medication, take another dose. If your vomiting continues, call your doctor.

If you are taking this medicine to prevent malaria, start taking it 1 or 2 days before entering an area where malaria is common. Take the medication every day during your stay and for at least 7 days after you leave. If you stop taking the medicine early for any reason, contact a healthcare professional about another form of malaria prevention.

If you are taking this medicine to treat malaria, take the medication every day for 3 days in a row.

Take this medication for the entire length of time prescribed by your doctor. Your symptoms may get better before the infection is completely treated.

In addition to taking atovaquone and proguanil, use protective clothing, insect repellents, and mosquito netting around your bed to further prevent mosquito bites that could cause malaria.

Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you have been exposed to malaria, or if you have a fever or other symptoms of illness during or after a stay in an area where malaria is common.

No medication is 100% effective in treating or preventing malaria. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Talk with your doctor if you have fever, vomiting, or diarrhea during your treatment.