Miltefosine

INFORMATION ABOUT MILTEFOSINE

Miltefosine Uses

Miltefosine is used in the treatment of kala-azar.

How Miltefosine works

Miltefosine belongs to class of drugs called antimicrobial agent. It interacts with essential proteins and chemicals which are required for growth and survival of parasite, thereby causing death.

Common side effects of Miltefosine

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common

Headache, Nausea, Itching, Sleepiness, Decreased appetite, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Dizziness, Weakness, Motion sickness, General discomfort, Fever, Lymphangitis

CONTENT DETAILS

Last updated

30 Jul 2022 | 03:26 PM (UTC)

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Medicine brands for Miltefosine

Expert advice for Miltefosine

Take Miltefosine with food to avoid an upset stomach.
Do not skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better.
It may cause dehydration. Drink plenty of fluids and Inform your doctor if you develop abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea.
Use a reliable contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy while you are taking this medicine and for 5 months after stopping treatment.
Your doctor may get regular blood tests done to monitor liver and kidney function during treatment with this medicine.
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Frequently asked questions for Miltefosine

Q. What is Miltefosine used for?

Miltefosine is used to treat certain types of leishmaniasis (a disease caused by the bite of certain sandflies), such as visceral leishmaniasis (a disease affecting the internal organs), cutaneous leishmaniasis (a disease affecting the skin) or mucosal leishmaniasis (a disease affecting the nose, mouth or throat).

Q. Who should not use Miltefosine?

Use of Miltefosine should be avoided in patients who are allergic to Miltefosine or any of its components. However, if you are not aware of any allergy or if you are using Miltefosine for the first time, consult your doctor.

Q. What should I tell my doctor before starting treatment with Miltefosine?

Before starting treatment with Miltefosine, inform your doctor if you have any other health problems, like kidney or heart problems. This is because certain medical conditions may affect your treatment and you may even need dose modifications. Let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Q. Is Miltefosine safe?

Miltefosine is safe if used in the dose and duration advised by your doctor. Take it exactly as directed and do not skip any dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and let your doctor know if any of the side effects bother you.

Q. What if I forget to take a dose of Miltefosine?

If you forget a dose of Miltefosine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next scheduled dose in the prescribed time. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one as this may increase the chances of developing side effects.

Q. Can I stop taking Miltefosine when I feel better?

No, do not stop taking Miltefosine without consulting your doctor even if you are feeling better. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely cured. Therefore, for better and complete treatment, it is advised to continue your treatment for the prescribed duration.

Q. Is Miltefosine safe to be used in pregnancy?

No, Miltefosine is not safe to be used in pregnancy. Studies suggest that Miltefosine can be harmful for the development of the baby. Therefore, Miltefosine is prescribed to pregnant women only if the benefits of the medicine outweigh the risks involved with its use. If you are planning to conceive, are pregnant or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Miltefosine. However, if a woman is already on treatment with Miltefosine and she conceives, inform the doctor immediately.