Tafenoquine
Tafenoquine (Krintafel) is used to prevent the return of malaria (a serious infection that is spread by mosquitoes in certain parts of the world and can cause death) in people 16 years of age and older who are infected and are currently receiving chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine to treat malaria. Tafenoquine (Arakoda) is used alone to prevent malaria in travelers who visit areas where malaria is common. Tafenoquine is in a class of medications called antimalarials. It works by killing the organisms that cause malaria.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Tafenoquine comes as tablets to take by mouth with food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tafenoquine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
If you are taking tafenoquine (Krintafel) to prevent malaria from coming back, it is usually taken as a single dose (2 tablets) on the first or second day of your treatment with chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine.
If you are taking tafenoquine (Arakoda) for the prevention of malaria, one dose (2 tablets) is usually taken once a day for 3 days, starting 3 days before traveling to an area where there is malaria. While you are in the area, one dose (2 tablets) is usually taken once a week on the same day of the week. After you return from the area, one dose (2 tablets) is usually taken 7 days after the last dose that was taken before your return. You should not take tafenoquine (Arakoda) for the prevention of malaria for more than 6 months.
Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
If you vomit within an hour after taking tafenoquine (Krintafel), call your doctor. You may need to take another dose of this medication.
Patients, too, are unhappy with the care they receive during those brief interactions with their doctors. Healthcare communications company West Corporation reported that 25% of patients don’t feel that their provider cares about them as an individual and nearly 20% aren’t convinced their doctor is focused on improving their health – even though 93% of doctors strongly agree that patient satisfaction is important.
Take tafenoquine until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking tafenoquine too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated or you may not be protected from future infections.
