oxamniquine

Oxamniquine is not commercially available in the United States.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Oxamniquine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

Take oxamniquine with food to lessen stomach upset.

Oxamniquine is an "antihelmintic," or anti-worm, medication. It prevents worms from growing or multiplying in your body.

Oxamniquine is used only to treat infections caused by the worm Schistosoma mansoni. This is an uncommon infection usually acquired through contact with freshwater in Africa.

Oxamniquine is not commercially available in the United States.

Oxamniquine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Before taking oxamniquine, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions that you have, especially liver disease, kidney disease, or a seizure disorder. You may need a lower dose or special monitoring if you have any of these conditions.

Oxamniquine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take oxamniquine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is also not known whether oxamniquine passes into breast milk and how it might affect a nursing baby. Do not take oxamniquine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Take oxamniquine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Take oxamniquine with food to lessen stomach upset.

Oxamniquine is usually taken in one or two doses that completely treat the infection.

Store oxamniquine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Since only one or two doses are needed to treat this infection, you are not likely to miss a dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call a poison control center near you.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Oxamniquine may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

Stop taking oxamniquine and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of your throat; or hives).

Rarely, seizures have occurred, most often in patients who already have epilepsy or another seizure disorder. Seek medical attention in the case of a seizure.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take oxamniquine and talk to your doctor if you experience

• a headache, dizziness, or drowsiness; or
• abdominal pain, decreased appetite, or vomiting.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Drug interactions with oxamniquine are not well known. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you are taking, so that they can monitor your therapy for interactions.

Your pharmacist has more information about oxamniquine written for health professionals that you may read.

Oxamniquine is available with a prescription under the brand name Vansil in 250 mg capsules. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.