Sign inBefore taking atovaquone
Before taking atovaquone make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you are over 65 years of age.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
How to take atovaquone
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take atovaquone exactly as directed by your doctor. It is very important that you take your doses with food, preferably foods that are high in fat. This is because high-fat foods help your body absorb atovaquone and make your treatment more effective.
- Try to take atovaquone at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. It is usually taken twice-daily (morning and night-time) for 21 days. Remember to shake the bottle well before pouring out your dose.
- If you forget to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember but do not take two doses together.
Getting the most from your treatment
- You must complete the full course of atovaquone (even if you feel better) otherwise the infection may come back.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can atovaquone cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Diarrhoea | Let your doctor know about this particularly if it is at the start of your treatment. It may mean that your body is not absorbing the full dose of atovaquone which means the treatment could be less effective |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Remember to take your doses with a meal |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If your headache continues, speak to your doctor |
| Difficulty sleeping, skin rash and itching, fever | If any of these become troublesome, speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store atovaquone
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Wellvone® 750 mg/5 ml oral suspension; Manufacturer's PIL, Wellvone® 750mg/5ml oral suspension, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2008, accessed January 2010.
- British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.