HALFAN

Drug Name: HALFAN

HALFAN DESCRIPTION:
HALOFANTRINE - ORAL (hal-oh-FAN-treen)

COMMON HALFAN BRAND NAME(S):
Halfan

HALFAN SIDE EFFECTS:
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dizziness and headache may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: cough, muscle pain, tremors. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these very unlikely but serious side effects: fast/slow/irregular pulse, chest pain, fainting, mental/mood changes, convulsions. An allergic reaction to HALFAN is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE HALFAN:
HALFAN: Take HALFAN by mouth on an empty stomach, 1 hour before or 2 hours after food, generally every 6 hours for 3 doses as directed by your physician. Do not take with food. Taking HALFAN with food will increase the side effects. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not exceed the recommended dose of HALFAN, as serious side effects may occur.

HALFAN WARNING:
HALFAN has caused serious, even fatal, heart problems (e.g., ventricular arrhythmias), even at recommended doses. Halofantrine is not recommended for use while other medications known to cause heart problems (e.g., prolonged QT interval) are being used, nor in people who have ever used mefloquine. Halofantrine is not recommended for use if you have a history of heart problems or have had unexplained fainting episodes. Your doctor will monitor you closely while you are using this medication.

HALFAN USES:
HALFAN is used to treat malaria.

HALFAN PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, including: allergies, heart disease (e.g., arrhythmias or heart conduction disorders such as QT prolongation), family history of heart disease (e.g., arrhythmias), unexplained fainting. HALFAN may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. HALFAN should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether HALFAN passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using HALFAN is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

HALFAN DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of: mefloquine (or if you have previously taken mefloquine). Also report use of drugs that may affect the heart (possibly causing QT prolongation) such as: astemizole, terfenadine, cisapride, pentamidine, quinidine, quinine, procainamide, disopyramide, amiodarone, sotalol, bepridil, tricyclic anti- depressants (e.g., amitriptyline), phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), pimozide and certain quinolone antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

HALFAN OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include stomach pain, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, and irregular heartbeat.

HALFAN NOTES:
Do not share HALFAN with others. Laboratory or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress. Your heart rhythm (ECG) will be monitored during and for 8 to 12 hours after therapy.

MISSED HALFAN DOSE:
It is important not to miss any doses. However, if you do miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly to establish a new dosing schedule.

HALFAN STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 68 to 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.