Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Primaquine.
Anemia: Primaquine may cause low levels of red blood cells. If you experience symptoms of reduced red blood cell count (anemia) such as shortness of breath, feeling unusually tired, or pale skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells, including red blood cells, in your blood.
Dizziness/reduced alertness: Primaquine may cause dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how you are affected by Primaquine.
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency (G6PD): G6PD deficiency is a hereditary disorder that affects red blood cells. Primaquine can cause destruction of red blood cells for people lacking this enzyme. Before starting Primaquine, your doctor will test to see if you have G6PD deficiency. People without the G6PD enzyme require lower doses of primaquine.
Heart rhythm: Primaquine can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, Angina, low potassium or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Primaquine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Primaquine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Infection: Primaquine can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness. Your doctor will do blood tests regularly to monitor the number of specific types of blood cells in your blood.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Primaquine to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Primaquine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Primaquine, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Primaquine.
Other medical conditions: If you have a history of hemolytic anemia, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), or methemoglobin reductase deficiency, you may be at higher risk of side effects with primaquine. Inform your doctor if you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions at any point in time.
Pregnancy: Information about the safety of using Primaquine during pregnancy is limited. It may harm the developing baby if taken by the mother during pregnancy and should not be used during pregnancy. Pregnancy should be avoided during treatment and for 2 menstrual cycles after completing treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Primaquine, contact your doctor immediately. Men taking primaquine should use an effective method of contraception during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
Breast-feeding: Primaquine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking primaquine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
