Primaquine (Primaquine Phosphate)

Taking PRIMAQUINE after a meal may help to decrease stomach pain or cramps which are possible side effects of this medication.

Usual Dose:

Take PRIMAQUINE exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Overdose:

If you think you have taken too much PRIMAQUINE, contact your healthcare professional, hospital emergency department or regional Poison Control Centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Symptoms that you have taken too much PRIMAQUINE include stomach cramps, vomiting, yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, heartburn, heart problems, including problems with your heart beat rhythm, bluish skin discoloration, fatigue, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, confusion, light-headedness, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and pale skin.

Missed Dose:

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember that same day. If it is the next day and time for your next dose, resume your daily dosing schedule. Do not double dose.

These are not all the possible side effects you may feel when taking PRIMAQUINE. If you experience any side effects not listed here, contact your healthcare professional.

Other warnings you should know about

• Irregular heartbeat
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain
• Darkening of the urine
• Blood problems such as leukopenia (decrease in white blood cells) which could increase infections, or methemoglobinemia (reduced ability of the blood to deliver oxygen) with symptoms such as shortness of breath, confusion, light-headedness, dizziness, fatigue
• Dizziness
• Rash, itching

If you have a troublesome symptom or side effect that is not listed here or becomes bad enough to interfere with your daily activities, talk to your healthcare professional.

Because PRIMAQUINE can cause hemolysis in persons with G6PD deficiency, a screening test must be performed prior to use to rule out such a deficiency.

Stop taking PRIMAQUINE right away and contact your doctor if you develop signs of hemolytic anemia which include darkening of the urine, dizziness, confusion, fatigue, light-headedness, or shortness of breath.

PRIMAQUINE may cause dizziness; do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the drug affects you.

Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take, including any drugs, vitamins, minerals, natural supplements or alternative medicines.

Do not use PRIMAQUINE if:

• If you are allergic to primaquine phosphate or any of the ingredients in the product
• If you suffer from a medical condition such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus erythematosus and if you are acutely ill with systemic disease
• If you are taking or have recently taken quinacrine (another antimalarial drug)
• If you are taking drugs that may damage blood cells or their formation
• If you have a disease called severe G6PD deficiency (also known as favism)
• If you are pregnant

Do not take PRIMAQUINE if you are taking or if you have recently taken quinacrine. PRIMAQUINE can interact with medications that have an effect on heart rhythm (prolong the QT interval).