Miltefosine is used to treat different types of leishmaniasis (a group of parasitic infections transmitted to people through the bite of an infected sandfly), including:
- visceral leishmaniasis (affecting the organs inside the body)
- cutaneous leishmaniasis (affecting the skin)
- mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (affecting the nose, mouth and throat)
This medicine may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Miltefosine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with food to reduce any stomach discomfort that it may cause. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the capsule.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type of your infection.
Take Miltefosine at regular intervals. Do not skip any doses. You must complete the entire course of this medicine. If you don't, the infection will not be properly controlled.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Do not take Miltefosine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have Sjogren-Larsson syndrome (a rare inherited disorder characterised by dry and scaly skin, mental problems and muscle stiffness) as Miltefosine may not be suitable for you.
Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on Miltefosine therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Miltefosine therapy and for 5 months after stopping the treatment. If you are taking oral birth control medicines and vomiting or diarrhoea occurs during treatment, you should use additional non-oral methods of birth control. You may wish to discuss other reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding. Avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 5 months after the last dose.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Miltefosine to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
This medicine can sometimes reduce fertility in men. Men who plan to have children should inform their doctor.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if Miltefosine is suited for you to take.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function, platelet count) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
Practice good hygiene to reduce the chances of getting infected again. Wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet.
Miltefosine may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, stomach pain, decreased appetite, constipation, stomach wind, motion sickness, fever, skin rash, and itching.
This medicine commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea which may lead to excessive water loss from the body. Drink plenty of water or other fluids to stay hydrated during treatment.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- blurred vision, eye pain or redness, sensitivity of eye to light, partial or complete loss of vision
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from moisture.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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