About
What is Toxoplasmosis?
Toxoplasmosis is a serious, sometimes fatal infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) parasite, one of the most common parasites in the world.
The parasite can cause:
- A serious brain disease that can possibly lead to death in people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV/AIDS
- Infections in the eye that can lead to blindness
- Miscarriage or stillbirth in women that are pregnant
- Developmental abnormalities and/or birth defects in babies as a result of exposure to the parasite before they are born
Taking DARAPRIM
DARAPRIM and a sulfonamide work together to block folic acid synthesis in the parasite, which interferes with parasite reproduction in your body.
DARAPRIM may cause folate deficiency which can lead to blood toxicity. Leucovorin may be prescribed to help counter this effect.
At the first appearance of a skin rash you should stop use of DARAPRIM and seek medical attention immediately. Other symptoms that may be early indications of serious disorders include sore throat, paleness, and purple spots on skin or swollen tongue. DARAPRIM should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The most common side effects that may occur with DARAPRIM include allergic reactions, blood disorders, tongue changes, blood in the urine, heart rhythm disorders, anorexia and vomiting.
Please see additional Important Safety Information below.
Getting Started
Helping you receive your medication
Support
DARAPRIM Direct
The DARAPRIM Direct Program was created to help you obtain quick and affordable access to DARAPRIM. From the moment you’re prescribed DARAPRIM, dedicated Case Managers can help educate and support you through every step.
Financial Assistance
A DARAPRIM Case Manager will work with you to understand your insurance coverage, financial needs and the financial assistance programs for which you may be eligible.¹
¹Financial assistance programs are subject to terms and conditions and patient eligibility requirements. Restrictions, including where prohibited by law, may apply. Offers are subject to change or discontinuance without notice. Financial assistance programs are not insurance nor are they intended to be a substitute for insurance.
Important Safety Information
INDICATION
DARAPRIM is a prescription medication that contains pyrimethamine for the treatment of:
Toxoplasmosis or acute malaria when used with a sulfonamide (e.g., sulfadoxine)
- DARAPRIM is not for use by itself to treat acute malaria and only for patients infected in areas where susceptible plasmodia (the parasite that causes malaria) exist. Other medicines such as chloroquine or quinine are preferred for the treatment of acute malaria.
For prevention of malaria when the plasmodia is susceptible. It is not suitable as a prophylactic agent for travelers to most areas since resistance to pyrimethamine is prevalent worldwide.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not use DARAPRIM if you:
- are allergic to pyrimethamine or any component of DARAPRIM
- have megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency
Taking DARAPRIM may result in allergic reactions that can be severe (such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme, and anaphylaxis). Symptoms of an allergic reaction or the severe reactions may include: fever, body aches, facial or tongue swelling, skin pain, peeling of skin, blisters on your skin and mucous membranes, itching, rash, red itchy welts, wheezing, asthma symptoms, or dizziness or feeling faint. At the first appearance of a skin rash or any of the above symptoms, stop the medication and immediately seek medical attention. Other signs and symptoms of serious disorders may include sore throat, paleness, tongue changes, and purple skin color.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have any heart conditions, especially if you experience irregular heartbeat.
The most common side effects that may occur with DARAPRIM include allergic reactions (see above), blood disorders, tongue changes, blood in the urine, heart rhythm disorders, anorexia, and vomiting.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects while taking DARAPRIM.
Notify your healthcare provider if you become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during therapy or if you intend to breast-feed or are breast-feeding an infant.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have problems with your kidney or liver, decreased intestinal absorption problems, alcoholism, or any other medical conditions.
Make sure you tell your healthcare provider about all of the prescription and non-prescription medications you take, including supplements, and especially sulfonamides or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole combination, proguanil (another antimalarial medicine), zidovudine (a medicine to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV), or cytostatic agents (medicines that block cell division e.g., methotrexate, a medicine used for cancer or rheumatoid arthritis), phenytoin (a medicine to treat seizures), or lorazepam.
Be sure to take your medicine as instructed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. You may take DARAPRIM with or without food. However, taking DARAPRIM with food may minimize associated anorexia and vomiting.
Keep out of the reach of infants and children: Deaths in pediatric patients have been reported after accidental ingestion.
Note: The above information for patients being treated with DARAPRIM is intended to aid in the safe and effective use of this medication. It is not a disclosure of all possible adverse or intended effects. Please read the Accompanying Full Prescribing Information and talk to your healthcare provider for more information concerning your treatment.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit
www.fda.gov/medwatch or call
Please See Full Prescribing Information
DARAPRIM is a licensed trademark of Turing Pharmaceuticals AG.