Daraprim (Pyrimethamine)

Do’s

• Take Daraprim exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, including dosage and frequency (usually once or twice daily).
• Take it with food to minimize nausea and vomiting.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding folic/folinic acid supplementation to prevent blood problems.
• Drink plenty of fluids if taking Daraprim with a "sulfa" medication to prevent kidney issues.
• Take Daraprim and other antiparasitic medications consistently, ideally at the same time(s) each day.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition persists or worsens.

Don'ts

• Don't adjust your dosage or take it more often than prescribed.
• Don't skip or miss doses.
• Don't stop taking Daraprim before completing the prescription, even if you feel better.
• Don't take more or less medication than prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea/vomiting
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Upset stomach
• Weight loss
• Tongue swelling
• Blood in the urine

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Signs of blood problems, such as easy bruising/bleeding, signs of serious infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, high fever, severe chills), signs of low red blood cell count (such as severe tiredness, pale lips/nails/skin, fast heartbeat/breathing with usual activities)
• Chest pain
• Slow/fast/irregular heartbeat
• Allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Daraprim,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies to pyrimethamine or inactive ingredients.

Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider, especially if you have:

• Seizures
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• Megaloblastic anemia (a type of anemia due to low folate)
• Low folic acid levels
• Low red/white blood cell counts
• Low platelet count

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take (including Daraprim) before any surgery.

Daraprim should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Folic acid supplementation is crucial during pregnancy to prevent low folate levels.

Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding as Daraprim passes into breast milk.