Mepron (Atovaquone)

Do’s

• Shake the bottle well before each dose.
• Use the provided measuring spoon to ensure accurate dosage. Never use a household spoon.
• Take Mepron with food, as directed by your healthcare provider. This helps your body absorb the medication effectively.
• For PCP treatment: Take Mepron twice daily for 21 days, exactly as prescribed.
• For PCP prevention: Take Mepron once daily, following your healthcare provider's instructions.
• If taking Mepron twice a day, space the doses about 12 hours apart for consistent levels in your body.
• Take Mepron at the same time each day for best results.
• Continue taking Mepron for the entire prescribed duration, even if symptoms improve. Stopping early can lead to recurrence.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you experience any symptoms of PCP or if your condition worsens.

Don'ts

• Don't use expired Mepron.
• Don't take more Mepron than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Don't skip doses or discontinue taking Mepron without consulting your healthcare provider.
• Don't use a household spoon for measuring the medication.

Common side effects:

• Depression
• Symptoms of liver disease, such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine
• Mild rash that is usually not serious, but may be difficult to distinguish from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction

Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:

• Liver problems, indicated by loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Cough or hoarseness
• Difficult or labored breathing
• Fever or chills
• Lower back or side pain
• Painful or difficult urination
• Tightness in the chest
• Black, tarry stools
• Bleeding gums
• Bloating
• Blood in the urine or stools
• Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
• Constipation
• Dark urine
• Serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, and 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 Mepron,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Disclose any allergies you have, especially to atovaquone itself or other ingredients in the medication.

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

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Stomach/intestinal problems that might affect medication absorption (such as long-term diarrhea or malabsorption syndrome)

Mepron may cause dizziness. Avoid activities requiring alertness (driving, operating machinery) until you feel safe. Limit alcohol and marijuana use which can worsen these effects.

Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take (prescription, non-prescription, and herbal) before surgery.

Mepron should only be used during pregnancy if absolutely necessary. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

It's unknown if Mepron passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding.

Certain medications can reduce the effectiveness of Mepron in your body. This can happen because these medications interfere with how your body absorbs Mepron.

Maintain a comprehensive medication list: Include all prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products you use. Share this list with your healthcare provider. This allows them to identify potential interactions with Mepron.

Avoid medication adjustments without consulting your healthcare provider. Never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medications on your own.