Mepron

Mepron is used as prophylactic drug for pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) and falcifarum malaria.

It is also used to treat PCP for patients who cannot tolerate or are allergic to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

This medication had not been approved to treat severe PCP cases. This product is available tablet and suspension.

Before using Mepron, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Tell your doctor if you are allergic to Mepron or to any other medications. Inform your healthcare providers as well if you are allergic to foods, dyes, or animals.

Safety and effectiveness of this medication have not been established in children younger than 13 years old. Special precautions may be required for elderly, pregnant, and lactating patients.

There are no adequate studies whether atorvastatin can pass through breast milk or if it could cause harmful effects to the infant. Discuss with your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Taking this medicine with Rifabutin or Rifampinis is usually not recommended, but with the exception in some cases. Dosage or frequency of one or both of your medicines may be changed if both medicines are prescribed together.

Taking this medicine with indinavir, tetracycline, or warfarin may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. Dosage or frequency of one or both of your medicines may be changed if both medicines are prescribed together.

Tell your doctor if you have liver disease or stomach/bowel problems as this may affect the use of atovaquone.

Proper usage of Mepron requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. Excessive use of medication is not recommended. This medicine should be taken with food.

If you are using the Mepron in a foil pouch, pour all the contents of the medicine in your mouth. You may also use a measuring cup or spoon. The foil pouch contains 5 mL of atovaquone.

If you are using the Mepron in the bottle, shake the bottle well and pour it into a measuring spoon or cup before taking it.

You may crush or break the tablet so that you can swallow it easier. Be consistent in taking atovaquone tablet and atovaquone oral suspension.

These two oral dosage forms cannot be used in place of each other because they do not have the same drug activity in the blood.

Recommended dosage (suspension):

Adults and children 13 years of age and older — For prevention of pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia, recommended dosage is 1500 mg/day or 10 mL/day.

For prevention of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, recommended dosage is 750 mg/day or 5 mL twice a day for 21 days.

Recommended dosage (tablet):

• Adults — 750 mg three times a day for 21 days for prevention of pneumocystis carinii pneumonia.
• Children — Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is near for your next dose, skip the missed dose and start again to your regular dosing schedule.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Store the medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children. Do not keep expired medications.

Before using Mepron, there are some precautions you must take. Check with your doctor on regular visits to monitor your progress with the medication.

Blood tests may be ordered as well for undesirable effects. If your symptoms persist, consult with your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause liver problems.

Check with your doctor immediately if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, or loss of appetite. Talk to your doctor if you are planning to take any other medication.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Mepron to avoid unwanted potential side effects.

If any of the following side effects occur, check with your doctor right away:

• A cough or hoarseness
• Troubled 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
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness
• Fast heartbeat
• Headache
• Indigestion
• Large, Hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• Light-colored stools
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Noisy breathing
• Pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
• Pallor (pale skin)
• Pinpoint red spots on the skin
• Rapid heart rate
• Sore throat
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual tiredness or weakness
• Jaundice

There are also some side effects that do not need medical attention and can be resolved during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

You can discuss it with your doctor to give you an advice on how to prevent or reduce these side effects:

• Abdominal or Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Lack or Loss of strength
• Runny nose
• Skin rash
• Sneezing
• Sore mouth or tongue
• Stuffy nose
• Sweating
• Trouble sleeping
• White patches in the mouth, tongue, or throat
• Blistering, Peeling or Loosening of the skin
• Eye irritation or redness
• Itching or Skin rash
• Joint or Muscle pain
• Red skin lesions, often with a purple center

Not all side effects are listed above. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.