Lampit
Lampit (nifurtimox) is used to treat an infection called Chagas disease in children under 18 years old. The tablets are easy to take because they can be split in half or dissolved in water, but Lampit (nifurtimox) can cause unpleasant stomach side effects in some people. Lampit (nifurtimox) is currently only available as a brand medication so it can be expensive.
What is Lampit (nifurtimox)?
What is Lampit (nifurtimox) used for?
Chagas disease in children under 18 years old who weigh at least 2.5 kg
How Lampit (nifurtimox) works
Lampit (nifurtimox) is an antiprotozoal. It works by damaging DNA in the parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), that causes Chagas disease. This kills the parasite and clears the infection.
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What are the side effects of Lampit (nifurtimox)?
Common Side Effects
- Vomiting (15%)
- Stomach pain (13%)
- Headache (13%)
- Low appetite (11%)
- Nausea (8%)
- Fever (7%)
- Rash (6%)
Other Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Dizziness
- Hives
Serious Side Effects
- Serious allergic reaction: swelling of lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, rash, blisters, peeling skin, low blood pressure
Source: DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
- Loss of appetite with weight loss
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Lampit (nifurtimox)
Pros
One of the only medications that works well against Chagas disease
Can be used in children from birth to 17 years old
Tablets can be broken in half by hand
Can be made into a liquid for children who have difficulty swallowing pills
One of the only medications
Cons
Must be taken 3 times a day with food
Brand only, so can be expensive
Not safe for use during pregnancy
Must be taken for 60 days
Commonly causes stomach side effects
Pharmacist tips for Lampit (nifurtimox)
Make sure your child takes Lampit (nifurtimox) for the full 60 days in order to treat Chagas disease. Don't stop treatment early, even if they start to feel better, unless your provider tells you to do so. Stopping treatment too early might cause the infection to come back and become harder to treat.
If you need to split Lampit (nifurtimox) tablets, don't use a tablet splitting device (e.g., pill cutter). Instead, use your index finger to press down on the center of the tablet while placing it on a flat surface. With enough pressure, the tablets will split along the scored line.
If your child is having trouble swallowing Lampit (nifurtimox) tablets, you can dissolve the dose in one-half teaspoon (2.5 mL) of water on a spoon. Start by placing 2.5 mL of water onto a spoon, then place the prescribed dose into the water. The tablet should dissolve within 30 seconds, and the solution can be taken right away with food. Ask your pharmacist if you need a medication measuring device or help with preparing a liquid form of Lampit (nifurtimox) for your child.
Don't drive or operate any machinery if you experience muscle weakness or tremors while taking Lampit (nifurtimox).
If you miss a dose of Lampit (nifurtimox), take it as soon as you remember. If it's within 3 hours of your next scheduled dose, don't take the missed dose, and take your next dose at the regular time.
Lampit (nifurtimox) can cause harm to unborn babies if taken during pregnancy. If you're of childbearing age, you'll need to take a pregnancy test before starting Lampit (nifurtimox). For females, it's recommended to use an effective form of birth control while taking Lampit (nifurtimox) and for 6 months after your last dose. For males with female partners, it's recommended to use condoms during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
Lampit (nifurtimox) can pass into breast milk, so speak to your provider if you're breastfeeding. If you and your provider decide that it's best for you to continue breastfeeding while taking this medication, monitor your baby for side effects such as vomiting, rash, lower appetite, fever, and irritability.
Lampit (nifurtimox) might cause fertility problems in males, which can affect the ability of males to father a child. Speak to your provider if this is a concern for you.
Frequently asked questions about Lampit (nifurtimox)
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What are the risks and warnings for Lampit (nifurtimox)?
Lampit (nifurtimox) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Potential for cell damage and cancer
Lampit (nifurtimox) can damage the genetic material in your cells (genotoxicity), which can raise the risk of cancer. It's not known if Lampit (nifurtimox) can cause cancer in humans. In animal studies, medications similar to Lampit (nifurtimox) caused cancer in mice and rats.
Harm to unborn babies
Risk factor: Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Lampit (nifurtimox) can cause harm to your unborn baby if you take it during pregnancy. In animal studies, Lampit (nifurtimox) caused low body weight, negative effects on development, and even death in unborn babies. If you're of childbearing age, you'll need to take a pregnancy test before starting Lampit (nifurtimox). You should use an effective method of birth control during the course of treatment and for 6 months afterwards if you're female. For males with female partners, it's recommended to use condoms during treatment and for 3 months afterwards.
Worsening of nerve and mental health conditions
Risk factor: History of brain injury | Seizures | Psychiatric problems | Serious behavioral problems
Lampit (nifurtimox) can worsen certain nerve and mental health conditions. If you have a history of any neurological or mental health conditions, your provider will monitor you closely during treatment with Lampit (nifurtimox).
Low appetite and weight loss
Lampit (nifurtimox) can lower your appetite and cause weight loss. Weight loss can be caused by the low appetite or nausea and vomiting from the medication. Check your child's body weight every 14 days, and let your provider know if there are any changes so they can adjust your child's dose.
Sudden porphyria attacks
Risk factor: History of porphyria
People with porphyria have a buildup of a substance called porphyrins, which can cause skin and nerve problems. Lampit (nifurtimox) might cause sudden porphyria attacks in people with porphyria, which can cause severe stomach pain, muscle weakness, seizures, fever, or mental changes. If you've been diagnosed with porphyria, speak to your provider before taking Lampit (nifurtimox).
Lampit (nifurtimox) dosage forms
Typical dosing for Lampit (nifurtimox)
The dose will depend on your child’s weight.
The typical dose is 8 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg by mouth, split into three separate doses throughout the day for 60 days.
How much does Lampit (nifurtimox) cost?
Lampit (nifurtimox) contraindications
Drink alcohol
What are alternatives to Lampit (nifurtimox)?
Chagas disease in children under 18 years old who weigh at least 2.5 kg
Chagas disease in children 2 to 12 years of age
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