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.
Drug facts
Side effects of Lampit (nifurtimox)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Vomiting (15%)
- Stomach pain (13%)
- Headache (13%)
- Low appetite (11%)
- Nausea (8%)
- Fever (7%)
- Rash (6%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Dizziness
- Hives
Lampit (nifurtimox) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: swelling of lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, rash, blisters, peeling skin, low blood pressure
The following Lampit (nifurtimox) 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):
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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.
Common questions about Lampit (nifurtimox)
Yes, Lampit (nifurtimox) needs to be taken with food. When taken with food, more of Lampit (nifurtimox) will be absorbed in your body and it'll stay in your body for a longer period of time. This will allow the medication to work better than if taking it without food.
The full course of treatment with Lampit (nifurtimox) is 60 days. You must finish the full course, even if you start to feel better sooner, unless you were instructed differently by your provider. Stopping the medication early might make the infection come back or make it harder to treat. Let your provider know if you cannot tolerate Lampit (nifurtimox), and they will find an alternative for you.
There isn't enough information to know if Lampit (nifurtimox) raises your risk of cancer. This medication can cause changes in the genetic material of human cells, but the result of these changes aren't clear. In animal studies, medications similar to Lampit (nifurtimox) have caused cancer. If you have concerns, speak to your provider about the risks and benefits of taking Lampit (nifurtimox).
If your child can't swallow 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.
The dose of Lampit (nifurtimox) is based on body weight, so let your child's provider know if there are any changes in your child's weight so they can adjust the dose of Lampit (nifurtimox). Lampit (nifurtimox) can lower your child's appetite and cause weight loss, so your provider might check your child's weight every 14 days.
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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
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30mg | 21 tablets | $56.65 | $2.70 |
| 120mg | 180 tablets | $524.65 | $2.91 |
Typical dosage 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?
$56.65
Lampit (nifurtimox) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Lampit (nifurtimox) will not be safe for you to take.
- Drink alcohol
