Melarsoprol (Systemic)

Brand Names : Arsobal, Mel B, Melarsen Oxide-BAL

Before Receiving This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For melarsoprol, the following should be considered:

Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to melarsoprol. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy - Studies on effects in pregnancy have not been done in either humans or animals.

Breast-feeding - It is not known whether melarsoprol passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are receiving this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.

Children - Although there is no specific information comparing use of melarsoprol in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

Older adults - Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults. Although there is no specific information comparing use of melarsoprol in the elderly with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of melarsoprol. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Fever - Melarsoprol may increase the chance of side effects in patients with fever

• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency - Melarsoprol may increase the chance of side effects affecting the blood in patients with G6PD deficiency

• Leprosy - Melarsoprol may cause the appearance of tender nodules or lumps on the legs (usually below the knees) in patients with leprosy