Malaria treatment failures after artemisinin-based therapy in three expatriates: could improved manufacturer information help to decrease the risk of treatment failure ?
Abstract Background Artemisinin-containing therapies are highly effective against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Insufficient numbers of tablets and inadequate package inserts result in sub-optimal dosing and possible treatment failure. This study reports the case of three, non-immune, expatriate wo...
Published in: | Malaria Journal |
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Main Authors: | , , , |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
Published: |
BMC
2006
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2875-5-81 https://doaj.org/article/8fba0ce96a9a414ab5109dd65ab6a35d |
Summary: | Abstract Background Artemisinin-containing therapies are highly effective against Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Insufficient numbers of tablets and inadequate package inserts result in sub-optimal dosing and possible treatment failure. This study reports the case of three, non-immune, expatriate workers with P . falciparum acquired in Africa, who failed to respond to artemisinin-based therapy. Sub-therapeutic dosing in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations was the probable cause. Method Manufacturers information and drug content included in twenty-five artemisinin-containing specialities were reviewed. Results A substantial number of manufacturers do not follow current WHO recommendations regarding treatment duration and doses. Conclusion This study shows that drug packaging and their inserts should be improved. |
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