How do you take Arakoda for the prevention of malaria?

After an initial (loading) dose that is given during the 3 days before travel, Arakoda is taken once weekly.

Arakoda (tafenoquine), from 60 Degrees Pharmaceuticals, is an 8-aminoquinoline drug used to prevent malaria in patients aged 18 years and older.

Dosing is as follows:

• Loading dose: 200 mg by mouth once daily for the 3 days immediately before travel to an area with malaria.
• Maintenance dose: While in the area with malaria, take 200 mg once weekly. Start 7 days after the last loading regimen dose.
• Terminal prophylaxis dose: In the week after you leave the area with malaria, take 200 mg one time only, 7 days after the last maintenance dose.
• Arakoda should be taken with food.

Arakoda is active against both of the major types of malaria (P. vivax and P. falciparum). The once weekly maintenance dose may improve compliance for travelers.

Prior to the use of Arakoda, all patients must be tested for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency due to the risk of hemolytic anemia. In addition, pregnancy testing is recommended for females of reproductive potential. Women who are breastfeeding should not take Arakoda if their infant is found to be G6PD deficient or if the infant's G6PD status is unknown.

What are the side effects with Arakoda?

The most common side effects occurring in greater than or equal to 1 out of every 100 persons (1%) include:

• headache
• dizziness
• back pain
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• elevated liver enzymes
• motion sickness
• insomnia
• depression
• abnormal dreams
• anxiety.