Lariam FDA Alerts
The FDA Alert(s) below may be specifically about Lariam or relate to a group or class of drugs which include Lariam (mefloquine).
MedWatch Safety Alerts are distributed by the FDA and published by Drugs.com. Following is a list of possible medication recalls, market withdrawals, alerts and warnings. For the latest FDA MedWatch alerts, go here.
Recent FDA Alert(s) for mefloquine
Mefloquine Hydrochloride: Drug Safety Communication - Label Changes Due To Risk of Serious Psychiatric and Nerve Side Effects
Jul 29, 2013
Audience: Infectious Disease, Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Pharmacy, Patient
ISSUE: FDA is advising the public about strengthened and updated warnings regarding neurologic and psychiatric side effects associated with the antimalarial drug mefloquine hydrochloride. A boxed warning, the most serious kind of warning about these potential problems, has been added to the drug label. FDA has revised the patient Medication Guide dispensed with each prescription and wallet card to include this information and the possibility that the neurologic side effects may persist or become permanent. The neurologic side effects can include dizziness, loss of balance, or ringing in the ears. The psychiatric side effects can include feeling anxious, mistrustful, depressed, or having hallucinations.
Neurologic side effects can occur at any time during drug use, and can last for months to years after the drug is stopped or can be permanent. See the Drug Safety Communication for more information, including a data summary.
BACKGROUND: Mefloquine hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate acute malaria caused by mefloquine-susceptible P. falciparum and P. vivax, and prevention of malaria infections by P. falciparum (including chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum) and P. vivax. It was previously marketed under the brand name Lariam; however, the Lariam product is not currently marketed. Generic mefloquine products are available in the US.
RECOMMENDATION: Patients, caregivers, and health care professionals should watch for these side effects. When using the drug to prevent malaria, if a patient develops neurologic or psychiatric symptoms, mefloquine should be stopped, and an alternate medicine should be used. If a patient develops neurologic or psychiatric symptoms while on mefloquine, the patient should contact the prescribing health care professional. The patient should not stop taking mefloquine before discussing symptoms with the health care professional.
For additional information for health care professionals and patients, refer to the Drug Safety Communication.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
[07/29/2013 - Drug Safety Communication - FDA]
Lariam (mefloquine hydrochloride)
Oct 10, 2003
Audience: Pharmacists, infectious disease specialists and consumers
FDA and Roche Laboratories notified healthcare professionals of the introduction of the Lariam Medication Guide (MedGuide). The Lariam MedGuide was developed in collaboration with the FDA to help travelers better understand the risks of malaria, the risks and benefits associated with taking Lariam to prevent malaria, and the rare but potentially serious psychiatric adverse events associated with use of the drug. As required by law, a Lariam Medication Guide is supplied to patients each time Lariam is dispensed. Patients should be instructed to read the MedGuide when Lariam is received.[September, 2003 Dear Healthcare Professional Letter - Roche] PDF Format
[September, 2003 Dear Pharmacist Letter - Roche] PDF Format
[September 30, 2003 Lariam Medication Guide - Roche Laboratories] PDF Format
[August, 2003 Full, revised label - Roche] PDF Format
[July 9, 2003 Press Release - FDA]
