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Overview: Krintafel is used with another medicine for malaria caused by a certain parasite. Do not take this medicine if you have G6PD deficiency or have not been tested for it. Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and headache are common side effects. Do not breastfeed without talking to your health care provider or get pregnant for three months after you use Krintafel. Get emergency help if your lips, nail beds, or urine (pee) appear dark in color or if you have any skin color changes or shortness of breath.

Uses

What is Krintafel used for?

Krintafel (tafenoquine) is used with another medicine called chloroquine to treat malaria caused by a certain parasite.

Krintafel may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Krintafel work (mechanism of action)?

Krintafel works by killing a certain parasite that causes malaria.

How is Krintafel supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Krintafel

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 150 mg oral tablets

How should I store Krintafel?

Krintafel should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep Krintafel in its original container, with the bottle tightly closed, to protect it from moisture. Do not remove the desiccant.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Krintafel?

The most common side effects of Krintafel are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of Krintafel that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Krintafel?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Krintafel are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Krintafel may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Hemolytic Anemia. Krintafel may cause your red blood cells to be destroyed, which is called hemolytic anemia. Having a condition called G6PD deficiency increases your risk. Do not take this medicine if you have not been tested for G6PD deficiency. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hemolytic anemia.

  • Dark lips or urine (pee)
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Tiredness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Yellowish eyes or skin

Methemoglobinemia. Krintafel can cause a serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia. Hemoglobin is a protein that normally carries oxygen in your blood. Methemoglobinemia is when you have too much of a form of hemoglobin called methemoglobin. If you have methemoglobinemia, it is harder for your body to get oxygen to your tissues. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of methemoglobinemia.

  • Changes in the color of your skin, including pale, gray, or blue skin
  • Headache
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling lightheaded
  • Tiredness or weakness

Mental Health Problems. Krintafel can cause certain mental health conditions, including psychosis. Let your health care provider know right away if you have any of the following symptoms or if you have been told by others that you have these symptoms. You may have these symptoms days or weeks after taking Krintafel because the medicine stays in your body for a while.

  • Anxiety
  • Feeling mistrust for others, or that others are out to get you
  • Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not
  • Restlessness or trouble sleeping
  • Confusion
  • Depression

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Krintafel?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Krintafel.

  • Arakoda
  • Krintafel
  • Tafenoquine
  • Any other medicine known as an 8-aminoquinoline
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Krintafel.

G6PD Deficiency. Do not take Krintafel if you have G6PD deficiency. Your health care provider will likely test you for G6PD deficiency before you take Krintafel. 

Breastfeeding. You may not be able to take Krintafel if you are breastfeeding. See the Breastfeeding section for more details.

What should I know about Krintafel before using it?

Do not take Krintafel unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Krintafel with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Krintafel out of the reach of children.

Take Krintafel with food. Food helps to make sure that you get the right amount of medicine into your body.

Do not break, crush, or chew Krintafel tablets.

Malaria is an infection that can be life-threatening. The infection is caused by a parasite that you can get from a mosquito bite.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your baby could be harmed if they have G6PD deficiency. See the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding sections for more information.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Krintafel?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Krintafel is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Mental health conditions
  • Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) reductase deficiency
  • Kidney or liver problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Krintafel may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Krintafel, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Krintafel may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should have a negative pregnancy test before taking Krintafel. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control for three months after taking Krintafel. Talk to your health care provider about your birth control options. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed for three months after taking Krintafel if your baby has G6PD deficiency or if it is unknown if your baby has G6PD deficiency. It is not known if Krintafel passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. If your baby does not have G6PD deficiency, your health care provider will let you know if you should take Krintafel while breastfeeding. 

How can I get more information about Krintafel?

For more information about Krintafel, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at us.gsk.com/en-us/ or call them at 888-825-5249.

Interactions

Does Krintafel interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Krintafel and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Krintafel. The risk of dizziness may increase if you drink alcohol while taking Krintafel. In addition, heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does Krintafel interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Krintafel.

  • Dofetilide (Tikosyn), which is a medicine used to help keep a normal heart rhythm in people who have had atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter
  • Metformin (Glumetza), which is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes
  • A medicine for malaria, such as primaquine or quinine

Krintafel may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Krintafel. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Krintafel?

If you or someone else has used too much Krintafel, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Krintafel?

Krintafel is taken as a single dose. If you miss your dose, call your health care provider right away. This medicine is taken with another medicine called chloroquine. You usually need to take Krintafel on a certain day of your chloroquine treatment.

If you vomit within one hour after taking Krintafel, call your health care provider. You may need to repeat your dose.