Anti Malaria Drug
New Anti-Malaria Medication Approved for Use - Brief Article The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a new medication, the first new anti-malaria product available in 11 years, according to a July 17, 2000, news release from NewsEdge Corp. The medication combines an agent used to treat lung infections in immune-compromised patients and an older malaria therapy. Malaria, a parasitic infection, is contracted by more than 300 million people each year and kills approximately 2.7 million. The disease is rare in developed countries due to medication and insecticide, but it runs rampant in tropical, developing countries.
Symptoms of malaria include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and malaise. Individuals who become ill after visiting the tropics should consult a physician immediately and must be sure to mention their trip. Another alternative is to visit a physician before traveling to the tropics to discuss prevention methods.
Four clinical trials using the medication were conducted in Africa. Of 279 people using the medication for three months, only two developed malaria. In comparison, 92 people of 297 using a placebo contracted malaria. Side effects of the medication include headache, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
FDA Approves Malaria Drug (news release, Washington, DC: NewsEdge Corp, July 17, 2000) 1-2. Available from http://www.individual.com/fr.../story.shtml?story=h071410 7.700&level13=552&date=2000071. Accessed 17 July 2000.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group
|
