Pentostam is used to treat leishmaniasis , a tropical infectious disease caused by the Leishmania parasite. This is a small organism that can be transmitted to humans in certain tropical regions through insect bites or by sand flies. There are different types of Leishmania parasites, each causing different symptoms. Some cause only skin damage, such as ulcers that are difficult or impossible to heal. Other variants of this parasitic infection also damage mucous membranes or internal organs. The different variants are treated in different ways, depending on the symptoms and the specific variant of the parasite.
For some forms of leishmaniasis, treatment with Pentostam is necessary. Pentostam kills the Leishmania parasite. Although the drug can have side effects, it is considered the best treatment for more advanced forms of leishmaniasis. The side effects that may occur are well-known and temporary. By precisely calculating the dosage based on your body weight and by having regular check-ups (blood pressure, pulse, ECG, blood tests) before and during treatment, the drug can be used safely.
Before treatment, it is important that you tell your doctor if you have ever been treated with Pentostam or similar drugs and if you have experienced any side effects. You should also mention any other illnesses you currently have, especially heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, liver disease, or kidney disease. You should also tell your doctor all medications you are taking, including home remedies from a pharmacy.
Pentostam can only be administered by infusion or intramuscular injection. Infusion is preferred. Treatment takes place in a hospital and usually lasts 20 days. The treatment is administered as an outpatient procedure, meaning that after the infusion has been started and the necessary check-ups have been completed, you can go home. The infusion needle remains in place. The fluid is administered slowly (over 30-60 minutes) by infusion. If side effects such as coughing or chest pain occur, treatment will be stopped or temporarily interrupted.
An ECG (heart tracing) will be performed before and during treatment (once a week, sometimes more often). If any abnormalities are detected on the ECG, treatment will be stopped. Blood pressure and pulse will also be monitored regularly during treatment. Blood tests will also be performed before and during treatment to detect any damage to internal organs such as the kidneys, liver, and pancreas at an early stage. If abnormal blood values are found, treatment will be stopped or temporarily interrupted.
Caution is advised in patients with liver or heart disease. Do not use if you have severe kidney disease. Concurrent infections must be treated. Allergic reactions may occur. Do not use if you have previously had an allergic reaction to Pentostam or its components. Inflammatory symptoms may occur during treatment around areas where the Leishmania parasites are present.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Insufficient information is available about the safety of Pentostam during pregnancy. To date, no harm to the unborn child has been reported. It is recommended that Pentostam not be used during pregnancy. If absolutely necessary, such as in the case of a severe infection, treatment will still be administered. Pentostam should not be used if breastfeeding.
Side effects:
The following side effects, listed from most common to rare, may occur during Pentostam use. Almost all symptoms disappear spontaneously after discontinuing treatment, without the need for additional measures.
- headache
- loss of appetite, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain
- nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, and abdominal pain in approximately 1-2% of patients
- abnormalities on the ECG (heart tracing), arrhythmias
- cough (immediately during the administration, transient)
- pain at the injection site, pain in the arm where the infusion is given or a stiff arm, clot formation in the vessel
- abnormalities such as anemia, platelet deficiency, white blood cell deficiency, increased enzymes produced by the liver and pancreas may be visible in the blood
- fever or increased temperature, shivering, muscle cramps, sweating, dizziness, redness of the face during the administration
- temporary increase in redness and swelling around Leishmaniasis ulcers and other areas
- nose bleeds, bleeding gums
- chest pain
- jaundice
- allergic reactions, skin rash
- bad taste in the mouth, metallic taste
- swelling of the mucous membranes may occur when treating leishmaniasis of the mucous membranes, this can lead to difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath or pneumonia
Interactions
There are no known significant interactions with other medicines.
You should not consume alcohol during treatment with Pentostam.
Contact us
If you experience any side effects during use or have any other questions, please contact your doctor.NB: Pentostam is no longer available in the Netherlands |
