E-drug: MSF press release: malaria treatment (cont)
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I am curious as to why MSF is leaning towards artemesinin
combinations rather than artemesinin monotherapy. Given the
favourable pharmacokinetics of artemesinin and its derivatives,
wouldn't it be suitable for monotherapy? One major problem that I
have come across in real life situations is that
because of the speed of clearance of parasitemia and hence quick relief from
symptoms, there is little adherence in completing therapy, hence
recrudescence.
In Kenya, there is only one patented FDC of artemesinin Plus lumefantrine
TABLETS which is difficult to administer to children (Being a tablet) and
has a fairly complex dose schedule. There are several artemesinin-only
products as injectables, powder for oral suspension and tablets.
Regarding paediatric formulations, it is important that when policies
on drugs for children are formulated, paediatric formulations are
considered rather than adapting adult formulations for paediatric use.
Dr Atieno Ojoo
Gertrude's Garden Childrens' Hospital
P O Box 42325-00100
GPO, Nairobi
Kenya
Tel; 254 2 763474-7
Fax; 254 2 763281
Email; mojoo@gerties.org
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