Artequick is an artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT)
containing artemisinin and piperaquine phosphate.
Unlike the more commonly dispensed artemether-lumefantrine
(Coartem), Artequick uses artemisinin (not artemether) paired with piperaquine
(not lumefantrine). The long half-life of piperaquine (~28 days) provides a
prolonged protection window. Artequick is indicated for uncomplicated Plasmodium
falciparum malaria and is WHO-prequalified.
In Kenya, where P. falciparum is the dominant malaria
parasite accounting for over 99% of cases, Artequick offers an alternative ACT
where artemether-lumefantrine has shown reduced efficacy or is unavailable. It
should never be used for severe or complicated malaria, which requires
parenteral treatment.
Approved Indications
•
Uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults and
children weighing ≥ 5 kg
•
Uncomplicated malaria due to P. vivax, P. ovale, or P.
malariae (in combination with P. falciparum)
•
Alternative ACT where artemether-lumefantrine is
contraindicated or unavailable
How to Take This
Medicine
General Instructions
Take Artequick on an empty stomach or at least 3 hours after
a meal (food, especially high-fat food, may significantly increase piperaquine
absorption and QTc prolongation risk). Take tablets whole with water. Complete
the full 3-day course for full efficacy.
Dosage, Adults
Adults ≥ 60 kg: 4 tablets as a single daily dose for 3
consecutive days (total 12 tablets). Weight-based dosing: approximately 4.5
mg/kg artemisinin + 27 mg/kg piperaquine phosphate daily for 3 days. Refer to
weight-band dosing table on the pack.
Dosage, Children
Dosed by weight (refer to product insert weight-band table).
Children < 5 kg: not recommended.
Missed Dose
If a dose is missed and it is less than 8 hours late, take
the missed dose immediately and continue the next dose at the usual time. If
more than 8 hours late, skip the missed dose and continue the schedule.
Duration of Treatment
Three-day course. Do not repeat within 2 months without
medical assessment.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
•
Nausea and vomiting (take on empty stomach; if vomiting
occurs within 30 min of dose, repeat the dose)
•
Dizziness and headache
•
Transient QTc prolongation on ECG (usually asymptomatic)
•
Abdominal pain
•
Fatigue
Less Common Side Effects
•
Palpitations
•
Elevated transaminases (liver enzymes)
•
Haemolytic anaemia (particularly in G6PD-deficient patients)
•
Skin rash or pruritus
Serious / Seek Immediate Medical Attention
•
Symptomatic QTc prolongation / torsade de pointes, rare;
avoid in patients with known QT-prolonging conditions or medication
•
Severe anaemia due to haemolysis in G6PD deficiency
•
Severe hepatotoxicity (rare)
Contraindications
|
⚠ CONTRAINDICATIONS • Known
hypersensitivity to artemisinin, piperaquine, or any excipient • Severe
malaria or complicated malaria, requires IV/IM parenteral therapy • Congenital
or acquired prolonged QT interval • Clinically
significant bradycardia or heart block • Concomitant
use of QT-prolonging drugs (e.g., fluoroquinolones, macrolides,
antipsychotics) • History of
cardiac arrhythmia • Severe
hepatic impairment • Previous
Artequick (or piperaquine-containing therapy) within the last 2 months |
Safety Warnings and
Special Precautions
•
ECG monitoring is recommended before treatment in patients
with known cardiac disease or QT-risk factors.
•
Piperaquine significantly prolongs the QTc interval. Avoid
combining with other QT-prolonging drugs, including azithromycin, fluconazole,
haloperidol, and some antiretrovirals.
•
In Kenya, co-administration with artemether-lumefantrine or
other ACTs is absolutely contraindicated.
•
G6PD deficiency: screen or assess risk before use; haemolytic
anaemia may occur.
•
Pregnancy: artemisinin is cautiously used in the second and
third trimesters; avoid in the first trimester if possible. The benefit must
outweigh risk for P. falciparum malaria in pregnancy.
•
If the patient vomits within 30 minutes of a dose,
re-administer. If second dose also vomited, consider alternative therapy.
•
Malaria parasitaemia should be confirmed by RDT or microscopy
before treatment.
Drug Interactions
Always inform your pharmacist and prescriber about all
medicines, supplements, and herbal remedies you are currently taking.
Other QT-prolonging drugs (azithromycin,
fluoroquinolones, haloperidol, methadone): Additive QTc prolongation, potentially
fatal arrhythmia; avoid combination
Other antimalarials (artemether-lumefantrine,
quinine): Do
not co-administer, increased QT risk and potential pharmacokinetic interference
CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, ritonavir): May increase piperaquine
plasma levels
Rifampicin: Induces metabolism of artemisinin
derivatives, may reduce efficacy; use with caution in TB/malaria co-infection
Food (especially high-fat): Increases piperaquine
bioavailability and QTc risk, take on empty stomach
Storage Instructions
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light.
Keep tablets in the original blister pack. Keep out of reach of children. Do
not use after the expiry date.
Prescription Status in
Kenya
Artequick is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) in Kenya. The
Ministry of Health and Kenya Pharmaceutical Association mandate that all
antimalarials for falciparum malaria are dispensed against a parasitologically
confirmed diagnosis (RDT or microscopy). Pharmily requires both a valid
prescription and confirmation of positive RDT/microscopy.
Patient Guidance
|
✔ PATIENT GUIDANCE, KEY
TAKE-AWAY POINTS • Take
Artequick on an empty stomach, food (especially fatty food) can affect how
the medicine works and cause heart rhythm changes. • Complete
all 3 days of treatment even if you feel better, stopping early allows
surviving parasites to cause relapse. • If you
vomit within 30 minutes of a dose, take another dose. If you vomit again,
seek medical attention. • Tell your
doctor if you have a heart condition, are on any other medicines, or have
G6PD deficiency. • Do not
take two different antimalarials at the same time unless instructed by a
doctor. • Rest, keep
hydrated, and return to hospital if your condition worsens or fever persists
beyond 3 days. • This
medicine treats uncomplicated malaria only, severe malaria requires hospital
treatment with an injection. |
Pharmacist / Prescriber
Notes
Artequick occupies a specific niche in Kenya's ACT landscape
as a piperaquine-based alternative to the dominant artemether-lumefantrine
(ALu/Coartem). Its key clinical differentiator is the very long post-treatment
prophylactic effect of piperaquine (~28-day half-life), which may reduce
re-infection rates in high-transmission settings.
The most critical dispensing consideration is QT prolongation
risk. Piperaquine has a substantial QTc-prolonging effect and the prescriber
must be asked about concurrent QT-prolonging medications, in Kenya,
azithromycin (widely used for respiratory infections), fluoroquinolones, and
some antiretrovirals are common co-prescriptions. Food interaction counselling
(empty stomach dosing) is essential and often overlooked.
Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
What does Artequick treat?
A: Artequick is used to treat uncomplicated falciparum
malaria (the most dangerous type of malaria in Kenya). It contains two
medicines, artemisinin (which quickly reduces parasite numbers) and piperaquine
(which eliminates remaining parasites and provides lasting protection).
Can I take Artequick with food?
A: No, take Artequick on an empty stomach or at least 3 hours
after eating. Fatty food significantly increases absorption of piperaquine in a
way that can affect the heart. Drink water with each dose.
How many days do I need to take Artequick?
A: The standard course is 3 days, one dose (according to your
weight) each day. Complete all 3 days even if you feel better after day 1 or 2.
Is Artequick safe in pregnancy?
A: Artemisinin-based therapies are generally avoided in the
first trimester of pregnancy if a safer alternative exists. In the second and
third trimesters, ACTs are preferred for treating falciparum malaria in
pregnancy when the risk of untreated malaria to mother and baby outweighs
medication risk. Consult your doctor.
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