INTRODUCTION

DICARIS contains Levamisole which belongs to the group of medicines called Immune-modulating agents. It is used to treat parasitic infections and worm infections as well as steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) (kidney disease). It is also used during and following treatment with prednisone or prednisolone.

Avoid consuming alcohol while taking DICARIS as it may cause severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. Your doctor may recommend you take relevant tests to understand your existing condition. DICARIS should be used with caution in patients with liver disease and kidney disease. Consult your doctor before taking DICARIS.

DICARIS is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. DICARIS should be used with caution in children and elderly patients. Consult your doctor before taking DICARIS. The most common side effects of taking DICARIS are nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhoea, constipation, headache, stomach pain, nervousness and sleepiness. Consult your doctor if any of the symptom worsens.

USES OF DICARIS

• Treats parasitic and worm infections
• Treats steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome

HOW DICARIS WORKS

For infections, DICARIS works by suppressing the enzyme activity in the worm's muscles causing paralysis and death, thus effectively treats the infection. For steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome, DICARIS works by restoring depressed immune function rather than stimulating the response to above-normal levels.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take DICARIS as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dose and duration for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF DICARIS

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:

Rest and relax. Drink plenty of fluids such as water. Apply a pain-relieving balm on the forehead if necessary. Do not consume alcohol. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Diarrhoea:

Drink lot of fluids such as water or fruit juices to keep yourself hydrated. Do not take any medicine on your own to treat diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

Stomach pain:

Try to take rest and relax. Eat and drink slowly or try to have smaller and frequent meals. Keep a heat pad on your stomach. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.

Constipation:

Take fiber rich foods in your diet such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals, and drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly and stay active. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.

Loss of appetite:

Eat when you feel hungry. Eat smaller meals frequently than usual. Snack only when you're hungry. Eat a nutritious snack which is rich in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.

Nausea and vomiting:

Take this medicine with, or just after, a meal or snack and stick to simple meals and do not eat oily, fried or spicy foods. Do not lie down or sleep immediately after eating. Consult your doctor if the symptom does not improve.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug - Drug interactions:

Before taking DICARIS, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• phenytoin (used to treat epilepsy)
• other medicines that affects the production of blood cells (haematopoiesis) such as dapsone
• anticoagulants such as warfarin (used to prevent and treat blood clots)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of DICARIS, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose are extreme lethargy or sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhoea and stomach cramps.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep DICARIS out of reach of children
• Store the medicine at room temperature

FAQs ABOUT DICARIS

Can I drink alcohol while taking DICARIS?

No, avoid consuming alcohol while taking DICARIS as it may cause severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. Consult your doctor before taking DICARIS if you have consumed alcohol recently.

Can DICARIS cause constipation?

Yes, DICARIS may cause constipation in some individuals. To manage this effect, take fiber rich foods in your diet such as fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain cereals, and drink plenty of fluids. Exercise more regularly and stay active. If the symptom does not improve, contact your doctor.

Can I take DICARIS during breastfeeding?

No, DICARIS is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. Contact your doctor before taking DICARIS if you wish to breast-feed when your baby is born prematurely.

Is DICARIS safe to use in patients with liver disease?

DICARIS should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Your doctor may check your liver function test before and during treatment with this medicine to avoid any unusual effects or worsening of liver function. Consult your doctor before taking DICARIS.

What is DICARIS used for?

DICARIS is used to treat parasitic and worm infections as well as steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). It should be used with caution in children and elderly patients and patients with liver or kidney disease. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Anthelmintic Drugs. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 852.

2. M J Miller. Use of levamisole in parasitic infections. NIH. National Library of Medicine, National center of biotechnology Information Pubmed.gov. August 1980. [Accessed on 13th June 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6995094/

3. Lulu Jiang, Ishita Dasgupta, Jenny A Hurcombe, Heather F Colyer, Peter W Mathieson, Gavin I Welsh. Levamisole in steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome: usefulness in adult patients and laboratory insights into mechanisms of action via direct action on the kidney podocyte. NIH. National Library of Medicine, National center of biotechnology Information Pubmed.gov. June 2015. [Accessed on 13th June 2022] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25626449/

4. Taj pharmaceuticals Ltd. Levamisole. [Revised in August 2015] [Accessed on 13th June 2022] https://tajpharmaindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/PIL-FINITOR-LEVAMISOLE-HCL-TAB.pdf

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Complete blood count