Kozenis (Tafenoquine)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Kozenis Used For?
Kozenis contains tafenoquine and is specifically designed to treat malaria, a serious disease spread by infected mosquitoes.
Primary Uses
Kozenis is used to eliminate certain forms of malaria (specifically Plasmodium vivax) and help prevent it from coming back. It is given together with another medicine called chloroquine that treats the acute blood stage of malaria.
How It Works
Kozenis works by targeting the dormant liver forms of the malaria parasite to prevent the disease from returning after initial treatment.
Important: You must get medical advice on which anti-malarial medicines to take and ask your doctor if Kozenis is suitable for your specific type of malaria.
How to Take Kozenis
Kozenis should always be taken exactly as your doctor has prescribed. The medication must be taken with food to ensure proper absorption.
Dosage Instructions
Adults, adolescents and children weighing more than 35 kg: Take two 150 mg tablets together as a single 300 mg dose. Children aged 2 years and over weighing 10-35 kg: Your doctor will determine the correct dose based on your child’s weight using 50 mg dispersible tablets. Kozenis is given on the first or second day of chloroquine treatment.
Taking the Tablets
150 mg tablets: Do not break or crush the tablets. 50 mg dispersible tablets: The tablets should be fully dispersed in water before swallowing. If vomiting occurs within 60 minutes of taking Kozenis, contact your doctor immediately.
Important: Always take Kozenis with a meal to make sure the right amount of medicine is absorbed into your body.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- difficulty sleeping
- headache
- dizziness
- nausea
- vomiting
- anxiety
- feeling drowsy
- abnormal dreams
- uncomfortable sensitivity to light
- effects on the cornea causing vision changes
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- breakdown of red blood cells (haemolytic anaemia) with symptoms like darkening of urine, dizziness, confusion, tiredness, or shortness of breath
- abnormal haemoglobin in blood (methaemoglobinaemia) with bluish skin coloring starting with lips
- severe allergic reactions including raised itchy rash, swelling of face/lips/mouth, difficulty breathing, collapse or loss of consciousness
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Kozenis should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Kozenis
Do not take Kozenis if you or your child has glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency or if G6PD status is unknown. Do not use if allergic to tafenoquine, primaquine, or any ingredients. Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding a baby with G6PD deficiency or unknown G6PD status.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you or your child have current or previous serious psychiatric disorders such as depression or psychosis, allergies to medicines, foods, preservatives or dyes, or have been diagnosed with methaemoglobinaemia or related enzyme deficiency.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not take Kozenis if pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant for at least 3 months after taking Kozenis. If you become pregnant within 3 months after taking Kozenis, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take if breastfeeding a baby with G6PD deficiency or unknown G6PD status.
G6PD Testing Required: A screening test for G6PD deficiency must be performed before taking Kozenis to prevent serious breakdown of red blood cells.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Kozenis and affect how it works, or Kozenis may affect other medications.
Tell Your Doctor: Inform your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you’re taking, including those bought without prescription.
- metformin (used to treat diabetes)
Alcohol & Driving
Kozenis is unlikely to significantly affect your daily activities, but some precautions should be noted.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Kozenis is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or use machines, though side effects like dizziness or drowsiness may occur.
Storage
Keep tablets in their original pack until time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, near sinks, in cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think too much Kozenis has been taken, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Contact the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if no symptoms are present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kozenis stays in your body for up to 3 months after taking it. You should tell any healthcare provider if you’ve taken Kozenis within the past 3 months.
Yes, you must take Kozenis with a meal to ensure the right amount of medicine is absorbed into your body.
If you vomit within 60 minutes of taking Kozenis, contact your doctor immediately as you may need another dose.
You need a G6PD deficiency test because Kozenis can cause dangerous breakdown of red blood cells in people with this condition.
No, never give your medicine to anyone else, even if they have the same condition. Each person needs their own prescription and G6PD testing.
Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Kozenis or within 3 months after taking it, as it can be harmful to the baby.
Kozenis specifically targets the liver forms of Plasmodium vivax malaria to prevent it from coming back, and is used together with chloroquine which treats the blood stage of the infection.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.