What is Abarax (Benznidazol) used for?

Abarax (Benznidazol) is medicine used to treat people with Chagas disease (American trypanosomiasis). Benznidazol is classified as an anti-parasitic. It works by producing free radicals that kill the parasites causing the disease (Trypanosoma cruzi).

How should I use Abarax (Benznidazol)?

To treat Chagas disease, you will need to take two doses per day for 60 days. For adults, a dosage of 5mg-7mg per kg of body weight per day (divided into two dosages) is recommended. For children under 12 years old,10mg per kg of body weight (in two divided dosages) is recommended.

What are the side effects of Abarax (Benznidazol)?

Common side effects encountered early in the treatment with Abarax are a skin rash and nausea. These usually lessen over time.

Other side effects can be more serious and require you to stop taking Abarax. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop:

• fever
• peripheral polyneuritis
• paresthesia

In very rare cases, patients have developed leukopenia and agranulocytosis.

Please Note

If you have liver or kidney problems or a blood disorder, you should ask your doctor to monitor you closely if you are going to take Benznidazol.

Do not take Benznidazol during the first trimester of pregnancy. The safety of Benznidazol has not been established during pregnancy. Check with your doctor if you can take Abarax during the 2nd and 3rd trimester. They will be able to help you weigh up the benefits and the risks of doing so.