Lemal

Lemal

Pharmacotherapeutic group: ANTIMALARIALS

Each film-coated tablet contains:
Atovaquone USP – 250 mg
Proguanil Hydrochloride BP – 100 mg

Malaria continues to pose a grave public health challenge in Nigeria, accounting for a large share of global cases and deaths. For years, the artemether-lumefantrine combination has served as the standard treatment for uncomplicated malaria. However, the emergence of resistance to this widely used therapy is threatening the gains made in malaria control and treatment.

Recent studies in Nigeria have revealed a troubling decline in the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine. In some regions, treatment success has dropped from over 90% to around 70–80%, with treatment failure rates as high as 20%. Additionally, parasite clearance times are increasing, indicating that the once-reliable treatment is losing its potency. This resistance has been driven by factors such as overuse, misuse without proper diagnosis, circulation of counterfeit drugs, and genetic mutations in Plasmodium falciparum.

As a response to this urgent need for more effective solutions, our company Devon Pharmaceuticals, has decided to join in the fight against malaria by bringing LEMAL to Nigeria, a next-generation antimalarial treatment formulated with atovaquone and proguanil.

THERAPEUTIC INDICATIONS:

It is indicated for:

  • Prophylaxis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults and in children weighing more than 40 kg.
  • Treatment of acute, uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults and in children weighing 11 kg or more.

DOSAGE

Prophylaxis:

Prophylaxis should:

  • commence 24 to 48 hours prior to entering a malaria-endemic area,
  • continue during the period of the stay,
  • continue for 7 days after leaving the area.

Treatment:

Dosage in adults:

Four Atovaquone/Proguanil Hydrochloride 250 mg/100 mg film-coated tablets as a single dose for three consecutive days.

Dosage in children weighing 11 kg or more

  • 11 to <21 kg bodyweight. One tablet daily for three consecutive days.
  • 21 to <31 kg bodyweight. Two tablets as a single dose for three consecutive days.
  • 31 to <40 kg bodyweight. Three tablets as a single dose for three consecutive days.
  • 40 kg bodyweight. Dose as for adult

SPECIAL WARNINGS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR USE

  1. Proguanil hydrochloride is rapidly and extensively absorbed regardless of food intake.
  2. LEMAL should be taken with food or milky drink.
  3. Not recommended for patients with chronic kidney disease.
  4. Not recommended for patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min).
  5. Not recommended as prophylaxis in children with less than 40kg of body weight.
  6. Consult your doctor before commencing LEMAL if you’re in antiretroviral medication, tuberculosis medication, or blood thinners.

LEMAL is not just another antimalarial. It represents a strategic shift in how we fight malaria in the face of growing drug resistance. With a safer profile, better patient adherence, and robust protection even in high-risk zones, LEMAL is set to redefine malaria treatment standards in Nigeria.

For more information on the usage and dosage of LEMAL, please consult your doctor.