Author: Unknown

Wellvone Tablets
(atovaquone)

What is Wellvone?
The name of your medicine is Wellvone. It contains the active ingredient atovaquone. Wellvone tablets are pale yellow and are marked with "WELLCOME" and "P7F". Each tablet contains 250 mg atovaquone.
There are also some inactive ingredients in Wellvone which are needed to make up the tablet. These are: hydroxypropyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, sodium starch glycollate, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol and yellow iron oxide.
Wellvone comes in bottles of 189 tablets, as this is the number needed for a standard 21 day course.

Who makes Wellvone?
The Wellcome Foundation Limited, London, NW1 2BP makes Wellvone and is licensed to sell it in the UK.
The company licensed to sell Wellvone in the Republic of Ireland is Wellcome Ireland Limited, Dublin.

What is Wellvone used for?
Wellvone is an anti-parasitic medicine. It is used to treat infection caused by a single-celled organism called Pneumocystis carinii (PCP).

What should I check before taking Wellvone?
Ask yourself these questions to check whether Wellvone is right for you:
•	Have you ever had an allergic reaction to Wellvone, atovaquone or to any of the other ingredients listed above?
•	Do you have kidney or liver disease?
•	Are you pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breast feeding?
•	Are you currently suffering from diarrhoea?
If the answer is "YES" to any of these questions, tell your doctor.

What if I am taking other medicines?
Always tell your doctor about any medicines you are taking, including those you can buy yourself. Some medicines can stop Wellvone working properly; these are:
•	metoclopramide and rifampicin
Wellvone can affect the action of some medicines; these are:
•	zidovudine and warfarin

How do I take Wellvone?
•	It is important to take your medicine at the right times, and in the way your doctor has told you to. The label on your pack will tell you how many tablets to take and how often. If the label doesn't say, or if you are not sure, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
•	For PCP the usual dose in adults is three tablets three times a day for 21 days.
•	Swallow your tablets with a little water, either just before or just after a meal. Taking your tablets when you eat a meal helps the medicine to work properly.
•	If you forget to take a dose, don't worry. Just take a dose as soon as you remember and then take the next dose at the right time.
•	If you take too much Wellvone, or if someone else takes your medicine by mistake, tell your doctor at once.

Does Wellvone have side-effects?
Wellvone can cause side-effects in some people. These are:
•	rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, high temperature and difficulty in sleeping.
Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you get these or any other any other side-effects from your
medicine which are not mentioned here.

Is there anything else I should know?
Keep your Wellvone tablets in a safe place where children cannot see or reach them.
•	Store at room temperature under 30°C.
•	Keep them away from direct heat and sunlight.
•	Keep the container tightly closed.
•	Do not take any tablets after the end of the month shown on the pack.

This leaflet was last revised in July 1994
Wellvone is a Trade mark of The Wellcome Foundation Limited.

0/5773	94.10