Availability of miltefosine for the treatment of kala-azar in India
Sundar, S.; Murray, H.W.
Bulletin of the World Health Organization 83(5): 394-395
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-9686 PMID: 15976883 Document Number: 253746
This article urges Indian authorities to end the widespread practice of dispensing miltefosine over the counter without prescription or restriction on the quantity dispensed. Miltefosine should be prescribed only by qualified physicians who are experienced in kala azar management after a proper diagnosis has been established, and it should be provided in a controlled manner at government-designated outlets. Directly observed therapy using government-purchased miltefosine is also suggested. The need to develop strategies for using miltefosine in combination with other drugs to prevent drug resistance is also emphasized.