Falcigo Injection 120 mg (Artesunate)

What is Falcigo Injection 120 mg?

Falcigo 120 mg Injection is a prescription antimalarial medicine that contains Artesunate 120 mg, used for the treatment of severe malaria, especially caused by Plasmodium falciparum. It is administered intravenously (IV) or intramuscularly (IM) and is suitable for use in both adults and children under medical supervision.

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Uses of Falcigo Injection 120 mg

• Treatment of severe and complicated malaria

• Malaria caused by chloroquine-resistant strains

• Emergency management of life-threatening malaria before switching to oral therapy

• Used as part of initial treatment in hospitalized patients

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Benefits of Falcigo Injection 120 mg

• Rapid action against malaria parasites, especially in the blood stage

• Effective in reducing parasite burden and fever

• Safe and effective against multi-drug resistant P. falciparum

• Reduces mortality risk in severe malaria cases

• Suitable for patients who cannot take oral medications

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How Does Falcigo Injection 120 mg Work?

• Artesunate is a water-soluble derivative of artemisinin.

• It is activated in the body to release free radicals, which attack and destroy malaria parasites within infected red blood cells.

• It works quickly to reduce the number of parasites and prevent complications of severe malaria.

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How to Take Falcigo Injection 120 mg

• Administered IV (intravenous) or IM (intramuscular) only by trained healthcare professionals.

• The powder form is reconstituted with sterile water just before use.

• Must be used under strict medical supervision in a hospital or clinical setting.

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Dosage of Falcigo Injection 120 mg

Standard Artesunate dosage for severe malaria (including Falcigo 120 mg):

• 2.4 mg/kg body weight IV/IM at 0 hours, 12 hours, and 24 hours, followed by once daily until oral therapy is possible.

Example: For a 50 kg adult, the dose = 120 mg per injection

After 2–3 days, treatment is switched to a complete oral antimalarial course (e.g., artemether-lumefantrine).

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Missed Dose and Overdose

• Missed Dose: Unlikely, as it is hospital-administered.

• Overdose: Can be serious—may cause cardiac issues, low blood pressure, neurotoxicity. Immediate medical intervention is required.

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Available Strengths of Falcigo Injection

• Falcigo Injection 60 mg

• Falcigo Injection 120 mg

Both are artesunate dry powder injections for reconstitution.

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Side Effects of Falcigo Injection 120 mg

Common:

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Fever or chills

• Injection site pain

Serious:

• Hemolytic anemia (delayed type, 7–21 days post-treatment)

• Allergic reactions

• Temporary changes in liver enzymes

• Irregular heart rhythms (rare)

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Interactions of Falcigo Injection 120 mg

• Risk of QT prolongation when combined with other QT-prolonging agents (e.g., haloperidol, quinine)

• May interact with other antimalarial drugs

• Use with caution in patients on cardiac medications

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Precautions

• Should be use only in severe malaria

• Monitor for delayed hemolysis post-treatment

• Caution in liver disease, renal failure, or cardiac disease

• Not intended for malaria prophylaxis

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Storage Information

• Store below 25°C

• Protect from light

• Use immediately after reconstitution

• Keep out of reach of children

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Availability in the US and Australia

• USA: Injectable artesunate is available through the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) for emergency use in severe malaria.

• Australia: Artesunate is accessible via hospital emergency settings or special access schemes.

• Falcigo (specific brand) may not be register in these countries, but the active ingredient is widely use under different brand names.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is Falcigo 120 mg safe in children?

Yes, dosage is weight-base and approved for pediatric use under medical care.

Q2. How fast does it work?

Most patients see improvement within 24–48 hours of the first dose.

Q3. Can it be use in pregnancy?

Yes, especially in 2nd and 3rd trimesters; discuss with your physician for 1st trimester use.

Q4. Is oral follow-up treatment necessary?

Yes, always followed by a complete oral course of antimalarials for parasite clearance.