Getting the most from your malaria treatment depends not just on what medicine you use, but also how you use it. AGATEM is a trusted NAFDAC-approved Artemether/Lumefantrine antimalarial designed for fast, complete recovery from uncomplicated malaria.
But like every effective medicine, it works best when used correctly.
Both patients and healthcare professionals play vital roles in ensuring treatment success, so here’s how to take AGATEM properly for best results.
Step 1: Confirm Malaria with a Test
Before taking any malaria medicine, make sure you actually have malaria. Visit a pharmacy, clinic, or healthcare centre for a Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT). Treating malaria only when confirmed prevents unnecessary drug use and resistance.
Step 2: Follow the Full 3-Day Course, Even When You Feel Better
Many patients stop treatment once the fever disappears, often within the first day.
This is dangerous. Stopping early allows malaria parasites to survive, multiply, and cause a relapse or worse, contribute to drug resistance in the community.
AGATEM is usually taken twice daily for three days. This means, AGATEM’s full course lasts a total of six doses.
Your exact dose depends on your age and body weight. Always follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice. Even if symptoms disappear quickly, always complete the entire course as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Tip: Set phone reminders for each dose or ask a family member to help track your schedule.
Step 3: Dosage Recommendations
AGATEM is available in formulations suited for both adults and children.
Dosage is based on body weight:
| Weight (kg) | Recommended Dose | Duration |
| 5 – 14 kg | 1 tablet twice daily | 3 days |
| 15 – 24 kg | 2 tablets twice daily | 3 days |
| 25 – 34 kg | 3 tablets twice daily | 3 days |
| ≥35 kg (Adults) | 4 tablets twice daily | 3 days |
Always follow professional guidance, and never self-medicate or alter your dose.
Step 4: Always Take Each Dose of AGATEM With Food or Milk
This is important. The Lumefantrine component in AGATEM works best when taken with food, milk, or a small fatty meal. This ensures full absorption and maximum effectiveness.
AGATEM works best when taken with food or a drink that contains some fat, such as milk.
This helps your body absorb Lumefantrine effectively, ensuring that enough of the medicine remains active in your bloodstream to kill all malaria parasites.
Avoid taking AGATEM on an empty stomach as doing so can reduce its effectiveness.
Example: Take AGATEM after a light meal like rice and beans, bread and eggs, or a cup of tea with milk.
Don’t skip or stop early
Even if your symptoms fade quickly, continue the full course. Stopping early may allow parasites to survive and cause a relapse. Completing the treatment ensures total recovery and protects against resistance.
Step 5: Avoid Self-Medication
Never share your AGATEM with others or buy from unverified vendors. Always purchase from licensed pharmacies or hospitals.
Step 6: Monitor and Report (Recognizing Recovery and When to Seek Help)
If you vomit within an hour of taking AGATEM, retake the dose as advised by your healthcare provider. Report any unexpected reactions promptly.
Most patients notice improvement within 24–48 hours, but if fever or weakness persists after three days, return to a healthcare facility for evaluation.
Your doctor may perform another malaria test or recommend supportive care.
Important Notes for Special Groups
- Pregnant women: Safe in 2nd and 3rd trimesters (with medical supervision).
- Children: Dosage based on weight; always consult a healthcare worker.
- Breastfeeding mothers: Safe when prescribed by a clinician.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Do not skip doses or delay your next dose.
- Do not combine AGATEM with other antimalarial medicines without medical advice.
- Avoid grapefruit juice, as it may interfere with the body’s metabolism of certain drugs.
- Avoid alcohol and overly fatty meals during the treatment period.