Description:

Vivon DS is a fixed-dose combination antimalarial medication containing artemether and lumefantrine. It is used for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum in adults and children. It is an Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT) that works rapidly to clear malaria parasites from the blood. The high-strength DS (Double Strength) version allows for fewer tablets per dose, improving adherence.

Prescription:

Prescription-only.

Therapeutic Category:

Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy (ACT) / Antimalarial (Artemether + Lumefantrine combination).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each tablet contains:

• Artemether – 80 mg
• Lumefantrine – 480 mg

Other ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol, and colorants. Tablets are usually yellow, film-coated, and oblong.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Vivon DS (Double Strength) – Artemether 80mg + Lumefantrine 480mg per tablet. Pack: 1 x 6 tablets (standard adult treatment course for one patient). Related variants: Standard Vivon (Artemether 20mg + Lumefantrine 120mg) or paediatric dispersible tablets.

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew).

Directions/Usage: Standard adult dose (for patients >35 kg):

• Take 1 tablet twice daily for 3 days (total 6 tablets).
• Day 1: 1 tablet at 0 hours + 1 tablet after 8 hours
• Day 2: 1 tablet in the morning + 1 tablet in the evening
• Day 3: 1 tablet in the morning + 1 tablet in the evening
• Take with food or milk (fat improves absorption of lumefantrine).
• If vomiting occurs within 1 hour of taking a dose, repeat the dose.
• Complete the full 3-day course even if symptoms improve.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Muscle/joint pain
• Sleep disturbances Rare/serious: Allergic reactions, QT prolongation (heart rhythm changes), liver enzyme elevation, or severe skin reactions.

Package Type:

Blister pack (1 strip of 6 tablets in a carton with patient information leaflet and dosage instructions).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from moisture and light. Keep tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Use only for confirmed uncomplicated falciparum malaria.
• Contraindicated in: hypersensitivity to artemether/lumefantrine, severe malaria, first trimester of pregnancy, or concomitant use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
• Caution in second/third trimester of pregnancy (use only if benefits outweigh risks), breastfeeding, or patients with heart conditions (QT prolongation risk).
• Take with food to ensure proper absorption.
• Complete the full course to prevent resistance and recrudescence.
• Report immediately: severe rash, irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, or persistent vomiting.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar artemether + lumefantrine 80mg/480mg tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic Artemether/Lumefantrine 80/480mg (various importers)
• Coartem DS (original Novartis brand – higher price)
• Lumartem DS, Artefan DS, or other ACT brands
• Standard strength (20/120mg) versions for children. Consult pharmacist or doctor in Accra for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Deva Holding A.S. (Turkey) or licensed Indian manufacturer (many high-strength ACTs in Ghana are produced by Indian or Turkish companies under export brands). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked as imported generic).

Country of Origin:

Turkey or India (manufactured by Deva or Indian partners; imported to Ghana and available in local pharmacies).