About Mectizan

History & Background
Before Merck & Co., Inc. began to donate Mectizan^®, drugs were limited to diethylcarbamazine (DEC) and suramin to treat onchocerciasis, and to DEC for lymphatic filariasis. The use of these drugs for the treatment of onchocerciasis was never widespread, and is no longer recommended, because of the potential for serious side effects in onchocerciasis patients which include irreversible eye damage, rash, peeling of the skin, diarrhea, and damage to the kidneys.^1-3 For the treatment of onchocerciasis, Mectizan has been shown to be very effective with an excellent safety profile.^1,3

In Yemen and African countries where onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis co-exist, the use of Mectizan is very safe and effective.⁴ Merck recognizes this medical necessity and thus donates Mectizan for lymphatic filariasis, in addition to onchocerciasis, in these areas.

As part of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis, WHO recommends that Mectizan should be given concomitantly with albendazole* in countries where these diseases co-exist.⁶

In areas where lymphatic filariasis exists without onchocerciasis, DEC has been found to be a very safe treatment for LF.^2,4 WHO currently recommends that LF elimination programs in these areas administer DEC in combination with albendazole.⁵

*Donated by GlaxoSmithKline

References:

1. Goa KL, McTavish D, Clissold SP. Ivermectin, a review of its antifilarial activity, pharmacokinetic properties, and clinical efficacy in onchocerciasis. Drugs 1991;42(4):640-658.

2. World Health Organization. Lymphatic filariasis: reasons for hope. Geneva: World Health Organization; 1997. Document No.: WHO/CTD/FIL/97.4 Rev.1.

3. World Health Organization. Onchocerciasis and its control, report of a WHO Expert Committee on Onchocerciasis Control. Geneva: World Health Organization; 1995. Technical Report Series No.: 852.

4. Ottesen EA, Duke BOL, Karam M, Behbehani K. Strategies and tools for the control/elimination of lymphatic filariasis.
Bulletin of the World Health Organization 1997;75(6): 491-503.

5. World Health Organization. Preparing and implementing a national plan to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (in countries where onchocerciasis is not co-endemic). Geneva: World Health Organization; 2000. Document No.: WHO/CDS/CPE/CEE/2000.15.

6. World Health Organization. Preparing and implementing a national plan to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (in countries where onchocerciasis is co-endemic). Geneva: World Health Organization; 2000. Document No.: WHO/CDS/CPE/CEE/2000.16.