Dr. Yogesh Kumar MBBS , General Physician

Dec (Hiquem) alters the muscular activity of the filaria, also alters its surface membranes making it more susceptible to the host. The destruction of organisms and release of antigens can lead to toxicity and produce an inflammatory reaction which may be present in the form of severe itching, rash, edema, hypotension, fever, presence of protein in urine, painful joints, swollen or enlarged lymph nodes, and abnormal enlargement of the spleen. These complications can be lessened by pre-treatment with corticosteroids. 

Dr. Uday Nath Sahoo MBBS , Internal Medicine

Dec (Hiquem) belongs to a group of medicines known as anthelmintics which are used against the parasitic worms. It is used against the larval and adult forms of parasitic worms which give rise to lymphatic filariasis. Lymphatic filariasis is a disorder in which the legs, arms, male genitals and female breasts may get swollen and disfigured. It kills adult worms of Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi and B. timori. It is also used against topical pulmonary eosinophilia [Also known as Loeffler syndrome, pulmonary eosinophilia is a temporary and a rare disorder characterized by the accumulation of eosinophils (a type of white blood cells) in the lungs] and loiasis (Also known as African eye worm, loiasis is caused by parasite Loa loa. The parasite is passed on to humans through the repeated bites of the deer flies). The infection leads to itchy swellings of the body.

Dr. Ajay Kumar. MBBS, MD , Psychiatry, General Physician, Infectious Disease, Sexology, Internal Medicine, Venereology, Diabetology

Dec (Hiquem) side effects can be minimized by a simultaneous administration of an antihistamine or a corticosteroid. Due to the destruction of a large number of microfilariae, there is a risk of renal and central nervous system complications. This risk can be minimized by withholding the treatment with an anthelmintic drug, removal of microfilariae before the administration of Dec (Hiquem) and administering a single dose of ivermectin.

Dr. Ram Saini MD, MBBS , General Physician

Animal studies have demonstrated a few heart-related adverse effects of Dec (Hiquem), however, there is a dearth of data in human beings. Thus, it is not yet clear if Dec (Hiquem) has any adverse effects on the heart. However, if you experience unusual signs related to the heart with the intake of Dec (Hiquem), please call your doctor immediately.

Dr. Rahul Poddar MBBS, DNB, MBBS, DNB , General Surgery

Doses vary for infection with W.bancrofti and lower dosage are indicated for infections with B.malayi and B.timori. Children under 10 years of age should receive half of the total adult dosage. The treatment should normally start with smaller doses to prevent an immunological reaction. The tablet should be preferably taken after a meal. It is important that you follow the recommendations of your doctor properly.