Malaria Meds

Elviira · Jun 15th, 2007, 13:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mickey S

I use Malarone whenever I travel nowadays. It's expensive but works for me without any side effects.

The first time I travelled to a malaria-affected area I took mefloquine (Lariam), tempted by the easy once-a-week regime. I had read all about its potential side effects but thought that I was strong and confident enough to use it without problems. How wrong could I be!

The vivid, psychedelic dreams began immediately, and I loved it. But as time went on I began feeling increasingly anxious and scared, culminating, about a month after I got back home, in having to call an ambulance in the middle of the night for the first anxiety attack I'd ever had in my life. I had several more anxiety attacks in the following months, and was constantly aware of something "not quite right" in my head; there was something really nasty there that hadn't been there before.

It was two years before I felt normal again; it was the worst drug-related experience of my life (and I've had a few). I can quite see why some people have nervous breakdowns or commit suicide while on that drug.

Horrible!!
has anyone experience on using chloroquine and proguanil especially together?

Nick-H · Jun 15th, 2007, 13:59

Quote:

...because the mosquitoes are becoming or already are chloroquine resistant.

Splitting hairs, but, It's not the mosquitoes, it's the malaria organism

The stories that we hear about the side effects of Larium tend to be second or third hand or worse.

So it is interesting to hear a first hand report. and a rather frightening one.

It is obvious that Mickey S is averse to a side effect or two if pleasant, but that this rapidly became anything but pleasant.

chloroquine and proguanil is a very standard combination.

pundabee · Jun 15th, 2007, 16:29

When the issue of malaria is brought up on IndiaMike, all the time that is, I despair. The facts are:

1. Wide-spread use of anti-malarials is part of the reason why we may end up in a situation where the malaria bug is resistant to drugs.

2. Anti-malarials don't protect you, i.e. they don't prevent you from getting malaria; they will merely reduce the symptoms and ease treatment.

3. The risk of getting malaria in India is low compared to, for instance, Africa (from where 90% of the world's malaria cases originate). And in some parts of India malaria is practically non-existent.

4. Using anti-malarials is not going to protect you against any of the other, very serious, illnesses that are transmitted by the mosquito, e.g. dengue and chikungunya. The only effective protection against these illnesses is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using effective protection, e.g. repellent, wear loose white clothing, use netting, stay in-doors from dusk till dawn.

5. There are some potentially serious short-term side effects from using anti-malarials.

Still, some people will say it is idiocy to not use anti-malarials.

The truth is that using anti-malarials is actually a personal choice where one has to weigh up the pros and cons and where the decision isn't straight forward.

ba9rn · Jun 15th, 2007, 17:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by pundabee

The truth is that using anti-malarials is actually a personal choice where one has to weigh up the pros and cons and where the decision isn't straight forward.

Well said. There does seem to be varied medical advice too, which does not help. As I stated a while ago, my doctor was adamant that 'bite avoidance' was all that I would need in Mumabai, Rajasthan and the golden triangle. All those areas show as low risk, even in the monsoon season. He also said that malaria is easily treatable now as long as they assume malaria for fever patients. Given that he knows where we have been, I am confident that no anti-malarial medication is required.

goangoangone · Jun 16th, 2007, 07:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elviira

Horrible!!
has anyone experience on using chloroquine and proguanil especially together?

I first used them over 30 years ago. I don't get side effects from anything though.

alotusgirl · Jun 16th, 2007, 07:39

I have a question...what if you move to India..from the US. What do you do about the malaria pills..since you shouldn't take them long term...

goangoangone · Jun 16th, 2007, 07:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by alotusgirl

I have a question...what if you move to India..from the US. What do you do about the malaria pills..since you shouldn't take them long term...

I haven't taken anything in 2.5 years but if there's an outbreak in monsoon, I'll take doxy.

Most cases here are amongst immigrant workers, but that doesn't mean you're not at risk. Cases here are up on previous years.

Nick-H · Jun 16th, 2007, 12:55

Widespread use of antimalarials is part of the reason there is less malaria than there would be otherwise.

Anti-malarials do protect against malaria. Are they 100% effective? maybe not, but then neither are condoms.

Advice seems to be moving away from prophylaxis towards prevention and treatment if caught, but still varies according to which authority is giving that advice.

Marco Polo · Jun 22nd, 2007, 20:43

Is it possible to buy MALARONE in India and if yes, how much does 12 tablets cost?

aivlysweetie · Jun 24th, 2007, 19:52

well...i've been outside kolkata for the past few days now in one of the towns, and i definitely got eaten up by mosquitoes...i've considered starting doxy but eh. i'll just hope for the best. too bad odomos doesn't really work for me.

goangoangone · Jun 24th, 2007, 23:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marco Polo

Is it possible to buy MALARONE in India and if yes, how much does 12 tablets cost?

Haven't heard of any.

coldroses · Jul 13th, 2007, 00:30

Hi I went for my jabs the other day and discussed the option of malarie tablets with my doctor. I'm visiting Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Calcutta, Varansi, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Agra in the monsoon season and he said that I would not need malaria tablets but I could get some if I wanted to.

I'm still not to sure which option would be best. A lot of the travel books recommend them for the area.

Any advice would be appreciated

Marco Polo · Jul 13th, 2007, 03:34

Hi Coldroses,
The side effects of malaria tablets can be quite nasty, especially if you take Lariam, but it's always better to prevent malaria and to be on the safe side. Malaria can even be deadly if you've very bad luck. Some European doctors advice not to take malaria tablets due to the side effects, but to have a back-up dosis of Malarone with you during your travel in case you'll have high fever and doctors confirm that you've got malaria. However I think it's not wise to follow health advices found in travel forums and it's better to follow the advices your doctor has given you.

Have a nice trip!!!

Nick-H · Jul 13th, 2007, 04:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marco Polo

Hi Coldroses,
The side effects of malaria tablets can be quite nasty, especially if you take Lariam,

There are a number of different drugs, some may have side effects, you have quoted about just one

Quote:

but it's always better to prevent malaria and to be on the safe side. Malaria can even be deadly if you've very bad luck.

that is true, and prophylaxis can be a part of that prevention. Advice given in Europe is changing recently: consult a professional.

Quote:

Some European doctors advice not to take malaria tablets due to the side effects,

That may be true, but the better-informed may give such advice based on current medical thinking and an assessment of what part part of India you are visiting.

Here is the current publication aimed at doctors advising on this subject in the UK. It is a useful and fascinating read.

Quote:

but to have a back-up dosis of Malarone with you during your travel in case you'll have high fever and doctors confirm that you've got malaria.

Should you be diagnosed with malaria in India I think you can rely on the local hospitals and doctors to provide the correct drugs to treat you. There is no nead to bring anything with you.

Quote:

However I think it's not wise to follow health advices found in travel forums and it's better to follow the advices your doctor has given you.

Its a good idea to ask a doctor that knows something about India, rather than one who just consults the book --- but proffessional advice is certainly best. We can't argue with that

Quote:

Have a nice trip!!!

Even better advice

Sama · Jul 13th, 2007, 05:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

Here is the current publication aimed at doctors advising on this subject in the UK. It is a useful and fascinating read.

YIKES, Nick! did you read all 106 pages?!?

my eyes started to cross at about page 6 --

-- and that was only the contents!

I just read the CDC website.....

Jul 13th, 2007, 00:30	#57
coldroses Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: scotland Posts: 12	Hi I went for my jabs the other day and discussed the option of malarie tablets with my doctor. I'm visiting Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Calcutta, Varansi, Udaipur, Jaisalmer and Agra in the monsoon season and he said that I would not need malaria tablets but I could get some if I wanted to. I'm still not to sure which option would be best. A lot of the travel books recommend them for the area. Any advice would be appreciated Last edited by coldroses : Jul 13th, 2007 at 00:41. Reason: edit

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Jun 15th, 2007, 16:29	#48
pundabee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: kerala Posts: 313	When the issue of malaria is brought up on IndiaMike, all the time that is, I despair. The facts are: 1. Wide-spread use of anti-malarials is part of the reason why we may end up in a situation where the malaria bug is resistant to drugs. 2. Anti-malarials don't protect you, i.e. they don't prevent you from getting malaria; they will merely reduce the symptoms and ease treatment. 3. The risk of getting malaria in India is low compared to, for instance, Africa (from where 90% of the world's malaria cases originate). And in some parts of India malaria is practically non-existent. 4. Using anti-malarials is not going to protect you against any of the other, very serious, illnesses that are transmitted by the mosquito, e.g. dengue and chikungunya. The only effective protection against these illnesses is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using effective protection, e.g. repellent, wear loose white clothing, use netting, stay in-doors from dusk till dawn. 5. There are some potentially serious short-term side effects from using anti-malarials. Still, some people will say it is idiocy to not use anti-malarials. The truth is that using anti-malarials is actually a personal choice where one has to weigh up the pros and cons and where the decision isn't straight forward.

Jun 16th, 2007, 07:39	#51
alotusgirl Be the Change You wish to see Join Date: May 2006 Location: California Posts: 25	I have a question...what if you move to India..from the US. What do you do about the malaria pills..since you shouldn't take them long term...

Jun 16th, 2007, 12:55	#53
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 27,692	Widespread use of antimalarials is part of the reason there is less malaria than there would be otherwise. Anti-malarials do protect against malaria. Are they 100% effective? maybe not, but then neither are condoms. Advice seems to be moving away from prophylaxis towards prevention and treatment if caught, but still varies according to which authority is giving that advice.

Jun 22nd, 2007, 20:43	#54
Marco Polo Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Spain Posts: 50	Is it possible to buy MALARONE in India and if yes, how much does 12 tablets cost?

Jun 24th, 2007, 19:52	#55
aivlysweetie Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Davis, CA Posts: 135	well...i've been outside kolkata for the past few days now in one of the towns, and i definitely got eaten up by mosquitoes...i've considered starting doxy but eh. i'll just hope for the best. too bad odomos doesn't really work for me.

Jul 13th, 2007, 03:34	#58
Marco Polo Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Spain Posts: 50	Hi Coldroses, The side effects of malaria tablets can be quite nasty, especially if you take Lariam, but it's always better to prevent malaria and to be on the safe side. Malaria can even be deadly if you've very bad luck. Some European doctors advice not to take malaria tablets due to the side effects, but to have a back-up dosis of Malarone with you during your travel in case you'll have high fever and doctors confirm that you've got malaria. However I think it's not wise to follow health advices found in travel forums and it's better to follow the advices your doctor has given you. Have a nice trip!!!

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