Experience with taking Malarone (for Malaria)

We are traveling to Tanna and Santo over Dec/ Jan and will be taking Malaria prevention tablets. I've read loads of comments on Thorn Tree regarding Lariam and Doxycycline and the side effects.

We're not rich travelers, but we're thinking of going with Malarone (apparently don't get the side effects as with the others). I've got 2 kids (5 & 8) and my husband and I want to enjoy the holiday rather than feeling "off". I think the cost of the holiday is worth the relatively small outlay to not feel unwell.

Has anyone any experience with taking Malarone? I'd appreciate any comments from those that have.

thanks :)

You might get a bigger range o advice on the Health branch. Personally, I find doxycycline is good, but it is not suitable for young children.

Ive never had a problem with doxy, not had any side effects,
jo

I was a Peace Corps volunteer for two years. My experience with malarial drugs:
I've never had a problem with Larium - I was on it for two years - but I know many who have. The upside is that you only have to take it once a week.
Far fewer people suffered from side effects on Doxycycline. I think you should be fine with this choice.
Few people took Malarone. I believe it was the last choice because the pills are so much more expensive.

Thanks for that. We're going for a month, and I just don't want to risk being unwell or feeling "off" whilst away. I know people who've had side effects, but as yet don't know of anyone who's tried Malarone.

First off you need to consult your doc on what might be best for your situation. In the US your insurer will try and give you the cheaper meds (larium then doxy) unless you have proof that its not advisable for you. have I've taken all three:

1) Larium: is convenient dosing and now cheap (now off patent), if you choose to take it do so a week or two before leaving, in case you need an alternate due to side effects. The side effects can be very severe and certain EU countries required attendance at an informational seminar, but I was in the US and no information was given. Side effect frequency between takers and the severity varies between individuals. Despite having no contraindications I took a dose week prior to departure- I had serious (nasty) hallucinations preventing any sleep for 3 days following the first dose. Luckily I am a professional, recognised the severe side effects and sought alternatives. I have friends who took Larium experienced 'vivid dreams' that were not impactful and many who had no side effects at all, I also know of friends in Peace Corps who saw colleagues in emergency situations

2) Doxy: its cheap, before Malarone this was the alternate to Larium; given the severe side effects I experienced with Larium I took it. Dose is daily Side effects are sun sensitivity in some individuals (I didn't have them) and some mild queasiness (yes) and stomach problems after taking the pills. I modified my schedule: took care to take it with meals, well before sleeping/lying down to minimise the side effects. Not very convenenient but the side effects were not debilitating or severe (unlike Larium); I used it before malarone was available

3) malarone: expensive. For me, the only problem is the price (most US insurers try to steer you to Larium or doxy and refuse it), reported side effects are rare and less severe and I have had none. I now use it for all trips into chloroquine resistant malaria zones

Found this Comment on Malarone
on the Australian branch - look towards the end of the thread.

Thanks. That's one of the first comments I've seen where Malarone has had any side effects.

We've been to the doctor and got the pros and cons on each anti-malarial. I think despite the cost we'll go with Malarone.

Least likely to have bad side effects and being summer and beach bums don't like the thought of being sun sensitive or having crazy dreams.

That could be a real pain while we're away.

Appreciate the feedback. :)

I've never had problems with Malarone and taken it a few times but last time my husband got unusual bruising. We reported it when we got back but no-one had heard of this before. As soon as the tablets were out of his system he did not have any more problems.