Medications to Prevent Malaria
3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT ANTIMALARIALS AND HOW TO GET THEM
Updated December 2023
If you are traveling overseas, particularly to a place that has mosquitos, you may need antimalarials. The map below from the CDC shows where malaria is found around the world.
Antimalarials are medications that you take to prevent malaria. They are sometimes referred to as malaria prevention or prophylaxis. There are a number of different options for antimalarials on the market. This may leave you wondering what the difference is between products or how to get them.
Here are 3 things to know about antimalarials and how to get them for your upcoming trip.
1. THERE ARE PROS AND CONS TO EACH ANTIMALARIAL MEDICATION
There is not perfect option when it comes to antimalarials. They all come with pros and cons. Some of these may be more important to you than others. These are good things to know before talking to a prescriber about getting antimalarials for an upcoming trip. See below for more info on the most common antimalarials.
Product | Pros | Cons |
Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil) | – Easy to find – Well tolerated – Only take for 1 week after leaving malaria area | – Take every day – Can be expensive depending on insurance |
Doxycycline | – Easy to find – Inexpensive | – Take for 4 weeks after leaving malaria area – Common side effect is sensitivity to sun (more likely to get a sunburn) – Continuous exposure to antibiotics can disrupt gut health |
Mefloquine | – Take only once per week – Approved for pregnant women | – Troubling side effects including vivid dreams and hallucinations – Take for 4 weeks after leaving malaria area – Expensive – Can be hard to find |
2. ANTIMALARIALS NEED TO BE TAKEN BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER LEAVING THE MALARIA AREA
Depending on which antimalarial you get, you will start taking them either a week or 1-2 days before you enter the malaria area, while you are in the malaria area and then for 1 or 4 weeks after you leave the malaria area.
Why do you take them after you leave the malaria area? This is unusual but necessary for your protection. Malaria can be in your body for a while before symptoms occur. This means if you stop too soon, you can become sick with malaria, which is the #1 cause of death from infectious disease in travelers. So please do not stop taking your antimalarials early.
3. YOU NEED A PRESCRIPTION TO GET ANTIMALARIALS
Antimalarials are not available over the counter in the US so you will need a prescription. Be wary of any places that offer it to you without a prescription. It is very common for people to sell fake or placebo pills as antimalarials because of the high demand for them. Your best bet is to get it from a reliable source, like a pharmacy in the US.
If you need a prescription for antimalarials, we can help you. At Odyssey Travel Health, our travel medicine experts will determine if you need one and discuss your options to ensure you get the right product for you and your trip. Get what you need and get all your questions answered at Odyssey. Book an appointment now!
At Odyssey, we believe in making it as convenient as possible for you to get the care you need for travel. You already have enough on your plate to prepare for your trip. This part should be easy! We have been doing this for over 8 years. We know what you need and will answer your questions. We also are 5-Star rated on Google and provide excellent customer service to all international travelers in Washington State.
Are you ready check this part of your trip off your list? Then book an appointment with us now!