Prevent tropical disease malaria with the medicine called Malarone. The medicine belongs to the group of medicine that is popularly called malaria pills.1
Malarone is a medicine that contains a combination of two active ingredients, Atovaquone and Proguanil, which prevent and treat malaria caused by the parasite Plasmodium falciparum. This type of malaria is the most serious, and the one that creates most of the worst pathways. Therefore, it may be important to prevent the parasite if you travel in areas where the parasite is widespread. Along with other preventive measures, it can reduce the risk of being infected significantly.
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How does Malarone work?
Malaria parasites must use special enzymes for their metabolism and thus survival. Malarone enters and inhibits these enzymes so that the parasites can not survive. These are in the places where they are in the liver and the blood. It is, therefore, a preventive treatment that can quickly fight the parasite if you should be unlucky and get infected.
At the same time, medicines may also act as a treatment if you have already got the parasite into the bloodstream.
When to take Malarone?
If you are going to travel in the areas in the world where the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum is particularly prevalent, it may be a good idea to prevent infection by taking preventive malaria pills. There are various preventive treatments for different types of parasites, but Malarone is specially designed for use against the most dangerous parasites. This parade is, among other things, very prevalent throughout Africa.
Before you travel, it’s important to investigate the risk of malaria in the area you are going to travel to. A doctor can help you clarify the risk of infection and what parasite is most common in the current area.
How should I use the medicine?
There are different doses for children and adults. Therefore, make sure to choose the right one for yourself and possibly your children. It is stated in the package leaflet which one is the correct one and is evaluated in relation to the weight of the person.
Medication for adults
- Take one tablet a day at the same time each day
- Take the medicine for a meal or with fatty foods
- Start treatment one day before you enter the risk area
- Provided for seven days after leaving the area
If your child needs the medication, follow the instructions for dose in the package leaflet.
Treatment with Malarone
If you are going to use Malarone for the treatment of malaria, take four tablets at the same time once a day. Continue with this treatment for three days. Take the medicine with one meal.
Follow the package leaflet for the dose if it is for children.
If you suspect you or your child have been infected, it is important that you seek a doctor as soon as possible.
What are the side effects?
Side effects may occur with Malarone. Some have a completely trouble-free course, while others suffer from general side effects. Perhaps you know from previous trips how to react to the medicine. It is completely individual from person to person.
The most common side effects are:
- Headache
- Nausea
- vomiting
- abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- More than 10 out of 100 will experience these symptoms.
Uncommon symptoms
Fever, cough, anemia, depression, dizziness, skin rash, allergic reactions, skin rashes, abnormal dreams, insomnia.
Always read the package leaflet so you are aware of them if you should notice any of these side effects during treatment.
Resistance to malaria pills
One major problem in the world is that some malaria parasites have become resistant to different types of preventive medicine. That is, preventive treatment has a reduced effect or simply does not work. In particular, there is a problem if the malignant parasite Plasmodium falciparum has become resistant in an area. Therefore, it is important to wonder in advance how the situation is. Malarone is still most commonly used for this type of malaria. Check with your doctor if there are any current updates in the area.
Who is suitable for the treatment?
Most people can use Malarone if they are going to travel in a risk area with the malady parasite. However, there are some cases where it is not suitable. This applies to.
- Allergy to the ingredients
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Lack of folic acid
- Use of various other medicines, including simple HIV, depression, tuberculosis and antibiotic drugs. Always tell your doctor about the type of medicine you already take as it may affect the effect of malaria pills.
Pros and cons of Malarone
There are both pros and cons of taking preventive malaria medicine like Malarone. Of course, the biggest advantage is that you can protect yourself more effectively against malaria parasites. This advantage greatly outweighs the other benefits. However, it is also a relatively easy treatment to take because it is only taken once a day. It enters and prevents the parasites from spreading and ensures that the parasites can not survive in the body. It is a relatively effective medicine, although it can not provide 100% safe protection against the parasites.
The drawbacks, however, are a few major ailments with abdominal pain and headache. It can be very devastating for the journey. Beyond this, it may be a little expensive medicine if you are going to travel for a long time. You must still take malaria seriously.
How else can you prevent the infection?
Beyond taking preventive medicine is another way you can protect yourself from the disease. Malaria is transmitted via mosquitoes and therefore effective prevention against mosquito bites can be incredibly important. Some of what you can do to prevent mosquito bites is:
- Use mosquito repellent
- Have long sleeves and pants on from sunset to sunrise when the malaria fungus is active
- Use impregnated mosquito nets at night. Check that there are no holes in the network.
What does Malarone cost?
As mentioned earlier, Malarone may be relatively expensive. The easiest thing is to go to the doctor and go to the pharmacy afterwards, but you can also consider an online clinic where you can order your treatment after having undergone a written medical consultation first and then get your medicine prescribed. This saves you the trip to the doctor and you get the medicine right at the door. It may be somewhat more expensive, but remember that you have saved the cost of the trip to the doctor and the pharmacy and you have saved time.
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