Atovaquone & Proguanil Tablets - Anti Malaria Treatment
What is Atovaquone with Proguanil?
Atovaquone with proguanil is a highly effective medication for the prevention (prophylaxis) of malaria. It's the affordable version of Malarone, with the same active ingredients, so you get the same level of protection at a lower cost.
Proven protection against malaria
Uncommon, mild side effects
Start treatment before you travel
How to take Atovaquone with Proguanil
Take 1 tablet daily, ideally at the same time each day, with food or a milky drink.
Start taking it 1-2 days before you arrive in a malaria area
Continue daily while you're there
Keep taking it for 7 days after you leave
Taking it consistently is key for the best protection.
Taking Atovaquone with Proguanil
For best results, take 1 Atovaquone with proguanil every day, ideally at the same time. It helps to take it with food or a milky drink so your body can absorb it better and to help avoid an upset stomach.
It's a good idea to start taking the tablets one to two days before arriving in areas where malaria is a risk. Keep taking one tablet each day while you're there and for a week after you get back. Consistency is key, so setting a reminder or tying it to something in your daily routine can really help you remember.
How Atovaquone with Proguanil works
Malaria is caused by a parasite that gets into your bloodstream through the bite of an infected mosquito. Atovaquone with proguanil hydrochloride has two active ingredients, atovaquone and proguanil hydrochloride. Both work together to keep malaria away.
These ingredients work by killing malaria parasites that can affect the blood and liver. Atovaquone with Proguanil gives you solid protection when you're heading to areas where malaria is a concern.
Taking Atovaquone with Proguanil: Any side effects?
Most people handle atovaquone with proguanil well, and the side effects are usually mild and short-lived. You might notice things like headaches, nausea, stomach pain, or diarrhoea. Some people also report dizziness, having vivid dreams, coughing, and skin rashes. It's also common for mood changes to pop up, such as feeling low.
Although serious reactions are rare, it's still important to read the patient information leaflet included with your medication. If any side effects worry you or don't go away, or if something doesn't feel right, it's best to speak to a healthcare professional or get in touch through your account.
How effective Is Atovaquone with Proguanil?
Atovaquone with proguanil starts protecting you within one to two days of beginning treatment. That's why it's important to start taking it before you arrive in a malaria-risk area. When taken correctly, it offers up to 95.8% protection against malaria.
You'll start receiving protection within just one to two days of taking it. With the right dosage, you can achieve up to 95.8% protection. Remember, no medication is foolproof, so pairing it with mosquito repellent, proper clothing, sleeping under nets and wearing long-sleeved clothing in the evenings is a smart move for maximum safety.
Malaria medicines
Frequently asked questions
Atovaquone with proguanil is a great option for adults aged 18 and over, as long as it fits your needs. Before you start taking this medication, it's really important to make sure it's the right choice for your travel plans. You can easily check the latest recommendations on the TravelHealthPro website. While we're here to help you figure out if it's suitable, it's ultimately up to you to make sure you're using the right anti-malaria tablets for your trip.
Not all malaria prevention tablets are suitable for every place you might visit, as some areas have mosquitoes that are resistant to certain medications. It's a good idea to check what's recommended for your destination before you travel to ensure you're all set.
It's important to let us know about any other medications you're using, whether prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, or even recreational drugs. This helps ensure that everything you're on is safe and won't interfere with your other treatments.
If Atovaquone with Proguanil isn't a good fit for your trip or health, Doxycycline could be a great alternative. We can prescribe that if it works for your destination and medical history.
And remember, malaria tablets are just one part of keeping yourself safe. It's also important to take steps to avoid mosquito bites, like using insect repellent with DEET, sleeping under a mosquito net treated with insecticide, and wearing long sleeves and trousers or leggings in the evening. Combining all these steps gives you the best shot at staying safe while travelling in malaria-risk areas.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK73747/
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/
https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/edada9d2-e530-4bd5-9080-a53300ff2a57.pdf
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.638.pdf