Hi there. Myself and my partner are about to take on our world tour, and along the way do an overland tour through Africa. We are in a bit of a hole as to what the story is with the whole Malaria tablets. What are the side effects of tablets that you have taken and any other things that you know about it. We are travelling through Africa for just over 2 months so what sort of price are we looking at?
Appreciate any help in this area.
Cheers
Reply to this Having taken a fair share of malaria tablets in my time, there are a few options to consider. Two friends of mine (one a pharmacist and one a doctor) who both are ardent travellers - directed me to the first option listed:
Doxycycline/Vibramycin/Doryx - Availabile in Australia and possibly elsewhere - a good option but must take with food. The caution is that it can make your skin light-sensitive - so it can give your skin a burning feeling after a very short exposure to the sun, or even just by being in a hot environment.
Paludrine (progunail) - supposedly common in the UK - don't know anything about its efficacy other than the name. Biggest problem with these are mouth ulcers.
Chloroquine (comes in other names as well) - also in the UK, but supposedly a really bitter tasting tablet (though non-bitter coated ones are available in the UK). Again must take with food. May cause nausea or blurry vision.
Lariam (mefloquine) - available in the USA and elsewhere - my medical friends steered me away from this due to the number of nausea-related side-effects that had seen or had reported to them. Other than that, it is supposed to be a very good medication. Again, take with food.
I am not a doctor or a medically trained person, so don't take this as gospel - these are just third-hand reports from people who should be in the know. All malaria tablets have side-effects, but it is a matter of which one you will risk on the journey. Nausea for me is one of the worst possible feelings, so Doxy is my tablet of choice.
Malaria tablets are normally required to be taken for a period prior to reaching the malarial area and also after you leave the area - however, this varies greatly with the different brands. Make sure you check with your doctor and follow the instructions to the letter - malaria is not something to be trifled with.
All of these tablets can be purchased in different sizes. For example, Doxy is sold in packs of 28 (for 4 weeks) but can also be purchased in a box of 100 - these are the most cost effective and will suit 2 people very well - so just shop around.
Hope this info helps.
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