I'm about to go on a trip to South Africa. Will only be in Kruger for 3 days. My question is how long Malarone lasts. I have leftovers from a prescription that "technically" expired on 10/10 (Oct last year) and it's now 4/11 (only 6 months later). I leave in 1 day and would rather not scramble to get a doctor's visit + fill new prescription . Thoughts? (I seem to recall seeing somewhere on this Forum from "Chuck" that GSK gives their Malarone a 5 year shelf life, and I filled the prescription at a CVS in Jan 2009. Chances are really good it'll still be good, so I'm tempted to take my chances. HOwever, I DO have insurance so it'd only cost me $50 to get a new prescription filled. Now it's more about time and hassle of having to see a doctor. I'm also staying in a pretty nice place and HATE mosquitoes (and have rather sweet blood, it seems!), so I'll be covering up a ton with clothes those 3 days. Any advice (urgent) would be much appreciated.

Dr. Percy...calling Dr. Percy!!!!!

(Lgoldie - my "untrained" response is that you are probably fine, but let's hope Percy or another doc chimes in with a response.)

Take the Malarone medications .

They are okay. There is a long window of safety for them.

Yes the Malarone shelf life is about five years, I doubt that it was sitting on the Pharmacy shelf for over 3 and 1/2 years before you bought them.

The Pharmacy would not have kept them that long.

But I double checked with a Pharmacy friend of mine and you are OK!

So Bon Voyage and have a nice time.

( Hi Grcxx3 )

Many pharmaceuticals are like milk. Has to be pulled off the shelf by XXX-date, can't be sold after, but customer can drink.

As Percy, doubt these tabs were on pharmacy shelf all that long, and if having beenkept in cool/dry place, you should be fine with the tabs you have. Assume you have sufficient to start taking 2/days prior, 3/days while in area and 7/days after = 12/tabs.

Hi sandi

I knew I could count on you, Percy! Thanks!

Anything for you Grcxx3 !

Hi to you too Percy!