Malaria medicine - which one?
Nov 16th, 2003, 01:57 PM
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You should be very careful with anti-malarials. It's not like taking something against a headache, especially the possible side effects of Larium!
'What brand' will depend from your destination and it's only your travel clinic/health centre that can tell you whether to take Larium, Malarone or Nivaquine/Paludrine.
Nov 16th, 2003, 02:29 PM
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Thanks 
I'm going for my yellow fever shots tomorrow so I'm thinking I could get the malaria script during the same visit. I guess I will have to trust the nurse with whatever she recommends.
I will be traveling to Kenya and South Africa.
I'm going for my yellow fever shots tomorrow so I'm thinking I could get the malaria script during the same visit. I guess I will have to trust the nurse with whatever she recommends.
I will be traveling to Kenya and South Africa.
Nov 16th, 2003, 11:03 PM
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Good luck with the yellow fever shot! You may feel a little ill after a week or so, which is perfectly normal.
Another word of advise: if you get a prescription for Larium (Lariam in Europe) start taking it well in advance because some people (including me) have such terrible side effects that they can't continue taking it. Hallucinations, terrible nightmares, extreme fear, ... not pleasant for the start of your holiday.
Enjoy your trip. I've only been to Kenya but we love Africa in general.
Nov 16th, 2003, 11:20 PM
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The basic diffrence between Lariam (mefloquine) and Malarone is that Lariam is taken once a week and Malarone is taken once a day. I just got back from a three week trip to East Africa, half of us were on Lariam and half on Malarone. Only one person had a problem with the Lariam, slight dizzyness with the first pill, and there were no problems with the Malarone.
There are less side effects for Malarone but this is also more expensive and may not be covered by your insurance. I'd go with the one that is covered by your insurance.
There are less side effects for Malarone but this is also more expensive and may not be covered by your insurance. I'd go with the one that is covered by your insurance.
Nov 16th, 2003, 11:34 PM
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There is a lot of folklore circulating about Lariam, much of it spread by people who don't even know how to spell it. It is correctly spelled Lariam (brand name of mefloquine) in North America as well as Europe. Listen to your doctor or go to the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/ for expert advice on antimalarials.
For sub-Saharan Africa the three medications recommended are: mefloquine (Lariam), Malarone, or doxycycline. The CDC website will tell you the possible side-effects of each, and for whom each medication is not suitable.
Lariam is probably still the best choice for most people, although a very small number of users develop serious side-effects. The FDA has recently developed guidelines for taking Lariam, which can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/20...lbl_Lariam.pdf.
For sub-Saharan Africa the three medications recommended are: mefloquine (Lariam), Malarone, or doxycycline. The CDC website will tell you the possible side-effects of each, and for whom each medication is not suitable.
Lariam is probably still the best choice for most people, although a very small number of users develop serious side-effects. The FDA has recently developed guidelines for taking Lariam, which can be found at: http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/20...lbl_Lariam.pdf.
Nov 16th, 2003, 11:42 PM
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When you cut & paste my last reference, don't include the full stop after the pdf. It should be: http://www.fda.gov/cder/foi/label/20...lbl_Lariam.pdf
Nov 17th, 2003, 04:15 AM
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While some phycians in the US are still recommending Lariam, it seems that they are unaware of the newer, and with less, if any side effects of Malarone.
Doxycyline is recommended for those who cannot for some reason tolerate either of the above.
The CDC site will provide the pros and cons of each.
So in consultation with your physician and a tropical desease specialist determine which is best for you, based on your own health history.
Since Malarone bacame available in the USA about 3-yrs ago, this is being recommended as there are little, if any, side effects.
While the protocol for Lariam (mefloquine) is 1-pill a week on same day starting 2-weeks prior arriving in effective area, then weekly, and for 3 to 4-weeks upon return = total of about 7-9 tabs at cost of about $10/pill without a drug plan. And the drug plans only allow you to get enough pills until you return to States, then the remaining pills (3-4) upon your return. Many drug plans are now offering the "generic" Mefliquine (rather than the name brand), so assume you get these at the "generic" (lower price). Our only side-effect with Lariam was weird dreams or sleeplessness - which can be frustrating if you haven't recovered from jetlag.
That said, my last two trips I've used Malarone and this was a breeze, no side-effects. Taken daily starting 2-days prior entering effected area, then daily (w/bkfst w/food - preferrably dairy, such as milk, yogurt, cheese) while in area and then for 7-days upon leaving effected area. Got all pills needed at one time at cost of $25 or $50 for the entire script - without a drug plan this can cost about $100+/-, so check around.
The Nivaquine/Paludrine is mostly recommended in Europe. The doxycyline for those people who can't take any of the above.
Had no reaction to the Yellow Fever inoculation - do remember to have your Yellow Fever card with you during your travels. Happy travels.
Doxycyline is recommended for those who cannot for some reason tolerate either of the above.
The CDC site will provide the pros and cons of each.
So in consultation with your physician and a tropical desease specialist determine which is best for you, based on your own health history.
Since Malarone bacame available in the USA about 3-yrs ago, this is being recommended as there are little, if any, side effects.
While the protocol for Lariam (mefloquine) is 1-pill a week on same day starting 2-weeks prior arriving in effective area, then weekly, and for 3 to 4-weeks upon return = total of about 7-9 tabs at cost of about $10/pill without a drug plan. And the drug plans only allow you to get enough pills until you return to States, then the remaining pills (3-4) upon your return. Many drug plans are now offering the "generic" Mefliquine (rather than the name brand), so assume you get these at the "generic" (lower price). Our only side-effect with Lariam was weird dreams or sleeplessness - which can be frustrating if you haven't recovered from jetlag.
That said, my last two trips I've used Malarone and this was a breeze, no side-effects. Taken daily starting 2-days prior entering effected area, then daily (w/bkfst w/food - preferrably dairy, such as milk, yogurt, cheese) while in area and then for 7-days upon leaving effected area. Got all pills needed at one time at cost of $25 or $50 for the entire script - without a drug plan this can cost about $100+/-, so check around.
The Nivaquine/Paludrine is mostly recommended in Europe. The doxycyline for those people who can't take any of the above.
Had no reaction to the Yellow Fever inoculation - do remember to have your Yellow Fever card with you during your travels. Happy travels.
Nov 17th, 2003, 10:14 AM
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I got the yellow fever, tatnus and Hep.A&B shots today. I also got a script for 21 Malarone pills. So far I found 21 pills for $100 on the internet.
Sandi, can you tell me where you found your best price?
I've tried Canadian pharmacies, but they were more expensive, I finally found one here in US that sells over the internet and they quoted just under $100 for 21 pills.
Sandi, can you tell me where you found your best price?
I've tried Canadian pharmacies, but they were more expensive, I finally found one here in US that sells over the internet and they quoted just under $100 for 21 pills.
Nov 18th, 2003, 05:12 AM
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AAFF -
Checking my records, I paid $50 for the Malarone as the co-pay for my HMO plan. But most people say that without a drug plan the price runs about $100, so what you've been quoted is about rights. I wouldn't waste time looking for a $5 savings - believe your time is worth more than that.
I've seen your posts on other boards - and vaguely recall one here about a trip to Africa - where are you planning to travel and when.
Checking my records, I paid $50 for the Malarone as the co-pay for my HMO plan. But most people say that without a drug plan the price runs about $100, so what you've been quoted is about rights. I wouldn't waste time looking for a $5 savings - believe your time is worth more than that.
I've seen your posts on other boards - and vaguely recall one here about a trip to Africa - where are you planning to travel and when.
Nov 18th, 2003, 07:06 AM
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To my surprise, the pharmacy right here, in our little paradise quoted a price of $110, and they have the pills in stock. I will get them here as it save the PITA of faxing/mailing the script to the on-line pharmacies and waiting for the package. etc...etc...
Sandi,
I will arrive in SA on Feb 16, stay for a night, fly to Kenya, do a 6 night safari, fly back to Johannesburg, stay for a night, drive to Kruger for a 3 night safari, return to Johannesburg, stay for few nights, before flying to Hong Kong to meet up with my gf for a trip to Beijing and some serious shopping in HKG(I don't have a choice on the shopping option ).
All of this is basically free, using my miles and points. The ONLY portion I'm paying is the 3 night excursion to Kruger, and of course, daily expenses.
It's a trip of a lifetime!
Sandi,
I will arrive in SA on Feb 16, stay for a night, fly to Kenya, do a 6 night safari, fly back to Johannesburg, stay for a night, drive to Kruger for a 3 night safari, return to Johannesburg, stay for few nights, before flying to Hong Kong to meet up with my gf for a trip to Beijing and some serious shopping in HKG(I don't have a choice on the shopping option
).All of this is basically free, using my miles and points. The ONLY portion I'm paying is the 3 night excursion to Kruger, and of course, daily expenses.
It's a trip of a lifetime!
Nov 18th, 2003, 11:25 AM
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AAFF -
Well that is a different kind of RTW trip.
What area/s will you be visiting in Kenya and where will you be staying; and same for time in SA at Kruger?
We're all so interested in people's choices and why - we're just one big extended family on this board when it comes to Africa. And, of course, there are opinions galore. If you feel like sharing, we're all ears, and, of course, when you get back home from the entire trip - there's got to be a trip report.
Well that is a different kind of RTW trip.
What area/s will you be visiting in Kenya and where will you be staying; and same for time in SA at Kruger?
We're all so interested in people's choices and why - we're just one big extended family on this board when it comes to Africa. And, of course, there are opinions galore. If you feel like sharing, we're all ears, and, of course, when you get back home from the entire trip - there's got to be a trip report.
Nov 18th, 2003, 12:03 PM
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Sandi,
I'm doing the 6 night Hilton award trip in Kenya. 1st and last night at the NBO Hilton and 4 nights at the Salt Lick Lodge.
I know, to the professionals around here, this is a sanitized version of safari, but it's my first one, besides it's freeeeeeeee (ok, 250K HHonors points). That includes all the transportation and food, 2 drives per day, and I've read reports that a third drive is possible if you ask.
Kruger Park I will pay for, and it also includes transportation to/from Johannesburg, game drives, food. I will be staying at the Protea Hotel Kruger Gate.
All the flying is free(well except for some minor taxes). It involves AA, BA, and CX. AA and CX is first class, BA is business(that's the JNB-NBO part).
All my hotels are on award as well.
Hilton Johannesburg Sandton
Hong Kong Conrad
The Beijing side trip is still in the works.
I can't wait!!!!!
I'm doing the 6 night Hilton award trip in Kenya. 1st and last night at the NBO Hilton and 4 nights at the Salt Lick Lodge.
I know, to the professionals around here
, this is a sanitized version of safari, but it's my first one, besides it's freeeeeeeee (ok, 250K HHonors points). That includes all the transportation and food, 2 drives per day, and I've read reports that a third drive is possible if you ask. Kruger Park I will pay for, and it also includes transportation to/from Johannesburg, game drives, food. I will be staying at the Protea Hotel Kruger Gate.
All the flying is free(well except for some minor taxes). It involves AA, BA, and CX. AA and CX is first class, BA is business(that's the JNB-NBO part).
All my hotels are on award as well.
Hilton Johannesburg Sandton
Hong Kong Conrad
The Beijing side trip is still in the works.
I can't wait!!!!!
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