What is Malarone?

Malarone is an antimalarial medication used to prevent a P. falciparum parasite infection in areas where there is resistance to other antimalarial drugs.

It contains two active ingredients Atovaquone and Proguanil. These distinctly different substances work together to prevent malaria from developing in the human body.

What is Generic Malarone?

Generic Malarone contains Atovaquone and Proguanil. It is medically equivalent to Malarone, but available for a lower price. Both Malarone and Generic Malarone contain the same active ingredients and the same amount of them.

How does Malarone work?

Malarone prevents malaria from developing so it is important to start the treatment before you enter the endemic area.

When an infected mosquito bites a human, it injects the parasite into the bloodstream. The treatment Malarone targets the parasite and kills it before it can grow and spread.

How do I take Malarone?

You can take Malarone as follows:

• Take one Malarone tablet daily 1-2 days before entering the endemic area.
• Keep on taking the table daily during your entire stay, and continue for at least one week after to ensure the malarial parasite is completely eradicated.
• You should take your daily dose with food to ensure maximum absorption into the body.

Which is better: Malarone or Doxycycline?

Choosing an antimalarial treatment depends on your preferences and the antimalarial drug resistance present at your destination.

Malarone

• Only needs to be taken for one week after leaving the affected area
• Has less side effects

Doxycycline

• Needs to be taken for another 4 weeks after leaving
• Doxycycline is cheaper
• Doxycycline can decrease the efficacy of the contraceptive pill

It is very important you do not stop taking Malarone early, as it takes 7 days post-return to ensure that any malaria parasites in the blood are completely eradicated.

What are the side effects of Malarone?

It’s common to experience some side effects with antimalarial medication.

Side effects of Malarone may include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhoea

Can I take Malarone if I am pregnant?

You should not take Malarone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor recommends it.

Information Leaflet

Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.

• View the patient information leaflet for Malarone.