What is Atovaquone/ Proguanil?

Atovaquone/Proguanil is the generic version of the well known anti-malarial medication Malarone. The active ingredients are used to prevent a P. falciparum parasite infection in areas where there is resistance to other antimalarial drugs.

What is the difference between Malarone and Atovaquone/ Proguanil?

Generic Malarone (Atovaquone/ Proguanil) contains the same active ingredients in the same strength as Malarone. It is medically equivalent to Malarone, but available for a lower price.

How does treatment work?

The anti-malarial treatment Atovaquone/ Proguanil targets the malarial parasite and kills it before it can grow and spread. This prevents malaria from developing so it is important to start the treatment before you enter the endemic area.

How do I take Atovaquone/ Proguanil?

Here is how you should take Atovaquone/Proguanil:

• You should start the treatment with one Malarone tablet daily 1-2 days before entering the high risk malaria-affected area.
• You should continue the treatment for the entire duration of your stay and continue for at least one week after your return to make sure that any malarial parasite presence in your body is completely eradicated.
• You should take your once daily dose with food to ensure maximum absorption into the body.

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 Atovaquone/Proguanil?

It’s common to experience some side effects with antimalarial medication. Side effects of Atovaquone/Proguanil may include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhoea

Can I take Atovaquone/Proguanil if I am pregnant?

You should not take Atovaquone/Proguanil 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 Atovaquone/Proguanil.