Malaria Medication - Overview

Malaria prophylaxis refers to the process of taking specific medications that reduce the risk that one will contract malaria if bitten by an infected mosquito while traveling in at-risk areas. Push Health can connect people in need of a malaria prophylaxis (prevention) prescription with medical providers who can prescribe medication when appropriate to do so.

What Is Malaria Prophylaxis?

Malaria prophylaxis is the use of certain medications to protect people who are traveling to geographic areas in which malaria is present. The idea is that the medication will prevent malaria from causing illness in the body should one get infected. The medication choice depends on the country, the length of the trip, pregnancy, and other factors. Common options (consult with a medical provider to confirm exact instructions):

• Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) is often prescribed as one tablet daily. Start 1-2 days before entering the area, take it every day while there, and continue for 7 days after leaving. The medication is often preferred for short trips and should be taken with food.
• Doxycycline is an antibiotic medication that is sometimes used in malaria prevention. It is typically prescribed to be taken daily. Typical instructions are to start 1-2 days before travel and take it for 4 weeks after leaving the region of concern. The medication can cause sun sensitivity and stomach upset and should not be used by young children or during pregnancy.
• Mefloquine was formerly branded as Lariam. The medication is typically prescribed as one dose weekly, started at least 2 weeks before travel and continued for 4 weeks after finishing travel. It is not generally recommend as a first-line preventative treatment for most travelers because of side effects.

Less recommended medications include chloroquine and tafenoquine. People traveling at altitude also sometimes take acetazolamide (Diamox) to help reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Malaria Medications - Timing and Cost

Medicine	Schedule	After leaving
Atovaquone-proguanil	Daily, start 1-2 days before	7 days
Doxycycline	Daily, start 1-2 days before	4 weeks
Mefloquine	Weekly, start at least 2 weeks before	4 weeks

Generic atovaquone-proguanil and doxycycline are usually less expensive than previously branded medications. Start early enough to fill the prescription before departure. A missed dose should be taken when remembered, not doubled, and the course should still be finished after you leave.

Medications do not replace insect repellent, long clothing, or bed nets. Fever during or after travel to a malaria area needs urgent in-person care. Prophylaxis failures can happen.

Can I Buy Malaria Medication Online?

One cannot simply buy malaria pills online as the medications used for malaria treatment require a prescription. Push Health connects people with medical providers who can prescribe malaria prevention through prescription medication when appropriate to do so.

Malaria Medication - Side Effects

Malaria prophylaxis medications can cause side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, skin sensitivity and rashes. Psychiatric symptoms can also occur with certain medications. People with an allergy to specific medications should inform their medical provider. All other questions and concerns should be discussed with one's provider. Ideally, alcohol should be avoided while taking malaria prophylaxis medications. Certain people with significant risk factors may need customized malaria prophylaxis treatment.

How to Get Malaria Medication with Push Health

1. Complete a brief travel intake. Provide information about your travel plans, pregnancy status (if applicable), psychiatric or seizure history, kidney disease, and medicines you already take.
2. Connect with a licensed medical provider. A provider will recommend a specific medication, depending on your destination and health factors, or else in-person travel care. Same-day consultations are available.
3. Receive your prescription. If approved, the medication will be sent to the pharmacy of your choice. No routine office visit required.
4. Take the medication as prescribed. Use mosquito repellent as well. Seek urgent care for fever during the trip or in the months after you come home.

No health insurance or subscription is required. Medical providers are available now.