Missed malaria medication and long term effects

Replies: 2 - Last Post: 27-Jul-2007 04:42 Last Post By: lucybirch

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lucybirch

26-Jul-2007 08:46
Posts: 18

Missed malaria medication and long term effects

Hi,

I have a bit of a long winded and confusing problem.

1. I have been taking doxycycline while I have been in India. I have heard conflicting advice about how long to take it for when you return. I have been back for a week but have forgotton to take the medication for the last 3 days due to some very hectic circumstances. Should I start taking it again and if so how long should I take it for?

2. I have been travelling off and on for the last 13 months and have taken Larium and doxycycline at various times, probably amounting to a total of 5 months usage. I have read some reports about damage that can be caused to the body through long term use of anti-malarials and am concerned. Do I need to worry?

Thanks

nutraxfornerves

26-Jul-2007 15:05
Posts: 11,081

You should take it for 4 weeks after returning from the malaria area. Yes, start taking it again. However, the most common reason that people get malaria while taking doxy is failure to take it properly. You should check with your doctor if you come down with any sort of flu-like illness in the next year.

Long term use of antimalarials is usually measured in years, not months. There are people who take doxycycline very long term for acne & other problems. Studies with US Peace Corps workers have found that, for those who don't have problems early on, mefloquine can be used for at least 2 years without a problem. The UK Health Protection Agency says

Quote
Mefloquine-- No evidence of harm in long-term use if tolerated in the short term. Suggest can be used safely for up to three years in the absence of side effects.
Doxycycline-- No evidence of harm in long-term use. Evidence suggests that it may be used safely for periods of at least up to two years.

Nutrax
The plural of anecdote is not data

lucybirch

27-Jul-2007 04:42
Posts: 18

Thank you!

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