$$$$ Malaria in Asia ... - Thorn Tree travel forum

$$$$ Malaria in Asia

Replies: 20 - Last Post: 16-Jan-2008 13:24 Last Post By: losing_touch

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Posted
23-Nov-2007 17:55
by: Carley1234

Posts: 23
Registered: 14/11/07

$$$$ Malaria in Asia

Can I buy either of these malaria pills in Thailand or Bangkok at least? Doxycycline or Mefloquine.

Posted
23-Nov-2007 18:08
by: ono

Posts: 200
Registered: 30/03/02

1

I've been to Thailand on many long term trips and never used malaria pills or gotten malaria. However, the doctors here know how to deal with it and there are malaria clinics in areas infected areas. I'm sure you can get pills in Thailand. If you choose not to use the pills, be aware that malarial mosquitoes bite dusk to dawn. Cover your legs in the evenings and sleep under a mosquito net in infected areas.

Posted
23-Nov-2007 18:10
by: losing_touch

Posts: 7,833
Registered: 13/01/05

2

I have also never taken Malaria medication without a problem. However, the answer to your question is yes. Doxycycline is widely available.

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Posted
23-Nov-2007 18:21
by: Carley1234

Posts: 23
Registered: 14/11/07

3

So in other words, I should just buy the doxycycline when I get to Bangkok and save myself a bit of money?

Posted
23-Nov-2007 18:23
by: losing_touch

Posts: 7,833
Registered: 13/01/05

4

Yes, you can do that. It has been a long time since I looked at the directions for taking that stuff, but I think you are supposed to start early. Again, little risk in Thailand.

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Posted
23-Nov-2007 18:26
by: fondonzella

Posts: 1,092
Registered: 01/09/00

5

Well Carley, I'm pretty sure that's what losing touch said.

You didn't mention anything about price in the first post of course, but you've presumed correctly.

Posted
23-Nov-2007 18:26
by: fondonzella

Posts: 1,092
Registered: 01/09/00

6

Lead in time is only 2 days with doxy.

Posted
23-Nov-2007 18:28
by: losing_touch

Posts: 7,833
Registered: 13/01/05

7

There you have it! Problem solved =)

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Posted
23-Nov-2007 21:22
by: rivi

Posts: 23
Registered: 23/10/07

8

hey guys,

i just happened upon this post. fondonzella, u said lead in time is only 2 days? my doctor told me one week! one week before + duration of stay + 4 weeks after.

um... was she being overly careful?

rivi.

Posted
23-Nov-2007 21:38
by: gabejedmo

Posts: 590
Registered: 11/12/06

9

maybe, I also thought that a few days beforehand was good enough. However, as I understand you have to keep taking them for 30 days after leaving the risk area. But I just bought doxycycline in Thailand, and paid 50 baht for each 10 tablets. So, about 6 bucks for two months worth, pretty good deal. I have refrained from taking them so far, however, because I've heard from pretty much everyone that they're not necessary in Thailand, and also because I read that as an antibiotic it basically it kills all the bacteria in your digestive system, which sounds kind of harsh. anyone who's taken them able to attest to the side effects in that regard? Also what about the photosensitivity?

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Posted
23-Nov-2007 22:09
by: rivi

Posts: 23
Registered: 23/10/07

10

hey gabejedmo,

can u tell me where u got those tablets from? that really is a good deal, and i might wait til i get to thailand to buy some, in that case. can anyone tell me if u can get them from the airport? my first stop in thailand will be (the airport - abt 2 hours wait) koh samui.

and also, are you sure those are the real tablets... in thailand... everything can be a counterfeit. lol.

rivi.

Posted
24-Nov-2007 03:39
by: fondonzella

Posts: 1,092
Registered: 01/09/00

11

2 days before, 28 days after. Vibramycin is one brand name.

I wouldn't (haven't) worried about taking them in Thailand, but have bought them there for travel elsewhere.

I certainly don't think you're going to need them on Koh Samui.

Posted
24-Nov-2007 06:46
by: losing_touch

Posts: 7,833
Registered: 13/01/05

12

I bought them once for a very, very cheap price like gabejedmo mentions. I simply never took them. Mine were real. Any reputable pharmacy can hook you up. Try Boots. I got mine somewhere on Sukhumvit!

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Posted
24-Nov-2007 07:20
by: rivi

Posts: 23
Registered: 23/10/07

13

fondonzella,

no, i probably wont need them for koh samui... i said, i wanted to find some while on route to koh samui... because i'll be heading to siem reap after that.

basically, 2 days in samui, 2 in chiang mai, 4 in bangkok, 6 in siem reap. i kinda wanna make sure i dont get malaria in siem reap.

or am i being paranoid... i think theres a chance of it in siem reap.

rivi.

Posted
24-Nov-2007 07:27
by: losing_touch

Posts: 7,833
Registered: 13/01/05

14

I also never used it anywhere in Cambodia, Vietnam, or Laos. I prefer to take proper precautions. Can you imagine the horror of photosensitivity in Southeast Asia. All day is in the sun! When I bought them, I thought I would take them inCambodia, but I decided against it at the end of the day!

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