Malaria meds

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> > > Just wondering if I can purchase Malarone in South America or Central America? I am thinking of going to Central America while in South America but am not sure yet and obviously wanted to be covered if I do end up going there. Also, would I need a prescription?.

Malarone is not licensed for sale in Central or South America.

Doxycycline is sold under the Vibramicina trade name. Sixteen-100mg pills cost 13.00 US$. The trade name for Cloroquina ( Paludrine ) is Nivaquine in Argentina. Thirty capsules cost 10.00 US$. They are sold without a prescription.

Chloroquine is easy to get in Central America and just as cheap as in Argentina. Aralen is one of the trade names.

I think some South America mossies are resistant to cloroquine. Do a search for "centre for infectious diseases".

Jorge Daniel Barchi.
Buenos Aires.

Yeah I found that after posting. Sorry about that. It doesn't completely answer my questions however...

Should I take Malarone or is doxycycline just as good? What is the risk like in this area? (i.e. should I bother with anything if I will be there for 2-4 weeks?

Thanks again.

www.cdc.gov</a><BR><BR>Jorge Daniel Barchi.
Buenos Aires.

hey tcelling,
yes you should bother. It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito. Puerto Maldonado is the area with the highest risk of transmission in Peru. As far as the meds go, they are both recommended by the CDC, so it is up to you.

"Puerto Maldonado is the area with the highest risk of transmission in Peru. As far as the meds go, they are both recommended by the CDC, so it is up to you. "

Thanks! Exactly what I wanted to know.

Malarone, mefloquine (Lariam) and doxycycline will all be equally effective. There are pros and cons to taking each one of them. You should make your choice based on your personal health history, allergies, and other concerns such as cost.

Malarone is, as mentioned, not available in Central or South America. It is the most expensive, but has few reported side effects

Mefloquine availability varies. It is sold as mefloquina, Lariam, or Tropicur.

Doxycycline can make you more sensitive to sunburn and can cause heartburn & upset stomach. You can't take it if yo are allergic to tetracycline.

side note--chloroquine is not Paludrine. The ingredient in Paludrine is proguanil. A combination of chloroquine and proguanil has in the past been recommended for preventino of malaria in SA, but due to chloroquine resistance, many experts caution against trying that. Health Canada syas tio use it only if you can't take anything else.

A common brand name for chloroquine is Aralen. Yo may run into something called Savarine. This is marketed mostly in France and contains both chloroquine & proguanil.

Hello
If you live in the GTA there is a travel clinc near the College subway stop (700 Bay Street)that charges $35 for your consultation.
I just went yesterday.
The dr will give you a prescription for Malarone (he recommends this one) and you can get it filled at any pharmacy.
He says it costs $5 per pill plus the dispensing fee.

The website is: www.travelclin.com<BR><BR>Hope this helps.