Forums > Help! > malaria
Login/Join to ParticipateGOLD Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
2,617 posts
Location: Berlin, Ireland
Carpal \'Tunnel
2,617 posts
Location: Berlin, Ireland
Posted:
Hi guys,
Does anyone know where I can get cheap malarone from? The internet isn't looking much cheaper
Can I get it cheaper in Gambia than europe?
Does anybody have any experiences with homeopathic malarial prevention?
Thanks
James
Hi guys,
Does anyone know where I can get cheap malarone from? The internet isn't looking much cheaper
Can I get it cheaper in Gambia than europe?
Does anybody have any experiences with homeopathic malarial prevention?
Thanks
James
I live in a world of infinite possibilities.
SILVER Member
lapsed spinner
412 posts
Location: Dublin, Ireland
lapsed spinner
412 posts
Location: Dublin, Ireland
Posted:
All I know is that consuming seriously large quantities of vitamin B complex is supposed to act as natural insect (including mozzie) repellant. You can either take supplements, or eat foods that are really rich in vitamin B, like marmite.
But as far as i know you need to start doing this a couple of months before you go to anywhere with a lot of mosquitos.
All I know is that consuming seriously large quantities of vitamin B complex is supposed to act as natural insect (including mozzie) repellant. You can either take supplements, or eat foods that are really rich in vitamin B, like marmite.
But as far as i know you need to start doing this a couple of months before you go to anywhere with a lot of mosquitos.
Helen_of_Poi
EJC Ireland 2006 Organisational Team
GOLD Member
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Pirate Ninja
3,882 posts
Location: Galway/Ireland
Posted:
Look for B50. It'l supercharge you.
Look for B50. It'l supercharge you.
Love is the law.
BRONZE Member
had her carpal tunnel surgery already thanks v much
4,145 posts
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
had her carpal tunnel surgery already thanks v much
4,145 posts
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
Posted:
https://az.essortment.com/vitaminsoverdos_rzlk.htm
on the subject of taking "seriously large" quantities of vitamins... be careful!
https://az.essortment.com/vitaminsoverdos_rzlk.htm
on the subject of taking "seriously large" quantities of vitamins... be careful!
"vices are like genitals - most are ugly to behold, and yet we find that our own are dear to us."
(G.W. Dahlquist)
Owner of Dragosani's left half
BRONZE Member
Classically British
5,689 posts
Location: Epsom, Surrey, England
Classically British
5,689 posts
Location: Epsom, Surrey, England
Posted:
In answer to your actual question...
Yes, I imagine you can get Malarone cheaper out there - BUT - Be really careful, counterfeit drugs are a real danger. Not only might you be taking something which doesn't have any effect (so you're not protected against malaria), but some are actually very bad for you as they're made from whatever Mr. [censored] could lay his hands on to make the tablets from.
Also, when we were in South America we couldn't get malarone, only Doxycyclene (which we didn't want to take as we only needed it for a week and you have to keep taking it 4 weeks after you've left the area) or er... "the other one" (can't remember the name of the 3rd anti-malarial) which ALL the health bodies pointed out didn't work in the area we were going to.
So personally, I'd get it before you left. It costs a fair amount, but malaria is very serious if you get it and the chance of picking up dodgy counterfeit drugs is a real risk.
I wouldn't chance the vitamin-B alternative, it's a preventative to stop you getting bitten (which isn't anywhere near 100% effective) and if you do get bitten it offers you zero protection from malaria.
Get some kick-ass strong DEET repellent - it's rank, bad for your skin if used to much and makes your lips go numb if you kiss your girlfriends after she's sprayed herself - but it's REALLY effective.
We used Bushman's which you get in Oz - it's got silly amounts of DEET in it (80%
) which is technically illegal to sell in Canada and the UK but it works damn well
In answer to your actual question...
Yes, I imagine you can get Malarone cheaper out there - BUT - Be really careful, counterfeit drugs are a real danger. Not only might you be taking something which doesn't have any effect (so you're not protected against malaria), but some are actually very bad for you as they're made from whatever Mr. [censored] could lay his hands on to make the tablets from.
Also, when we were in South America we couldn't get malarone, only Doxycyclene (which we didn't want to take as we only needed it for a week and you have to keep taking it 4 weeks after you've left the area) or er... "the other one" (can't remember the name of the 3rd anti-malarial) which ALL the health bodies pointed out didn't work in the area we were going to.
So personally, I'd get it before you left. It costs a fair amount, but malaria is very serious if you get it and the chance of picking up dodgy counterfeit drugs is a real risk.
I wouldn't chance the vitamin-B alternative, it's a preventative to stop you getting bitten (which isn't anywhere near 100% effective) and if you do get bitten it offers you zero protection from malaria.
Get some kick-ass strong DEET repellent - it's rank, bad for your skin if used to much and makes your lips go numb if you kiss your girlfriends after she's sprayed herself - but it's REALLY effective.
We used Bushman's which you get in Oz - it's got silly amounts of DEET in it (80%
) which is technically illegal to sell in Canada and the UK but it works damn well Burner of Toast
Spinner of poi
Slacker of enormous magnitude
SILVER Member
fluffy mess
197 posts
Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
fluffy mess
197 posts
Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
Posted:
Yeah you can't take chances with malaria. Malarone is pricy but get it beforehand, because you never can be too sure and you don't want to leave yourself unprotected. A friend of the family's tried the Vitamin-B approach, but he must have got bitten (In all fairness he was extremely absent-minded and probably didn't approach the theory properly). He was fine and came home feeling fine. A couple of weeks later he was dead. It's not something you want to take chances with.Treatable if caught, but quite nasty.
Yeah you can't take chances with malaria. Malarone is pricy but get it beforehand, because you never can be too sure and you don't want to leave yourself unprotected. A friend of the family's tried the Vitamin-B approach, but he must have got bitten (In all fairness he was extremely absent-minded and probably didn't approach the theory properly). He was fine and came home feeling fine. A couple of weeks later he was dead. It's not something you want to take chances with.Treatable if caught, but quite nasty.
"I want to know if you can see beauty even when it's not pretty, every day,and if you can source your own life from its presence.." - Oriah Mountain Dreamer
old hand
898 posts
Location: Binstead, Isle of Wight
898 posts
Location: Binstead, Isle of Wight
Posted:
and you need to start taking anti-malaria stuff at least a week before you go.
and you need to start taking anti-malaria stuff at least a week before you go.
Ask a question and be a fool for a minute...don't ask and be a fool your whole life.
veteran
1,328 posts
Location: Bendigo, Vic, Australia
1,328 posts
Location: Bendigo, Vic, Australia
Posted:
B Vitamins don't actually stop you from getting bitten, if the correct one is taken, all it does is reduce the affects of the bite so the swelling isn't as severe and it doesnt tend to work too well on mozzies, more on sandflies
B Vitamins don't actually stop you from getting bitten, if the correct one is taken, all it does is reduce the affects of the bite so the swelling isn't as severe and it doesnt tend to work too well on mozzies, more on sandflies
Carpal \'Tunnel
7,193 posts
Location: in the trees
7,193 posts
Location: in the trees
Posted:
drink lots of indian tonic water as it has a chemichal in it that protects from malaria
drink lots of indian tonic water as it has a chemichal in it that protects from malaria
GOLD Member
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Posted:
It has quinine in the tonic water, but it doesn't stop you catching malaria. It just lessons the effects of malaria. It has been used as a form of treatment for malaria for hundreds of years.
Drinking Tonic water will not protect you from catching malaria
It has quinine in the tonic water, but it doesn't stop you catching malaria. It just lessons the effects of malaria. It has been used as a form of treatment for malaria for hundreds of years.
Drinking Tonic water will not protect you from catching malaria
Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!
BRONZE Member
enthusiast
382 posts
Location: In Ger Land, India
enthusiast
382 posts
Location: In Ger Land, India
Posted:
The thing is, nothing actually fully protects you from catching Malaria.
You can reduce you chances more by using some stuff instead of other stuff. When I was in Tanzania I took Lariam, which gives you interesting dreams. But if I were to catch Malaria, I would have been given basically the same drug in the hospital, just at a much higher dose than if I wasn't taking it in the first place.
Malarone is what I took in Uganda, but, like you say it is very expensive. I don't know anyone who tried to buy it Uganda. It is ok to take for long periods, but you have to take it every day, which you migh forget to do. Lariam is only once a week, which is much easier, and much cheaper.
I do also have some experience of the herbal anti malarials. My friend took only herbal ones in Tanzania for 3 months and she was fine. It might just be luck of course, but Northern Tanzania is somewhere that definately has Malaria, 2 or 3 of the teachers at the school we were at got it while we were there. Some of the other guys on our trip had been living there for months, and they wern't taking anything, and never caught malaria. With malaria, not getting bitten is the best way to not get it, and you should focus on this while your there.
How long are you going to Gambia for? If it's ages I'd advise Lariam, unless you think you'll go mad. None of them are actually 100%, so it's up to you really.
You can get the herbals here;
https://www.ainsworths.com/site/default.aspx
The thing is, nothing actually fully protects you from catching Malaria.
You can reduce you chances more by using some stuff instead of other stuff. When I was in Tanzania I took Lariam, which gives you interesting dreams. But if I were to catch Malaria, I would have been given basically the same drug in the hospital, just at a much higher dose than if I wasn't taking it in the first place.
Malarone is what I took in Uganda, but, like you say it is very expensive. I don't know anyone who tried to buy it Uganda. It is ok to take for long periods, but you have to take it every day, which you migh forget to do. Lariam is only once a week, which is much easier, and much cheaper.
I do also have some experience of the herbal anti malarials. My friend took only herbal ones in Tanzania for 3 months and she was fine. It might just be luck of course, but Northern Tanzania is somewhere that definately has Malaria, 2 or 3 of the teachers at the school we were at got it while we were there. Some of the other guys on our trip had been living there for months, and they wern't taking anything, and never caught malaria. With malaria, not getting bitten is the best way to not get it, and you should focus on this while your there.
How long are you going to Gambia for? If it's ages I'd advise Lariam, unless you think you'll go mad. None of them are actually 100%, so it's up to you really.
You can get the herbals here;
https://www.ainsworths.com/site/default.aspx
Some things you have to see to believe, but
Some things you have to believe in to see.
GOLD Member
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Pirate Pixie Crew Captain
8,428 posts
Location: Wales
Posted:
Very true.
Written by: Moohaahaa
The thing is, nothing actually fully protects you from catching Malaria.
Very true.
Feed me Chocolate!!! Feed me NOW!
BRONZE Member
enthusiast
222 posts
Location: London, United Kingdom
enthusiast
222 posts
Location: London, United Kingdom
Posted:
TinyPixie says: I'd recommend you just go to your GP and ask them for advice. Herbal remedies sometimes work, however I would never trust them against something as important as malaria - you never know whether they have been properly tested as they are not subject to the same stringent testing and regulations as other drugs.
Drugs and medical treatments can sometimes be expensive, (I'm especially aware of this as I am currently planning my medical elective placement and I need lots of prophylactic meds, like anti-retrovirals and such like
) but I really do think that it's worth spending the money for your health.
And, I would agree with Durbs in that conterfeit drugs are a real problem in developing countries, and you also have to start taking your medication before you leave Britain. My advice really would be to see your GP or go to a clinic in this country and get your drugs there. Medications, be they herbal or "traditional medical" drugs are dangerous things and should be taken with caution!
Have a lovely trip though, and don't worry too much about the malaria!
EDITED_BY: Irinus (1164587511)
TinyPixie says: I'd recommend you just go to your GP and ask them for advice. Herbal remedies sometimes work, however I would never trust them against something as important as malaria - you never know whether they have been properly tested as they are not subject to the same stringent testing and regulations as other drugs.
Drugs and medical treatments can sometimes be expensive, (I'm especially aware of this as I am currently planning my medical elective placement and I need lots of prophylactic meds, like anti-retrovirals and such like
) but I really do think that it's worth spending the money for your health.And, I would agree with Durbs in that conterfeit drugs are a real problem in developing countries, and you also have to start taking your medication before you leave Britain. My advice really would be to see your GP or go to a clinic in this country and get your drugs there. Medications, be they herbal or "traditional medical" drugs are dangerous things and should be taken with caution!
Have a lovely trip though, and don't worry too much about the malaria!
EDITED_BY: Irinus (1164587511)
SILVER Member
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
what goes around comes around. unless you're into stalls.
4,030 posts
Location: Bali, Australia
Posted:
Yeah, worry about dengue fever instead
Yeah, worry about dengue fever instead
.....Can't juggle balls but I sure as hell can juggle details....
BRONZE Member
veteran
1,247 posts
Location: lost, Canada
veteran
1,247 posts
Location: lost, Canada
Posted:
Regular general practitioners rarely have a clue about what specific anti malarial is likely to be currently effective in a given region. They often inadvertantly put you on something useless-- with lots of fun side effects too...
It is better to make an appointment well in advance with a travel clinic. Assuming that Ireland or the Uk has such things? Here, it is a group of medical practitioners who specialize in travel issues, shots etc etc. They are very informed and up to date,and often avid travellers themselves so have had direct experience also.
Likewise if you come back with anything weird and wonderful-- these guys are much more likely to be able to figure out what you have caught... and help you get rid of it...
Have a good trip!
Regular general practitioners rarely have a clue about what specific anti malarial is likely to be currently effective in a given region. They often inadvertantly put you on something useless-- with lots of fun side effects too...
It is better to make an appointment well in advance with a travel clinic. Assuming that Ireland or the Uk has such things? Here, it is a group of medical practitioners who specialize in travel issues, shots etc etc. They are very informed and up to date,and often avid travellers themselves so have had direct experience also.
Likewise if you come back with anything weird and wonderful-- these guys are much more likely to be able to figure out what you have caught... and help you get rid of it...
Have a good trip!
"God *was* my co-pilot, but then we crashed, and I had to eat him..."
GOLD Member
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Stream Entrant
2,829 posts
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posted:
Malaria
malaria
malaria
cheers
Malaria
malaria
malaria
cheers
If we as members of the human race practice meditation, we can transcend our fear, despair, and forgetfulness. Meditation is not an escape. It is the courage to look at reality with mindfulness and concentration. Thich Nhat Hanh
SILVER Member
with added berries
1,365 posts
Location: Manchester, England (UK)
with added berries
1,365 posts
Location: Manchester, England (UK)
Posted:
When I went to Kenya I took Larium, had no problems with it.
I had it perscribed to me - didn't have to pay anything, got it on the NHS. This was a couple of years ago, and I was just 18, so don't know if this still will be possible, and I don't know the health policies in Ireland.
My biggest piece of advice is to go to your doctor!
It VITAL that you take the correct malarial for the country you go to. If malarone is the right one, then still don't wait till you get there to buy it. Finding medication in developing countries is not easy, and may not be as cheap as you imagine (I've no idea how much it would cost, but lack of availability tends to push up prices).
You need to start taking the malarial before you get there in all cases.
Also, do everything you can to prevent being bitten. Cover as much flesh as possible as soon as it starts to get dark and all night (ie long sleeves and trousers). Wear at least 50% deet insect repellent, again in the evenings, night and mornings. If you're camping, spray an insecticide in your tent (usually about 20 minutes before you go to bed). Otherwise use a mosquito net.
Do have an amazing trip though, and don't worry too much about it!
When I went to Kenya I took Larium, had no problems with it.
I had it perscribed to me - didn't have to pay anything, got it on the NHS. This was a couple of years ago, and I was just 18, so don't know if this still will be possible, and I don't know the health policies in Ireland.
My biggest piece of advice is to go to your doctor!
It VITAL that you take the correct malarial for the country you go to. If malarone is the right one, then still don't wait till you get there to buy it. Finding medication in developing countries is not easy, and may not be as cheap as you imagine (I've no idea how much it would cost, but lack of availability tends to push up prices).
You need to start taking the malarial before you get there in all cases.
Also, do everything you can to prevent being bitten. Cover as much flesh as possible as soon as it starts to get dark and all night (ie long sleeves and trousers). Wear at least 50% deet insect repellent, again in the evenings, night and mornings. If you're camping, spray an insecticide in your tent (usually about 20 minutes before you go to bed). Otherwise use a mosquito net.
Do have an amazing trip though, and don't worry too much about it!
Live like there is no tomorrow,
dance like nobody is watching
and hula hoop like wiggling will save the world.
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
old hand
898 posts
Location: Binstead, Isle of Wight
898 posts
Location: Binstead, Isle of Wight
Posted:
I don't think Lariam is still sold. Find a good doctor who knows what he/she's talking about. Last February I had to go to Ghana while 4 months pregnant. The first doctor I saw didn't have a clue and send me to the phamacist who told me to see a doctor. Then I found one who used to work in Africa so...
Travel clinics are often your best option as they're specialised in that stuff.
I don't think Lariam is still sold. Find a good doctor who knows what he/she's talking about. Last February I had to go to Ghana while 4 months pregnant. The first doctor I saw didn't have a clue and send me to the phamacist who told me to see a doctor. Then I found one who used to work in Africa so...
Travel clinics are often your best option as they're specialised in that stuff.
Ask a question and be a fool for a minute...don't ask and be a fool your whole life.
SILVER Member
veteran
1,237 posts
Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
veteran
1,237 posts
Location: Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Posted:
I know someone who's just been on a malarial vaccine trial, I was concerned as I was under the impression once you'd caught it, you had it for life, it just lies dormant and can spring up any time.
obviously amazing advances in science can happen, but I don't know about them, so, any one hot on the subject currently ?
I know someone who's just been on a malarial vaccine trial, I was concerned as I was under the impression once you'd caught it, you had it for life, it just lies dormant and can spring up any time.
obviously amazing advances in science can happen, but I don't know about them, so, any one hot on the subject currently ?
Blinded by Hyperlights, please donate generously 
SILVER Member
(...trusty steed of the rodeo midget...)
403 posts
Location: the state of flux, Ireland
(...trusty steed of the rodeo midget...)
403 posts
Location: the state of flux, Ireland
Posted:
james,
stay away from dodgy african medicin clones. I read a very scary report the other day about the percentage of fake drugs being sold, especially anti malarials!
james,
stay away from dodgy african medicin clones. I read a very scary report the other day about the percentage of fake drugs being sold, especially anti malarials!
SILVER Member
enthusiast
394 posts
Location: in the clouds..., United Kingdom
enthusiast
394 posts
Location: in the clouds..., United Kingdom
Posted:
Right, I've done some research! Currently the guidelines are that if you are visiting a country in sub-saharan Africa, the most effective prophylactic agents are: Mefloquine, Doxycycline or Malarone (which is a trade name for the combination of atovaquone and proguanil).
For North Africa, use Chloroquine and/or proguanil.
For all drugs except Malarone, you must start taking them 1 week before you leave, and continue for 4 weeks after you get back.
Oh! also, many strains of malaria are now resistant to chloroquine...
Yakumo, as to your question, there are treatments for malaria if you catch it and these are mainly higher doses of the same medications used in prophylaxis, sometimes in combination with each other. The prognosis depends on the strain of malaria you catch (there are several). Now, as for malaria recurring, I can't find an proper clinical explanation on this topic, hovewer, if the malaria is treated, there is usually a very good prognosis. .. I'll try to get back to you on that one!
Right, I've done some research! Currently the guidelines are that if you are visiting a country in sub-saharan Africa, the most effective prophylactic agents are: Mefloquine, Doxycycline or Malarone (which is a trade name for the combination of atovaquone and proguanil).
For North Africa, use Chloroquine and/or proguanil.
For all drugs except Malarone, you must start taking them 1 week before you leave, and continue for 4 weeks after you get back.
Oh! also, many strains of malaria are now resistant to chloroquine...
Yakumo, as to your question, there are treatments for malaria if you catch it and these are mainly higher doses of the same medications used in prophylaxis, sometimes in combination with each other. The prognosis depends on the strain of malaria you catch (there are several). Now, as for malaria recurring, I can't find an proper clinical explanation on this topic, hovewer, if the malaria is treated, there is usually a very good prognosis. .. I'll try to get back to you on that one!
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Posted:
3 People I know took homeopathics when they went to a wedding in Africa. One was fine, one got cerebral malaria and took 6 months to get to a functional level again and the other contracted malaria as well.
3 People I know took homeopathics when they went to a wedding in Africa. One was fine, one got cerebral malaria and took 6 months to get to a functional level again and the other contracted malaria as well.
Is it the Truth?
Is it Fair to all concerned?
Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
Im in a lonely battle with the world with a fish to match the chip on my shoulder. Gnu in Binnu in a cnu
BRONZE Member
Geek-enviro-hippy priest
1,858 posts
Location: Diss, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Geek-enviro-hippy priest
1,858 posts
Location: Diss, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Posted:
I heard something last night about this that shocked me:
Someone went to 10 different homoeopathic clinics saying they were going on a tour of Africa for a few months, all the way from the north to the south.
They said that the normal malaria pills gave them a stomach upset and was there anything else they could have they could have instead.
EVERY SINGLE clinic said "Don't take what the doctor told you to, take these" and gave them some homoeopathic pills.
I heard something last night about this that shocked me:
Someone went to 10 different homoeopathic clinics saying they were going on a tour of Africa for a few months, all the way from the north to the south.
They said that the normal malaria pills gave them a stomach upset and was there anything else they could have they could have instead.
EVERY SINGLE clinic said "Don't take what the doctor told you to, take these" and gave them some homoeopathic pills.
There's too many home fires burning and not enough trees
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Posted:
Thats scary.
Thats scary.
Is it the Truth?
Is it Fair to all concerned?
Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
Im in a lonely battle with the world with a fish to match the chip on my shoulder. Gnu in Binnu in a cnu
© 1998 - 2024 Home of Poi
All prices converted to United States dollars using XE.com