What should you know about G6PD deficiency?

G6PD helps protect red blood cells from chemical stress. When activity is low, a trigger may lead to haemolysis, meaning red cells are removed faster than the body replaces them. Some people have no symptoms between episodes. During a reaction, tiredness, yellowing of the eyes, pale skin, breathlessness or dark urine may appear. The condition is not an allergy, and the safe list of medicines depends on the individual drug and dose.

Tell every doctor, dentist and pharmacist that you have, or may have, G6PD deficiency. Keep a current list of medicines and avoid starting a new prescription, supplement or traditional remedy without checking it. Ask whether an infection needs prompt treatment, because illness itself can trigger red-cell breakdown. A blood test can help assess the enzyme and the effects of haemolysis; testing may need careful timing after an episode.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden breathlessness, fainting, severe weakness, confusion, chest discomfort, yellow skin or eyes, or urine that becomes markedly dark. These signs can indicate rapid red-cell breakdown or anaemia. If a new medicine is followed by unusual fatigue, fever or a change in urine colour, contact a clinician promptly and take the medicine packaging with you.

Which medicines, foods and remedies should I avoid? Do my relatives need testing? How should I handle infections or planned surgery? What symptoms mean I should seek urgent help?