What is another name for G6PD deficiency?

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that helps red blood cells handle oxidative stress. When the enzyme is low or absent, red blood cells may break down more quickly during an illness or after exposure to a trigger. This breakdown is called haemolysis. Some people have no symptoms between episodes, while others develop tiredness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, pale skin, or dark urine during an episode.

The condition is inherited and is more common in some families and ancestry groups. Having the condition does not mean a person is currently ill, but it is useful information for every clinician, pharmacist, and emergency team.

Keep the full medical name and diagnosis in your health records. Tell clinicians before starting a new medicine, and ask which medicines, chemicals, or foods should be avoided. Do not stop a prescribed treatment without advice. A blood test can help confirm the diagnosis, although timing after haemolysis can affect interpretation. Read more about [Blood Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/blood-test/).

Seek urgent medical assessment for sudden marked weakness, breathlessness, fainting, a fast heartbeat, yellow eyes, or urine that becomes tea-coloured or very dark. These can signal rapid red blood cell breakdown or anaemia. Learn more about [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/) and [Pale Skin](/symptoms/pale-skin/).

Ask which triggers matter for you, whether relatives should be tested, and how the diagnosis will be recorded for future prescriptions. Ask what symptoms should prompt same-day assessment.