What should you know about G6PD deficiency triggers?

G6PD helps red blood cells handle oxidative stress. In someone with G6PD deficiency, an infection, a medicine, or certain exposures may overwhelm that protection. The cells can then break down more quickly, causing haemolytic anaemia. Possible clues include unusual tiredness, yellowing of the eyes, pale skin, breathlessness, a fast heartbeat, or dark urine. A trigger may cause a sudden episode even when a person felt well before it.

Triggers differ between people and depend on the medicine, dose, illness and degree of enzyme deficiency. Fava beans and some medicines are recognised concerns, but a clinician or pharmacist should check the exact product. Do not assume that every medicine in a broad category is unsafe.

Tell every doctor, dentist and pharmacist that you have G6PD deficiency before starting or stopping a medicine. Keep a current list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products and supplements, and check combination cold remedies rather than relying on a brand name. Treat infections promptly and follow the advice given for fever or other illness. Do not deliberately test a suspected trigger.

If a new product is suggested, ask whether it is suitable for your specific G6PD result. A blood test may help clinicians assess anaemia or investigate an episode, although testing during or soon after haemolysis can need careful interpretation.

Seek urgent medical assessment if you develop dark urine, pale skin, yellow eyes, marked weakness, dizziness, breathing difficulty or a racing heartbeat after an illness, food or medicine exposure. These symptoms can signal significant red blood cell breakdown. If you are unable to drink, faint, become confused or have severe breathlessness, use emergency services. Bring the suspected product or its name and your medication list.

Which medicines, foods and chemicals should I avoid with my G6PD result? How should I manage fever or an infection? Which symptoms mean I should attend urgently? Should relatives or a child in my family be tested?