What should you know about G6PD and malaria prophylaxis?

G6PD protects red blood cells from oxidative stress. Some medicines used for malaria prevention or treatment can add that stress, and people with G6PD deficiency may develop haemolysis. The choice depends on your test result, destination, malaria species or resistance pattern, other medicines and health conditions.

Prevention is broader than tablets. Mosquito bites can be reduced with repellent, covered skin, screened rooms or bed nets, while malaria can still occur despite precautions. Fever during travel or after returning from a malaria area needs prompt medical assessment; tell the clinician where you have been.

Arrange a travel health consultation early enough to review the itinerary and confirm your G6PD status. Do not borrow antimalarial tablets or start a leftover course. Ask the prescriber to explain the exact medicine, schedule, interactions and what to do if you vomit or miss a dose. Keep the prescription and diagnosis details accessible while travelling.

Use bite-avoidance measures consistently, especially from dusk through dawn where local guidance recommends them. Read destination-specific advice because malaria risk and recommended prevention vary by region.

Seek urgent medical care for fever, chills, sweats, headache, confusion, severe weakness, breathlessness or dark urine during or after travel to a malaria area. Fever may be malaria or another infection, and symptoms can worsen quickly. Tell the team that you have G6PD deficiency and name every antimalarial or other medicine taken.

Is my G6PD result suitable for the recommended prevention medicine? What alternatives are available? How long should I continue protection after travel? Which fever symptoms require emergency care?