What to avoid with G6PD deficiency

G6PD helps red blood cells handle chemical stress. In deficiency, infections, certain medicines, fava beans, or naphthalene in mothballs may cause red cells to break down. Tell every doctor and pharmacist about the deficiency before starting treatment. Do not stop a prescribed medicine without advice.

Check antibiotics, antimalarials, pain medicines, supplements, and traditional remedies with a pharmacist. Avoid mothballs and ask about household products. During an infection, follow the treatment plan and watch for unusual tiredness, pale skin, yellowing, or dark urine. Keep the diagnosis visible in medical records.

Seek urgent care for dark urine, marked weakness, breathlessness, fast heartbeat, fainting, yellow skin, or rapidly worsening pale skin after a new medicine, food, chemical exposure, or infection. These signs can indicate red-cell breakdown and need assessment.

Ask for a personal avoid list, whether a new medicine needs a blood test, how to manage infections, and which symptoms require urgent care. Ask how family members can be assessed when appropriate.