Malarone vs. Doxycycline (Doc V?)

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In your area, the International Travel Clinic at Mercy Outpatient Center, 3659 S. Miami Ave Suite #3001; (305) 285-2666, has a very good reputation.

If you go there, please let me know of your experience.

Best regards.

DocVikingo
 
By using a reputable US online discounter, the cost of coverage for a 2 week trip for an adult will be approximately:

Malarone (too new for generic)=$120

Doxycycline (generic capsules)=$20

Mefloquine (generic tablets)=$63

Best regards.

DocVikingo
 
DocVikingo:
In your area, the International Travel Clinic at Mercy Outpatient Center, 3659 S. Miami Ave Suite #3001; (305) 285-2666, has a very good reputation.

If you go there, please let me know of your experience.

Best regards.

DocVikingo
Click to expand...
Thanks. That's a five minute drive from my work, so I will definitely make an appointment.
 
I'm curious about your statement that, "Lariam for 2 weeks, on the other hand, might be a bit cheaper here. A two week trip requires 8 tablets."

For chemoprophylaxis in the usual case, our CDC recommends the first dose of mefloquine 1 week before arrival in the malaria-risk area, followed by once weekly while in the area, and then once weekly for 4 weeks after leaving. The manufacturer of the brand name Lariam recommends the same schedule.

By my calculations (admittedly not one of my strong points), that would require only 7 tablets for coverage of a 2 week trip.

Given the potential adverse reactions to mefloquine, one certainly wants to endeavor not to take any more than necessary.

Have I made an error, or do the tropical medicine folks down in Oz recommend an alternative schedule?

Thanks,

DocVikingo
 
DocVikingo:
I'm curious about your statement that, "Lariam for 2 weeks, on the other hand, might be a bit cheaper here. A two week trip requires 8 tablets."

For chemoprophylaxis in the usual case, our CDC recommends the first dose of mefloquine 1 week before arrival in the malaria-risk area, followed by once weekly while in the area, and then once weekly for 4 weeks after leaving. The manufacturer of the brand name Lariam recommends the same schedule.

By my calculations (admittedly not one of my strong points), that would require only 7 tablets for coverage of a 2 week trip.

Given the potential adverse reactions to mefloquine, one certainly wants to endeavor not to take any more than necessary.

Have I made an error, or do the tropical medicine folks down in Oz recommend an alternative schedule?

Thanks,

DocVikingo
Click to expand...

You're right in what you say DocVikingo. One week prior is the manufacturer's recommendation, and also that of CDC.

The usual recommendation in these parts however, is 2 weeks prior to entering the malarious region. The rationale is that there is a better chance of detecting adverse side effects, and introduce an alternative if necessary.

If someone is going to need Lariam for a long time, (= big expenditure) we will often trial them with a 2 week course, a month or so prior to departure.
 
I can see the logic to that as long as patients understand that it is a deviation from manufacturer recommendations.

Thanks,

DocVikingo
 
My thanks to all the doctors who have supplied information relating to my questions. I had hoped that my decision on antimalarials for the kids wouldn't be too hard at their ages, but it seems I probably should have waited a couple more years before travelling to a region with malaria. But I am sure with the advice I received on here, along with a visit to a travel medicine specialist that we will find a solution.

regards, BD
 
I spend a lot of time in PNG. I have used different medications in that time. The best I've used is Doxy. The boat I usually dive with very much prefers it to ALL of the others. Do check out the DAN sight. It doesn't seem to like Malaron as much as Doxy.

I'll be spending a month there starting the 28th of May. Yes, I'll be using Doxy again. Since I really don't like the idea of melanoma, the sun sensitivity problem is not a worry for me.
 
Allison Finch:
I spend a lot of time in PNG. I have used different medications in that time. The best I've used is Doxy. The boat I usually dive with very much prefers it to ALL of the others. Do check out the DAN sight. It doesn't seem to like Malaron as much as Doxy.

I'll be spending a month there starting the 28th of May. Yes, I'll be using Doxy again. Since I really don't like the idea of melanoma, the sun sensitivity problem is not a worry for me.
Click to expand...

Checked DAN site and can't find anythng about Malarone. Could you post a link. I seem to be search challenged this morning.
 
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