Atovaquone/Proguanil (Malarone)

Malarone Tablets Online UK

Written by Clinical Pharmacist Hywel McGlinchy

You can request to buy Malarone online for your trip abroad online, with Simple Online Pharmacy. Whether you are on Safari in Africa, island hopping through Indonesia or seeing Indias rural wonders, Malaria is a threat that should be taken seriously. Malaria is one of the world most lethal diseases and is spread by mosquitoes, present in many tropical and subtropical countries. There is no vaccination, however, malaria tablets are highly effective in preventing malaria.

You can order Malarone or generic Malarone tablets through our registered online doctor service. After completing the online consultation, our doctor will review your assessment and prescribe the selected medication where appropriate. Our pharmacy will then dispense and dispatch your prescription to your door.

What is Malarone?

Malarone is an antimalarial medicine primarily used to prevent or treat malaria. Malaria is caused by an infected mosquito biting a person which can then pass on the malaria parasite P. falciparum into the blood. Entering into a malaria area without the necessary precautions can be dangerous as in 2019 malaria claimed over 400,000 lives.

Malarone is the original branded version of the combination medication, atovaquone, and proguanil. As GSK the makers of Malarone have now lost exclusivity over the manufacture, there are now less expensive versions of Malarone available. Sometimes known as 'generic Malarone’, these options contain exactly the same active ingredient as Malarone and are medically equivalent. These are still manufactured to the highest standards, yet generic Malarone is significantly cheaper than the original branded Malarone.

Visit the Fit For Travel site before completing the online consultation, and find out if Malarone is the antimalarial you need.

Effectiveness

In order to be protected from the moment you enter the malaria risk area, you must begin 1-2 days before you travel. For maximum effectiveness, ensure you follow the directions for use closely.

A study on Malarones effectiveness found that it gave over 95% protection for malaria. This can be further improved by using preventative measures such as mosquito nets, insect repellents and wearing long sleeve protective clothing.

How to take Malarone

Malarone and the generic version should be started 1-2 days before entering a malarial zone.

The adult dose is one tablet daily, starting 1-2 days before travelling to the risk area, taking one each day while in the area, and continuing to take one tablet daily for seven days after leaving.

This medicine is preferred by some people due to the need to be taken for only 7 days after returning as opposed to 28 days like the alternatives require.

How it works

Malarone works by killing the parasite that causes Malaria. As you start taking the medication before you enter the malarial zone, there should be high enough levels of the drugs in your body to kill the parasite should be bitten by a carrier mosquito. 

Malarone Price

The price of the branded Malarone is significantly more expensive than atovaquone/proguanil (generic Malarone). Both medications are medically equivalent and contain the same amount of the active ingredient, so unless you have an intolerance to an inactive ingredient in Malarone, most patients elect to use the generic form which is cheaper.

Our Malarone prices are checked weekly, and we always aim to have the cheapest Malarone price online. As we have the lowest price guarantee, we will match any price you find cheaper elsewhere.

Malarone Summary

Malarone Alternatives

Other malaria tablets available from our online doctor include 

• Doxycycline
• Lariam (mefloquine)

You should also use bite prevention measures to minimise the risk of bites or contraction of the disease. Using insect repellents containing DEET, wearing long sleeve clothing and using mosquito nets, are all methods of ensuring you are reducing your risk of contracting malaria.

Read more about Malaria or visit the NHS choices website for further information.

Malarone is a well-tolerated medicine, however, as with any medication you take, there is always a risk of side effects occurring. Some are more common than others, and often side effects may subside with the regular usage of the medicine. If the side effects do not subside, you should report them to us, or your GP.

Common Side Effects

• Headaches
• Upset stomach
• Nausea / Vomiting
• Stomach Pain
• Diarrhoea
• Dizziness
• Itchy rash
• Insomnia

The side effects listed below are more serious, and you should stop taking Malarone, and report these to your GP immediately.

• Swollen eyelids, face, and lips. Sign of allergic reaction.
• Sudden wheezing, tightness of chest.

The side effects listed below are serious, and you should stop taking Malarone, and report these to your GP as a matter of urgency

• Blistering skin rash
• Rash, with blistering or peeling skin, particularly around your mouth, nose, eyes or genitals.

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.

• Malarone PIL
• Atovaquone / Proguanil / Generic Malarone PIL

Warnings and precautions

There may be those who are not suitable for Malarone tablets. When completing your assessment with Simple Online Pharmacy, ensure you provide us with all the information requested for your safety.

Do not take this medicine if:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Are allergic to any listed ingredient
• Have kidney problems

Other Medicines

Some medicines can interact with Malarone and its generic. It is important that you discuss your suitability further with a doctor if you take warfarin, metoclopramide, tetracycline, rifampicin, rifabutin, HIV treatments or cancer treatments.

Although this medicine can be used to treat malaria, the dose provided is for the prevention of malaria when entering a malaria zone only. If you believe you have malaria and need treatment, seek medical attention immediately.