Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Malaria mainly spreads through mosquito bites, but less common routes of transmission include blood transfusion, shared needles and from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth.

Although malaria is preventable and treatable, it remains one of the most common travel-related diseases among people leaving the UK. Even a single mosquito bite in a high-risk region can lead to severe illness. In its most severe form - particularly with Plasmodium falciparum - malaria can cause organ failure, coma, and can be fatal without prompt treatment.

This is why malaria prevention is essential for anyone travelling to an endemic area. Antimalarial tablets, mosquito-bite protection, and proper travel health advice significantly reduce your risk of infection. Taking the correct medication before, during, and after your trip is the most effective way to stay safe.

Malaria symptoms usually present within 10-15 days after a mosquito bite and they include but are not limited to:

• High fever
• Chills and shaking
• Headache 
• Fatigue and weakness
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Muscle and joint pains
• Sweating

Diagnosis is usually done through microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) or through advanced Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing and treatment depends on the specific parasite involved and the severity of the malaria. 

Prevention and control measures include insecticide-treated mosquito nets, antimalarial tablets, vaccines, environmental management of mosquito breeding sites, and using mosquito repellents.

Malarone

At Tepham, we provide Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil), one of the most effective and trusted antimalarial tablets for preventing malaria in high-risk destinations. Malarone tablets contain a combination of atovaquone and proguanil, medications used to treat malaria. 

Malarone is widely recommended for UK travellers due to its excellent protection against Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous malaria parasite found in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and South America. It is used in the prevention and treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

The two active ingredients in the tablet work together as antimalarial agents. Atovaquone interferes with the parasite's mitochondria, stopping it from producing oxygen, while proguanil inhibits an enzyme needed for the parasite's DNA replication. Together, they work to interfere with the growth of malaria parasites in the red blood cells of the human body.

Malarone is to be taken orally, one tablet once daily every 24 hours, with food or a milky drink to ensure proper absorption.

For prevention: Start taking Malarone 1-2 days before going to an area where malaria is common. Keep taking Malarone during your entire stay and for at least 7 days after you have left the area.

For treatment: Take Malarone once daily for 3 days. Complete the dosage even though symptoms regress.

• Must be used exactly as prescribed 
• Do not take Malarone if you have kidney or liver disease
• Consult your doctor before use if pregnant
• Do not use if allergic to atovaquone or proguanil

• Fever and mouth sores
• Uncontrolled vomiting and/or diarrhoea 
• Nausea
• Severe skin rash
• Stomach upset
• Insomnia
• Itching
• Weakness or dizziness
• Loss of appetite, dark urine and jaundice

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of the side effects of Malarone. Contact your doctor and seek medical help if any of these effects or more occur.

Whether you’re travelling for work, holiday, or visiting family abroad, Malarone offers strong and reliable protection against malaria. Book your antimalarial consultation with our pharmacy team today to get personalized advice and the medication you need for a safe and healthy trip.