Question

Which malaria prophylaxis should I take?

12 August 2010. Related: All topics, Drug interactions, Opportunistic infections.

Hi!

First of all I want to thank you for all your help. My question is this:

I am HIV positive on medication. I take tenofovir, 3TC and efavirenz. I frequently go to areas endemic for malaria. What kind of a prophylaxis should I take that does not react with the HIV medication I take.

Thanks

Answer

Answer: Charlotte Walker

Thank you for your question.

Unfortunately, as a UK-based organisation we are not familiar with which malaria prophylaxis is available in Ethiopia. However, usually there are no drug interactions with HIV treatments and malaria prophylaxis. If you have any particular drugs in mind that you would like to take please let me know and I can find out if there are any interactions.

The only malaria prophylaxis which may cause problems in terms of side effects is Larium (mefloquine) as it is often associated with causing bad dreams, sleeplessness and mood swings. As these side effects are similar to the efavirenz side effects you could find that taking both at the same time makes any side effects you have a lot worse.

If your HIV doctor is not very knowledgeable about malaria prophylaxis then you could try going to a hospital with international doctors such as MSF who should be able to advise you about the best prophylaxis available to you in Ethiopia.