Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Buying Malarone in Morocco or other west african country Buying Malarone in Morocco or other west african country
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Aug 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 142
Buying Malarone in Morocco or other west african country
I've planned to use Doxycycline against malaria when driving through africa, but I'm a bit worried about the "sun sensitivity" side affect. Malarone is my only alternative, since Lariam gives me dizzy spells. Malarone is VERY expensive here in Norway (about US$2000 per year), but I'm wondering if it can be bought in Morocco or other places in west africa cheaper.
Does anyone know? Can it be bought without a perscription?

Erik D.

www.dunia.no

------------------
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Aug 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Lindfield, West Sussex, England
Posts: 92
I'm a bit confused. Do you intend taking anti-malaria drugs for an entire year?

You can only take Doxycycline for six months. Malarone has a dosage limit of 37 days which will only give you 28 days protection (2 before, 28 in situ, and 7 after).
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Aug 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 142
Terry,

According to the info I've recieved from several doctors (who don't know each other) using Doxy for a year is not a major problem.
I also personally know people who have used Malarone for nearly a year (the government payed the bill...) with no problems.
I think there was even a "public anouncment" regarding Malarone and that the FDA (or whatever it's called) in the US has given the green light for prolonged use.

Erik D.

www.dunia.no

------------------
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 28 Aug 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
I would seriously check that you really need to take any anti-malarial for a year - exactly how long are you going to be in malarial regions?

Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Aug 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 142
Sam,

As far as I've understood, from southern Mauritania and until we reach southern africa, we will be in potential malaria areas. This will take about a year...
Any thoughts?

Erik D.

www.dunia.no

------------------
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 Aug 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
Sorry! Just thought I'd check - quite often people calculate their requirements on the length of the whole trip, not the malarial part of it!

Have a good one!

Sam.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Aug 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Lindfield, West Sussex, England
Posts: 92
Malarone is a drug manufactured by the UK company GlaxoSmithKline.

I have just talked by phone to their head of licensing. Malarone is still only licensed for 37 days continual use in the UK. He is not aware of any country, including Norway and the US that allows it to be used for longer periods. He was very concerned to hear that people are suggesting that it can be taken for a year.

There was a recent announcement by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stating that Malarone has a better safety profile than the older antimalarial drugs.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 29 Aug 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 142
Terry,

You are correct with the licensing for 37 days. But it seems that some people have "over looked" that rule and used it for longer instead of using Lariam.
Perhaps the 37 day limit is simple because GlaxoSmithKline haven't yet gone through the time consuming prosess of getting it cleared for longer(with the FDA etc.)? Hopefully this will eventually happen, since it seems to have less side affects than the other drugs.
Re. the FDA, it was probably your statement that I vagely ( and a bit incorrectly)remembered.

Bottom line: Malaria sucks...

Erik D.

www.dunia.no

------------------
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Sep 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Posts: 26
We are from the Netherlands and have the same issue. We'll be in Malaria territory for more than 4 weeks (probably much much longer) and my wife has so much side effects from Lariam that she is no longer allowed to use it. We went to the best hospital for tropical diseases in the Netherlands (the Harbour Hospital in Rotterdam). It is indeed true that doctors are only allowed to prescribe malarone for 35 days (which is effectively 4 weeks) BUT there are numerous research projects around the world for longer use of malarone. A research for use of 6 months has already been finalised and results were very positive. They are now doing research into more than 6 months use and my wife will participate in this research (and thus get a prescription for 1 year). The doctor at the hospital told us the only reason the official period is 4 weeks is that they have the legal obligation to prove by using several hundred 'human case studies' that there are no dangerous side effects from loger use (or less effectiveness).
__________________
http://www.overlanders.net
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 8 Sep 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: France
Posts: 353
Is it really wise to subject yourself to the known side affects for that long?
We're heading off next month for the standard trans-Africa over eleven months. Despite explaining that my wife is a total mossie magnet, the tropical desease specialist where we went for our jabs has very very strongly recommended against anti malaria drugs for such a long time.
He prefers to supply us with malaria treatment, with repeated prescription, that we take at the slightest onset of a symptom.
Added to that the copious use of DEET and Permethrin should (apparantly) do the job.
After all, it's better not to get bitten.
We'll let you know
Luke
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 8 Sep 2003
Robbert's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Gent, Belgium
Posts: 523
There's pro's and cons.

I heard people being in favor of using malarone as cure rather then profylax. Taking the 'small' doses for longer periods as profylax encourages the developpment of resistent bugs, while taking it as a cure doesn't bother you to much (as long as you're early with it).

It seems that especially Benin is bad for Lariam resistent Malaria.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:22.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top