Hi: I am travelling to South Africa in 2 weeks and I will be on Benicar only. Can I also take Malarone to protect against malaria? My infectious disease doctor has prescribed 1 a day Malarone while I am in South Africa. I won't be taking Minocycline yet, since I haven't begun that cycle. I also don't want to stop taking the Benicar, since after only 3 days I am actually feeling much better.
Malarone is a new antimalarial that is more expensive but has fewer side effects than mefloquine or doxycycline .. Studies have shown Malarone to be 98% effective in prevention of malaria which is as effective as mefloquine or doxycycline.
We have no data on interactions between Benicar and this drug, but you should work with your doctor to test for drug interactions well before leaving on your journey.
This issue does not usually arise in our cohort, as folk who are sick enough to need the MP generally do not travel to the tropics until their dose of Minocycline has built up to levels at which it can act as a prophylactic in the same way as its cousin, doxycycline.
Welcome to our MP questions board. I see you haven't started posting on the main study site yet. As you've started Benicar, you should start a Progress Report in the Benicar only Forum.
South Africa in the summer is going to be difficult for someone with Th1 disease, because of the sun. Take care to cover up completely if you must go out, and use zinc oxide sunscreen on your face. Please see Light Sensitivity.
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