Atovaquone / Proguanil

What is Atovaquone/ Proguanil?

This treatment is the generic version of the well known anti-malarial medication Malarone. It contains two active ingredients, Atovaquone and Proguanil. The active ingredients are used to prevent a P. falciparum parasite infection in areas where there is resistance to other antimalarial drugs.  

What is the difference between Malarone and Atovaquone/ Proguanil? 

Generic Malarone (Atovaquone/ Proguanil) contains the same active ingredients in the same strength as Malarone. It is medically equivalent to Malarone, but available for a lower price.  The branded and generic versions work the same way in the body to prevent a malaria infection. All generic medications available in the UK have to demonstrate equivalency before they can be sold, meaning they have the same effect in the body as the original brand. Generic medicines are as equally effective as the original.

How does treatment work?

When an infected mosquito bites a human, it injects the parasite into the bloodstream. The anti-malarial treatment Atovaquone/ Proguanil targets the parasite and kills it before it can grow and spread. This prevents malaria from developing so it is important to start the treatment before you enter the endemic area.

How do I take Atovaquone/ Proguanil?

You should start the treatment with one Malarone tablet daily 1-2 days before entering the endemic area, for the entire duration of your stay and continue for at least one week after your return from the infected area to make sure that any malarial parasite presence in your body is completely eradicated. You should take your once daily dose with food to ensure maximum absorption into the body. It is very important you do not stop taking Malarone early, as it takes 7 days post-return to ensure that any malaria parasites in the blood are completely eradicated.