LAST UPDATED: 4/23/23 – Are Antimalarial Medications Worth Taking?

It is a question that I have asked myself a few times before traveling internationally.  Are antimalarial medications worth taking?? Do I take an antimalarial and deal with the sickness that is often a side-effect, or do I forgo the antimalarial and increase my odds of getting Malaria?  The answer to that question seems pretty straightforward, and it probably is.  However, you would be surprised at how many people actually choose to not take an antimalarial before their trip.

According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, roughly half the world’s population (or close to 3.2 billion people) live in areas that put them at risk of contracting Malaria.  In 2016, roughly 216 million people contracted the disease and roughly 445,000 people died from its effects.  That just shows you how huge of an issue Malaria is, especially in Africa where roughly 91% of the deaths from Malaria occur.

Why Some People Choose Not to Take an Antimalarial

So with statistics that show just how widespread and devastating Malaria can be, why is there even discussion about not taking an antimalarial before traveling to a high-risk area of the world?  There are several reasons that I have read people give that can be summarized as follows:

• The side effects of the antimalarial make me sick (the most common reason).
• I am using mosquito netting or an insect repellent, so I should be fine.
• I don’t have the time or money to get the antimalarial.
• Antimalarial medication isn’t guaranteed effective.  If I get sick, I will deal with it when I get back.

It’s an important topic, and I want you all to be aware of the discussions that are out there, so I have included some links to some recent articles and discussions I have read online.

• Need help with making a decision on “Malaria Pills”
• ‘I regret not taking malaria pills’
• People might not take this potential Malaria drug just because it turns their urine blue
• Malaria: The dangers of not taking anti-malaria tablets
• Should I take anti-malaria medication or not?
• Are Anti-malaria pills necessary if no mosquito bites?

I can certainly understand the reasoning behind some of these reasons for not taking an antimalarial when you travel, but I don’t necessarily agree with any of them.

On Side Effects

It is quite common for some of the antimalarial medications that are out there to make you feel nauseous when you take them.  This is truer for some than others, but they all have certain side effects that you have to deal with.  The CDC has an amazing chart that you can refer to before choosing which antimalarial will be best for you.  They also have an amazing chart that lists important Malaria related information by country.

Even though there are some side effects to antimalarial medications, these side effects pale in comparison to the devastating effects of Malaria.  Instead of completely avoiding antimalarial medications, I think the much smarter approach is to talk to your doctor about your concerns and find the antimalarial that gives you the least amount of side effects.  They each affect people differently and you need to know which is best for you.

On Preventative Measures

Using mosquito netting, insect repellent, and other preventative measures, can be effective in limiting exposure to malaria-carrying mosquitoes.  However, they should not be considered alternatives to taking an antimalarial.  All it takes is one mosquito bite to transmit the disease.  So, while limiting your exposure by using mosquito netting, insect repellent, and wearing long sleeve shirts is a great idea, these measures should be used in addition to taking an antimalarial if you are visiting a high-risk area.

On Cost and Time

I really sympathize with those who worry about the cost of acquiring an antimalarial before they travel.  Some of these medications can be quite costly, and sometimes they are not covered by insurance.  However, is cost alone a reason to question whether antimalarial medications are worth taking?

I have much less sympathy for those who say they can’t find the time to see a doctor about getting an antimalarial.  This should be a high priority when traveling to a high-risk area.

I do think that we need to find a way to make these medications much more available and affordable to all.  Malaria is one of the biggest health threats worldwide, and eradicating this terrible disease should be a priority.  Until that day comes when the risk is gone, I would suggest that you do everything possible to find a way to work it into your trip finances.  It really is important and should be a high priority.

On Not Being 100% Effective

Finally, I have read more than a few times about people who have chosen not to take an antimalarial before they travel because the antimalarial medications aren’t 100% effective.  Instead, they have opted to travel without an antimalarial and indicated that they would deal with it when they get home if they get sick.  Many of these individuals have traveled to high-risk areas in the past and have been fine, so it seems they have become desensitized to the issue.

While it is true that no antimalarial medication is 100% effective, it absolutely does reduce your risk of serious illness should you get infected.  I liken this decision to wearing a seat belt when you drive.  Are they guaranteed to save your life if you get in an accident?  No, but they are certainly going to reduce your risk of injury if you do get in a wreck.  We would strongly suggest that you take the pills.  You are much safer if you do.

Your Thoughts?

What are your thoughts on antimalarial medications?  Do you always take one when you travel to high-risk areas?  If you don’t, why have you chosen not to?  If you do take them, what medication have you typically chosen to take, and did you experience any side effects?  We would love to hear your opinions on this topic.  So please, leave us a comment.

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