Anti-Malaria tablets- OK?

[suzy1959]

I am thinking of going to Kenya on safari for my big birthday next summer. does anyone know if the anti-malaria tablets are contra-indicated with Pred.? Also any of the other vaccinations not to be used?

[Primarose]

I don't know the answer to your query but your local pharmacy or your doctor would know if it's safe to take the meds.

[SnazzyD]

Hello, well done for thinking so far ahead. I’d go to a Travel clinic because it’s their daily work and are used to people presenting with complex medical problems who need to be viewed holistically rather than someone just looking up the vaccine in a medicines book. Docs don’t know these things unless they specialise in it; I know, I worked with them. Travel health is a lot more involved than just vaccinations and pills because there are so many other infectious risks not covered by them to be aware of and it may affect your plans. Kenya is a high risk for malaria so going without antimalarials would be extremely foolhardy, but there are options. Yellow fever is also a potential issue in some areas and the vaccine is live so may be contraindicated for you. You need to have a proper risk assessment done for you.

[SheffieldJane]

If you google contraindications in medicines you will get some useful information.

I went to Kenya a few years ago and found that the anti malarial tablets gave me the permanent runs. I had opted for the non Larium one because of the psychotic effects that I feared. Now I would be concerned about retaining enough Prednisalone in my system, as well as two meds that have psychosis in the side effects. There are also all the inoculations to individually, consider. I needed a Yellow Fever certificate to enter the country and had to have a Measles jab amongst others.

You need qualified pharmaceutical advice on this.

Surely there is a way to have this wonderful experience safely.

I wish you every bit of good fortune that enables this dream to happen.

We had an unforgettable, amazing experience. In spite of going at election time and being caught in a gun battle. We all hit the floor of the Safari bus whilst the driver sped through. Later we found bullet dents in the side of the vehicle.

Let us know what you discover. My wealthy bil goes on Safari

to South Africa. I was born in Nairobi and would love to go back but it’s a bit benighted I’m afraid.

[suzy1959 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Wow! That was quite an experience! I do know South Africa has non-malarial areas but doesn't look as good for a first safari experience. I think calling a travel clinic is a good idea for the expert advice. Thank you all. I can always rely on a useful response here!

[Christophene in reply to SheffieldJane]

I went to South Africa, and then via Rovos Rail to Zimbabwe up to Vic Falls. We did go to an infectious disease, travel medicine specialist well before departure, and also had the Yellow Fever vaccinations and Hepatitis vaccinations.

You had quite a nerve wracking episode in a war zone. How shaken were you, and how lucky too.

We went around in open jeeps in the Londolozi Camp. I was never fearful except for the solitary male elephants, and the occasional water buffalo. When the elephant put his ears back, and scuffed his hooves back and forth, we knew he was agitated and the only thing keeping us alive was the elephant's good will.

Water buffalo are not very smart, and gives no warning before he charges. This was a walk with no jeep for protection. Our guide had his rifle ready just in case, but the animals were more afraid of us, and left us in peace.

My daughter did go to Kenya on her honeymoon and flew to Nairobi. She loved it.

But when I went it was when I was younger and healthier and not on Prednisone. I can't answer the question at hand, except to say you should see a travel medicine consultant. But I am so happy that you feel well enough to go.

Some people do stop the malaria pills when they get home. DONT. You must have that extra couple of weeks of protection taking it back home b/c some incubation periods are long. Have a wonderful time; the trip of a lifetime.

And be sure to use DEET !

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Christophene]

This thread is a year or more old!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Any live vaccines should be regarded as out-of-bounds. Travel clinics may be able to help but I doubt you would get better advice than here:

thehtd.org/travelclinic.aspx

If the Hospital for Tropical Diseases doesn't know - who is likely to!

[Rose54]

Hi

I contracted the local hospital for tropical disease when we went and all injections where given buy them with a host of helpful information

[Judy211]

Hi Suzy. I was in Kenya a couple of months ago and I took Malarone...no side effects at all. I was on 5mg Pred at the time but my understanding is these two drugs are not contraindicated so should be fine if you are on a higher dose. You will have the most amazing time! I’ve got friends there and it’s a wonderful country to visit.

Judy

[suzy1959]

Thank you for all your help. I just got an e-mail back from Dr. Hughes and the news is that yellow fever is fine with Pred. as are the anti-malarials. That is a relief!!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to suzy1959]

That's handy to know - someone asked about yellow fever on another forum this morning.