Malarone Cost
Malarone, an antimalarial agent, is used to help prevent and treat malaria infections, a red blood cell infection that is transmitted by a mosquito bite.
As the costlier option, there is a generic version of Malarone on the market, ATOVAQUONE-PROGUANIL (a combination two of the medicines), at a fraction of the cost.
How much does Malarone cost?
The cost of Malarone will depend on a few factors, including the type you’re prescribed (brand or generic), the dosage, where your medication is prescribed and the quantity. From our researching comparing the top pharmacies — CVS, Target, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Costco — the average price was $7.15 per Malarone tablet or closer to $0.20 per ATOVAQUONE-PROGUANIL tablet.
Type/Dosage | Average Price |
---|---|
ATOVAQUONE-PROGUANIL 250mg/100mg | - 30 tablets: $150 - 50 tablets: $228 - 100 tablets: $425 |
Malarone 250mg/100mg | - 30 tablets: $215 - 50 tablets: $375 - 100 tablets: $725 |
As for insurance, your results will greatly vary, but for most, many did claim Medicare and many private insurance companies will cover Malarone, while the same can be said about the generic version, ATOVAQUONE-PROGUANIL. On this TripAdvisor.com forum thread, for instance, travelers discussed insurance coverage for Malarone, with many the responses claiming their insurance would not cover Malarone but would cover other travel-related immunizations and medication. To be certain, check with your health insurance company and/or pharmacy for more information as to what you should be responsible for, but do not be surprised if you’re denied.
Malarone usage
To make sure this medication is as effective as possible, be sure to take it at the same time every day.
Take this medicine with either a milky-like drink or with food as this will help your body absorb the maximum amount of medicine.
There are reports of those vomiting in less than an hour after taking the medication, and if this were the case, it is recommended you take the entire dosage once again until your stomach can handle it.
If your child has a hard time swallowing, the medication can be crushed or mixed with a condensed milk before administered.
Dosages
The dosing will be different for all patients, and as with any prescription, be sure to closely follow your doctor’s orders to ensure it remains effective. For most, however, adults, who are using it for malaria prevention, will take 1 tablet starting at least 24 to 48 hours before the trip begins, once a day while in the malarial infested area and for seven days following the completion of the trip.
For treatment, an adult will take four adult strength tablets once a day for three days in a row until symptoms improve.
As for children, the dosage will vary depending on the child’s weight and the doctor’s recommendation.
Malarone side effects
Reported side effects may include allergic reactions, breathing problems, vision changes, fever, skin blistering, feeling weak, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain and/or trouble sleeping. This is not a complete list of all of the side effects. For more information in regards to the side effects you may experience, refer to this official FDA documentation. As with any side effects, talk with your medical doctor immediately if you experience any of the said side effects.
Tips to know
Always keep away from any moisture, heat and direct light and stored in a tight container away from children and pets.
GSK, the manufacturer of the drug, does offer an assistance program for those who do qualify. This supporting program can help decrease the costs of your prescription, again, if you qualify for it. For more information, refer to the application on the official website at GSKForYou.com.
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