OBJECTIVES: To determine adverse events associated with the use of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis in Peace Corps volunteers who have served in malaria-endemic countries 6 months or longer. METHODS: Survey of Peace Corps volunteers' adverse events associated with the use of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis between August 1, 2005 and July 31, 2006. Analyses were conducted in fall 2006. RESULTS: Two thousand seven hundred and one surveys were received (43% response rate) from volunteers in malaria-endemic countries, with 1,731 (64%) in country for 6 months or longer (average 19 months). Nearly two thirds (62%) reported at least one adverse event. Those on mefloquine reported the most neuropsychologic adverse events; those on doxycycline reported the most gastrointestinal as well as skin and vaginal adverse events. Nearly one quarter of respondents (23%) changed their chemoprophylaxis regimen due to adverse events. Severe adverse events were reported by 9% of respondents, and 1% reported being hospitalized. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse events were frequently reported among volunteers using antimalarial medications for more than 6 months, but very few were severe or required hospitalization. In light of the large number of adverse events, having multiple drug regimens available for the long-term traveler may be one method of maintaining adherence to antimalarial chemoprophylaxis.
OBJECTIVES: To determine adverse events associated with the use of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis in Peace Corps volunteers who have served in malaria-endemic countries 6 months or longer. METHODS: Survey of Peace Corps volunteers' adverse events associated with the use of antimalarial chemoprophylaxis between August 1, 2005 and July 31, 2006. Analyses were conducted in fall 2006. RESULTS: Two thousand seven hundred and one surveys were received (43% response rate) from volunteers in malaria-endemic countries, with 1,731 (64%) in country for 6 months or longer (average 19 months). Nearly two thirds (62%) reported at least one adverse event. Those on mefloquine reported the most neuropsychologic adverse events; those on doxycycline reported the most gastrointestinal as well as skin and vaginal adverse events. Nearly one quarter of respondents (23%) changed their chemoprophylaxis regimen due to adverse events. Severe adverse events were reported by 9% of respondents, and 1% reported being hospitalized. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse events were frequently reported among volunteers using antimalarial medications for more than 6 months, but very few were severe or required hospitalization. In light of the large number of adverse events, having multiple drug regimens available for the long-term traveler may be one method of maintaining adherence to antimalarial chemoprophylaxis.
Authors: David L Saunders; Eric Garges; Jessica E Manning; Kent Bennett; Sarah Schaffer; Andrew J Kosmowski; Alan J Magill Journal: Am J Trop Med Hyg Date: 2015-06-29 Impact factor: 2.345
Authors: A Boggild; J Brophy; P Charlebois; M Crockett; J Geduld; W Ghesquiere; P McDonald; P Plourde; P Teitelbaum; M Tepper; S Schofield; A McCarthy Journal: Can Commun Dis Rep Date: 2014-05-15