CDC - Malaria - Premaquine Shortage

Primaquine Shortage

The antimalarial drug primaquine is not available until late September 2011, according to the drug’s manufacturer Sanofi-aventis. Primaquine is the only drug that can be used to eliminate hypnozoites, the dormant forms of the malaria parasites. To prevent clinical relapses of Plasmodium vivax and ovale, healthcare providers may choose to maintain persons at risk for relapse on weekly chloroquine prophylaxis until primaquine is available again. Additionally, during the shortage, primaquine should not be prescribed for primary chemoprophylaxis. This notice will be updated as more information becomes available.

For more information about recommended antimalarial drugs by country, see "Malaria Endemic Areas by
Country". For general information about antimalarial drugs, see “Drugs for Prevention

CDC - Malaria - Premaquine Shortage