Malaria drug defended despite risks

The Department of Defence is continuing to prescribe a controversial malaria drug to personnel serving overseas, despite its manufacturers adding yet another health warning to its use.

Lariam, which poses a risk of “serious mental health problems” in as many as one in 10 people and can cause heart, digestive, skin, and sight problems, is also being linked to kidney failure.

In an updated patient information leaflet, manufacturers Roche, added as a possible side effect: “Kidney malfunction, failure or infection, causing impairment or cessation of urine formation, infection of the urinary ways, blood in urine.”