Lumerax 80: price, uses & cheaper substitutes

Lumerax 80 contains artemether 80 mg and lumefantrine 480 mg, an artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) for uncomplicated falciparum malaria – the dangerous type common during and after the monsoon. It kills the malaria parasite quickly; it is not for prevention.

Adults over 35 kg take 6 doses over 3 days: one tablet at the start, one 8 hours later, then one twice a day for 2 more days. Always with food or milk. Finish all 6 doses even if the fever is gone, and get a repeat blood smear to confirm the parasite has cleared.

Lumefantrine is absorbed poorly without fat – taking it on an empty stomach can reduce absorption so much that the treatment fails. Take each dose with a meal, milk or a fatty snack.

If you vomit within 1 to 2 hours of the dose, take another full dose. If you cannot keep tablets down, go to a hospital – severe malaria with vomiting needs injectable artesunate, not more tablets.