G6PD Medications: What You Need to Know Before Taking Them

When you have G6PD deficiency, a genetic condition where your red blood cells lack enough of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase to protect them from damage. Also known as favism, it means certain medications can trigger a sudden breakdown of red blood cells — a dangerous condition called hemolytic anemia. This isn’t rare. Millions worldwide carry this gene, especially people of African, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian descent. The problem? Many common drugs — even over-the-counter ones — can be deadly if you don’t know you have it.

Think of your red blood cells like tiny oxygen delivery trucks. G6PD is the mechanic keeping them running. Without it, stress from certain drugs causes those trucks to explode inside your veins. That’s why hemolytic anemia, a rapid loss of red blood cells leading to fatigue, dark urine, and jaundice can hit fast and hard. It’s not just about feeling tired. Severe cases need emergency care, blood transfusions, and can even be fatal. The good news? You can avoid it completely — if you know what to avoid.

Some of the worst offenders include sulfonamide antibiotics, like sulfamethoxazole, often found in urinary tract infection meds, and primaquine, a malaria drug used in travelers and military personnel. Even aspirin, in high doses, can be risky. And don’t forget natural products like fava beans, which contain compounds that trigger the same reaction as bad medications. These aren’t myths — they’re documented in medical journals and hospital case reports. If you’ve ever had unexplained jaundice after taking a new pill or eating beans, you might already have G6PD deficiency.

Here’s the reality: most doctors don’t test for it unless you’re from a high-risk group or have a clear reaction. That means many people take dangerous drugs without knowing. The only way to stay safe is to get tested — or assume you have it if you’re from a region where it’s common. Keep a list of unsafe drugs handy. Share it with every pharmacist and doctor. Ask: "Is this safe for someone with G6PD deficiency?" If they hesitate, walk away.

Below, you’ll find real-world guides on medications that can trigger this reaction — from antibiotics to painkillers to herbal supplements. You’ll see what works instead, what to watch for, and how to talk to your provider without sounding paranoid. This isn’t theoretical. These are the drugs people are taking right now, and the mistakes they’re making. You don’t need to be one of them.