G6PD Deficiency

You must avoid fava beans (broad beans) and any products containing them, as they contain high levels of oxidants. Common medications to avoid include antimalarials like primaquine and chloroquine, sulfonamide antibiotics, nitrofurantoin, dapsone, and methylene blue. Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist that you have G6PD deficiency before starting any new prescription, over-the-counter drug, or herbal supplement, as many common pain relievers and antibiotics can trigger red blood cell breakdown. Can I safely receive a blood transfusion if I have G6PD deficiency?::Yes, blood transfusions are generally safe and are a standard treatment for severe hemolytic anemia in G6PD patients. However, it is critical to inform the blood bank and your doctor of your condition. While the donor blood itself does not need to be from a G6PD-deficient person, the medical team must ensure that the transfusion process does not involve any oxidizing agents or incompatible medications that could trigger a reaction in your remaining healthy red blood cells. How does G6PD deficiency affect pregnancy and newborn screening?::G6PD deficiency is an X-linked recessive trait, meaning it is passed from mother to son. If a mother is a carrier, there is a 50% chance her sons will have the deficiency and a 50% chance her daughters will be carriers. Newborns with G6PD deficiency are at higher risk for severe jaundice (hyperbilirubinemia) shortly after birth. Routine newborn screening can detect this, and affected infants may require phototherapy or, in severe cases, exchange transfusions to prevent brain damage from high bilirubin levels. What are the early warning signs that a hemolytic episode is starting?::Early signs often appear within 24 to 72 hours after exposure to a trigger. Look for sudden fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. You may notice your urine turning dark brown or tea-colored, which indicates hemoglobin in the urine. Other signs include pale skin, yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), and a rapid heart rate. If you experience these symptoms after taking a new medication or eating fava beans, seek immediate medical attention to prevent severe anemia.