G6PD Deficiency: What It Is, How It Affects Medications, and What You Need to Know
When your body doesn’t make enough G6PD deficiency, a genetic condition where the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase doesn’t work properly, making red blood cells vulnerable to damage. Also known as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, it’s one of the most common inherited enzyme disorders worldwide, especially in people of African, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian descent. Without enough G6PD, your red blood cells can break down suddenly when exposed to certain triggers—like some medications, foods, or infections—leading to a dangerous condition called hemolytic anemia.
This isn’t just about rare reactions. If you have G6PD deficiency, common drugs like primaquine, an antimalarial drug known to cause severe hemolysis in people with this condition, or even aspirin, a widely used pain reliever that can trigger red blood cell breakdown in susceptible individuals, can be risky. The same goes for sulfa drugs, nitrofurantoin, and some antibiotics. Even eating fava beans—something called favism—can cause a crisis. It’s not about being allergic. It’s about your cells lacking the tools to handle oxidative stress, and that’s why knowing your status matters before taking any new medicine.
Many people live with G6PD deficiency without ever knowing it—until they get sick after taking a drug their doctor didn’t realize could be dangerous. That’s why it’s critical to tell every healthcare provider you see, even if you’ve never had symptoms. A simple blood test can confirm it, and once you know, you can avoid the triggers. It’s not a disease you cure—it’s a condition you manage by staying informed. The good news? Most people live normal, healthy lives once they learn what to avoid. The key is awareness, not fear.
Below, you’ll find real-world guidance on how G6PD deficiency affects medication safety, which drugs to watch out for, and how to spot early signs of trouble before it becomes serious. These aren’t theory-based articles—they’re practical, tested advice from people who’ve been there and from clinicians who’ve seen the consequences of missing this detail.
- By Percival Harrington
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- 4 Dec 2025
Nitrofurantoin and Hemolytic Anemia: What You Need to Know About G6PD Deficiency Risk
Nitrofurantoin can cause life-threatening hemolytic anemia in people with G6PD deficiency. Learn who’s at risk, what symptoms to watch for, and safer alternatives for treating UTIs.