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 red blood cells lack the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, making them vulnerable to damage from certain triggers. Also known as fava bean disease, it affects millions worldwide, especially in regions where malaria was once common. This isn’t just a lab result—it’s something that can turn a simple pill into a health emergency if you don’t know your limits.

People with G6PD deficiency have red blood cells that break down too easily under stress. That’s why certain antibiotics, painkillers, and even some foods like fava beans can cause hemolytic anemia, a sudden drop in red blood cells that leads to fatigue, dark urine, and jaundice. It’s not rare—it’s just underdiagnosed. Many people live their whole lives without knowing they have it until they take a drug like sulfamethoxazole or naphthalene and suddenly feel awful. The good news? You don’t need to avoid everything. You just need to know what to watch for.

Drugs that are risky include some sulfa antibiotics, aspirin in high doses, and certain antimalarials like primaquine. Even some herbal supplements and mothballs can be dangerous. But here’s the key: not everyone reacts the same way. Severity varies by mutation and ethnicity. A person of African descent might react differently than someone of Mediterranean or Asian background. That’s why blanket warnings don’t always work—you need to know your own risk. If you’ve ever had unexplained jaundice as a baby, or a bad reaction after taking antibiotics, it’s worth asking your doctor about testing.

There’s no cure, but there’s a clear path to safety. Keep a list of unsafe medications. Ask pharmacists to double-check before filling prescriptions. Wear a medical alert bracelet if you’ve had a reaction before. And if you’re planning surgery or need antibiotics for an infection, don’t wait—tell your provider upfront. Many of the posts below cover exactly this: how common drugs like antibiotics, pain relievers, and even antacids can interact with G6PD deficiency in ways most people never think about. You’ll find real examples of what triggered reactions, what worked instead, and how to talk to your doctor without sounding alarmist. This isn’t about fear. It’s about control.