PLAQUENIL (Hydroxychloroquine)

Important

According to leading French pharmaceutical company report, Hydroxychloroquine could potentially treat COVID-19 patients as it shows “promising” test results.

Description

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is considered a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD). It can decrease the pain and swelling of arthritis. It may prevent joint damage and reduce the risk of long-term disability. Hydroxychloroquine is in a class of medications that was first used to prevent and treat malaria.

Today, it is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, some symptoms of lupus, childhood arthritis (or juvenile idiopathic arthritis) and other autoimmune diseases. It is not clear why hydroxychloroquine is effective at treating autoimmune diseases. It is believed that hydroxychloroquine interferes with the communication of cells in the immune system.

How to use Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine comes in an oral tablet. Adult dosing ranges from 200 mg or 400 mg per day (6.5mg/kg). In some cases, higher doses can be used. It is recommended one tablet twice daily if taking more than one tablet. It is recommended to be taken with food. Symptoms can start to improve in one to two months, but it may take up to six months before the full benefits of this medication are experienced.

Side effects

Hydroxychloroquine typically is very well tolerated. Serious side effects are rare. The most common side effects are nausea and diarrhea, which often improve with time. Less common side effects include rash, changes in skin pigment (such as darkening or dark spots), hair changes, and muscle weakness. Rarely, hydroxychloroquine can lead to anemia in some individuals. This can happen in individuals with a condition known as G6PD deficiency or porphyria.

In rare cases, hydroxychloroquine can cause visual changes or loss of vision. Such vision problems are more likely to occur in individuals taking high doses for many years, individuals 60 years or older, or those with significant kidney disease. At the recommended dose, development of visual problems due to the medication is rare. It is recommended that you have an eye exam within the first year of use, then repeat every one to five years based on current guidelines.