Hydroxychloroquine 200mg

Aminoquinoline, Antimalarial Agent

CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship

The mechanism of how Hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil works for many conditions is not fully understood. As an antimalarial it is thought to interfere with the digestive vacuole of the malarial parasites that are sensitive to this agent by increasing pH and by decreasing the rate of hemoglobin degradation. It may also inhibit the movement of neutrophils and eosinophils (white blood cells) and may impair complement dependent antigen-antibody reactions.

Hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil is officially indicated for lupus erythematosus, malaria, and rheumatoid arthritis.  It is also prescribed off-label for dermatomyositis, porphyria cutanea tarda, primary Sjogren syndrome, Q fever, and sarcoidosis. (may be used for conditions not listed)

Before starting Hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil make sure your physician is aware of any allergies, medications you currently take, G6PD deficiency, gastrointestinal disorders, liver disease, porphyria, psoriasis, kidney disease, psychiatric conditions, diabetes, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

100-400mg once or twice daily

How to Take: Follow instructions provided by physician/pharmacy label, take consistently at same times each day unless otherwise directed, swallow whole, store at room temperature, take after food or milk to reduce gastrointestinal upset.

You Need to Avoid: Avoid excessive alcohol consumption as it may increase liver toxicity.

Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, nightmares, QT prolongation.

Hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil can also cause retinopathy and if caught early can be reversible, so it is important for regular eye exams, one of which should be done within a year of initiating therapy as a baseline.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects.

1. What do I do if side effects are intolerable?
   If side effects are causing a lot of distress speak to your physician as soon as possible to discuss options.