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.
Although there are few drug interactions with hydroxychloroquine, to be safe be sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and natural remedies. This information is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition. Do you need help? Call Help Get more information. How to Take It Hydroxychloroquine comes in an oral tablet.
Hydroxychloroquine
Be sure to notify your other physicians when taking this drug. This drug does not have a strong effect on the immune system, so vaccines recommended by other physicians are generally acceptable. Notify your eye doctor when you are on this medication so regular visual screening tests can be performed. If you are pregnant, considering becoming pregnant, or lactating, please discuss this with your doctor before taking this medication.
The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, skin rash or black spots when you look at things. Most side effects will go away when your body gets used to the medicine. Tell your doctor if you have these side effects. A lower dose may stop them. Do not lower the dose on your own. Plaquenil stays in your body for about 3 months.
If you must stop it, it will take a while for the side effects to go away. You should have an eye examination every year to prevent a very rare but serious eye problem. Less than one person in 5, develops the problem.
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Only an eye doctor can see if you have a problem with your retina. Almost always the damage will go away if it is found early and the medicine stopped. You should not take this medicine if you already have problems with the retinas in your eyes. You should not take this if you have an allergy to antimalarial medications. Read our easy-to-print PDF version of this fact sheet.
Coronavirus (COVID) Resources For Pharmacists
Please note: This information is intended to complement, not replace, the advice and care you receive from medical and health professionals. Even though hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug, don't assume it will protect you if you're travelling to an area where there's a risk of malaria. Always check with a healthcare professional what precautions you need to take against malaria.
Methotrexate is a DMARD used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, vasculitis and psoriatic arthritis.
Learn the risks and side-effects. However, if you're also taking methotrexate you should keep well within the recommended limits no more than 14 units of alcohol per week for adults as methotrexate can interact with alcohol and affect your liver. In some circumstances your doctor may advise lower limits. We suggest you discuss your medication with your doctor if you're planning to have a baby, become pregnant or are thinking of breastfeeding.
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®) Drug Information Sheet
Current guidelines state that hydroxychloroquine can be taken during pregnancy. It's often best to continue with it to prevent a flare-up of your condition as the benefits usually outweigh any possible risks. You can also breastfeed while you're on hydroxychloroquine. Hardly any of the drug passes into the breast milk and there's no evidence it has any effect on the baby.
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Uses Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat: rheumatoid arthritis discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus SLE juvenile idiopathic arthritis JIA. Are there any reasons I won't be prescribed hydroxychloroquine? How is it taken? Hydroxychloroquine is taken in tablet form, with or after food.