Plaquenil

Plaquenil Drug Information

• Plaquenil Overview

  Hydroxychloroquine is used to prevent or treat malaria infections caused by mosquito bites. It does not work against certain types of malaria (chloroquine-resistant). The United States Center for Disease Control provides updated guidelines and travel recommendations for the prevention and treatment of malaria in different parts of the world. Discuss the most recent information with your doctor before traveling to areas where malaria occurs. Plaquenil is also used, usually with other medications, to treat certain auto-immune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) when other medications have not worked or cannot be used. It belongs to a class of medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It can reduce skin problems in lupus and prevent swelling/pain in arthritis, though it is not known exactly how the drug works.

• How to Use Plaquenil

  Hydroxychloroquine is usually taken with food or milk to prevent stomach upset. The dosage and length of treatment are based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, Dosage of Plaquenil is also based on weight. For malaria prevention, take Plaquenil by mouth once a week on the same day of the week, or as directed by your doctor. Mark a calendar to help you remember. Plaquenil is usually started 2 weeks before entering the area with malaria. Take it once weekly while in the area, and continue taking it for 4 to 8 weeks after leaving the area or as directed by your doctor. To treat malaria, follow your doctor's instructions. For lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, take Plaquenil by mouth, usually once or twice daily or as directed. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Once you have been taking the medication for a while and your condition has improved, your doctor may instruct you to lower your dose until you find the dose that works best with the fewest side effects. If you are also taking a certain drug for diarrhea (kaolin) or taking antacids (such as magnesium/aluminum hydroxide), take hydroxychloroquine at least 4 hours before or after these products. These products may bind with hydroxychloroquine, preventing your body from fully absorbing it. Use Plaquenil regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. If you are taking it on a daily schedule, take it at the same time each day. Take Plaquenil exactly as prescribed. Do not stop taking it without talking with your doctor, especially if you are taking it for malaria. It is important to continue taking this for the length of time prescribed. Stopping prevention or treatment too soon may lead to infection or a return of the infection. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. It may take several weeks or months to see improvement if you are taking this for lupus or arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine may not prevent malaria in all cases. If you experience fever or other symptoms of illness, seek immediate medical attention. You may need a different medication. Avoid exposure to mosquitoes. (See also Notes section.)

• Plaquenil Precautions

  Before taking hydroxychloroquine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other aminoquinolines (e.g., chloroquine); or if you have any other allergies. Plaquenil may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Plaquenil, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,certain eye problems (macular disease, retinal or visual field problems from other aminoquinolines such as chloroquine), alcohol dependency, certain blood disorder (porphyria), certain genetic problem (G-6-PD deficiency), diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, certain skin problems (e.g., atopic dermatitis, psoriasis). Hydroxychloroquine may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using hydroxychloroquine,certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using hydroxychloroquine safely. Plaquenil may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Alcohol can also increase your risk of liver problems while you are taking Plaquenil. Plaquenil may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Plaquenil, especially QT prolongation (see above). Caution is advised when using Plaquenil in children because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. Plaquenil is not recommended for long-term use in children. If a child accidentally takes Plaquenil, even a small amount can be very harmful (possibly fatal). Be sure to keep Plaquenil out of the reach of children. Plaquenil should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Plaquenil passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Plaquenil Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Plaquenil, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Plaquenil Interactions

  See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.ampicillin, cimetidine, digoxin, penicillamine.

• Plaquenil Side Effects

  What are Plaquenil side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Plaquenil may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Plaquenil as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Plaquenil

  The side effects of Plaquenil may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Plaquenil. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Plaquenil may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Plaquenil, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Plaquenil.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Plaquenil, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Plaquenil and the side effects associated with Plaquenil are described in the following:

  Common Plaquenil Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Less Frequent Plaquenil Side Effects

  Severe

  • retinal disorder
  • corneal opacity
  • disorder of cornea

  Less Severe

  • blurred vision
  • mouth discoloration
  • pruritus of skin
  • nail discoloration
  • alopecia
  • hair bleaching
  • dyschromia
  • dizziness
  • skin rash
  • anorexia
  • headache disorder
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • nervousness

  Rare or Very Rare Plaquenil Side Effects

  Severe

  • glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency anemia
  • aplastic anemia
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • agranulocytosis
  • skin photosensitivity
  • exfoliative dermatitis
  • drug-induced psychosis
  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease
  • Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis
  • urticaria
  • seizure disorder
  • angioedema
  • hypoglycemic disorder
  • cardiomyopathy
  • prolonged QT interval
  • torsades de pointes
  • suicidal
  • leukopenia
  • heart failure
  • ventricular arrhythmias
  • hearing loss
  • pigmentary retinopathy
  • visual field defect
  • maculopathy
  • corneal deposits
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • acute hepatic failure
  • porphyria
  • myopathy
  • neuromuscular disease
  • Acquired Dystonia
  • dyskinesia
  • Erythema Multiforme
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
  • toxic epidermal necrolysis
  • DRESS syndrome

  Less Severe

  • mood changes
  • acquired chromatopsia
  • muscle weakness
  • vertigo
  • tinnitus
  • nystagmus
  • visual changes
  • weight loss
  • ataxia
  • tremor
  • irritability
  • nightmares
  • fatigue

• Plaquenil Storage

  Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Plaquenil when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.