Plaquenil

The active ingredient in Plaquenil is hydroxychloroquine sulfate. It reduces inflammation and suppresses the overactive immune response that causes symptoms such as joint pain, fatigue, and skin rashes in autoimmune diseases like lupus. It also helps reduce symptoms of pain and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis. By controlling the immune system, Plaquenil helps alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression, and may also be used for other autoimmune conditions, such as Sjögren's syndrome and malaria.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Plaquenil. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Plaquenil:

• Take Plaquenil with a full glass of water or with food to prevent stomach upset.
• The dosage of Plaquenil is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Do not adjust your dose without consulting your doctor.
• It may take several weeks or months of consistent use before you experience the full benefits of Plaquenil. Continue taking it even if you feel well.
• If you are taking Plaquenil for malaria prevention, start the medication 2 weeks before entering an area where malaria is common. Continue taking it during your stay and for 4 weeks after leaving the area.
• If you are using Plaquenil for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, it is typically taken once or twice daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose over time to achieve the best response.
• Do not crush, chew, or break Plaquenil tablets. Swallow them whole.
• If you miss a dose of Plaquenil, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

The most common side effects of Plaquenil seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Rash
• Hair changes
• Muscle weakness
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Hair loss
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Mood changes

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Plaquenil. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious allergic reactions
• Skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Tell your doctor immediately if you experience a rash or blisters on your skin
• Hemolytic anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Bleeding
• Serious infections
• Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation) or cardiomyopathy
• Suicidal thoughts and/or behavior
• Retinopathy
• Severely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Notify your doctor immediately if you experience blurred vision, sweating, vision problems, or dizziness
• Toxicity in your body, such as your eyes or skin
• Retinal damage
• This is more common in people who already have damage to the eye’s retina

These are not all of the possible side effects of Plaquenil. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Plaquenil, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• An allergy to any of the ingredients in Plaquenil
• Plaquenil is also contraindicated with people who are allergic to 4-aminoquinoline drugs
• Vision problems or eye problems, such as macular degeneration
• You may need to get regular eye exams while taking Plaquenil
• Diabetes
• Heart problems, such as heart failure or heart rhythm disorder
• Porphyria (a blood disorder)
• Skin problems (such as psoriasis)
• Alcoholism
• A stomach disorder
• A genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)

Patients with a known hypersensitivity to 4-aminoquinoline compounds.

Plaquenil can take several weeks to months to show noticeable effects, as it works gradually to suppress the immune system and reduce inflammation. In conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, it may take 4 to 12 weeks to experience significant symptom improvement. It’s important to continue taking the medication as prescribed and attend follow-up appointments to monitor progress.

When Plaquenil is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any drug interactions, including:

• Digoxin
• Ampicillin
• Rifampicin
• Methotrexate
• Cyclosporine
• Cimetidine
• Praziquantel
• Antacids
• Tamoxifen
• Heart rhythm medications

For children, the dose often changes due to body weight. The tablets, however, only come in one strength of 200 mg.

Store at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep it in a dry place away from moisture and heat. Avoid storing it in the bathroom.

Keep Plaquenil in its original container with the lid tightly closed.

Protect it from light. Store Plaquenil out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.

Do not use the medication after the expiration date, and dispose of it properly if it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for safe disposal methods.

Plaquenil is manufactured by Sanofi.

Currently, there is a lower-cost generic available for the brand name Plaquenil. Related medications include Aralen (chloroquine) and Rheumatrex (methotrexate).

To stop taking Plaquenil, consult your healthcare provider, as they will determine if discontinuation is appropriate for your condition. Abruptly stopping the medication could lead to a flare-up of symptoms or disease progression, so your doctor may recommend gradually tapering the dosage.

Hydroxychloroquine is often used to treat autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which can worsen during pregnancy. In these cases, the benefits of controlling the disease may outweigh the potential risks. Some studies suggest that hydroxychloroquine does not significantly increase the risk of congenital malformations or adverse pregnancy outcomes. If hydroxychloroquine is deemed necessary during pregnancy, close monitoring by healthcare providers is recommended to manage any potential risks.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Currently, Plaquenil is generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding. However, hydroxychloroquine is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. The amount of drug that passes to the infant through breast milk is generally considered to be low and unlikely to cause harm. While significant adverse effects in breastfed infants are rare, it's important to monitor the infant for any potential side effects, such as diarrhea or unusual symptoms.