Hydroxychloroquine is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in joints of fingers, wrists, feet, and ankles).
This medicine is also used to treat discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the skin or other organs of the body).
It is also used in the prevention and treatment of malaria (a disease characterised by chills, fever, and sweating that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito).
This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Take Hydroxychloroquine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine with food or a glass of milk. Swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet. Try to take it at the same time each day or depending on your doctor's advice.
Hydroxychloroquine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have had maculopathy (an eye problem which affects the inside layer of the eye called retina) as Hydroxychloroquine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart rhythm disorder and other heart conditions e.g. heart failure (weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood), heart attack, slow heartbeat
- G6PD deficiency (an inherited blood disorder that affects the red blood cell)
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- psoriasis (a type of skin disease that allows the skin cells to rapidly build up causing itchy patches of thick, red skin and silvery scales)
- history of bad reaction to quinine (medicine for malaria)
- severe stomach or gut problem
- severe problems with your nervous system or brain
- severe blood disorder
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Hydroxychloroquine to a child.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. eye examination, liver and kidney functions, blood counts, muscle strength) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs of cardiomyopathy (a disease related to the heart muscle) and serious skin reactions may also be needed.
You may experience some problems with your eyesight, such as blurred vision. Always keep your doctor updated on any changes in your eyesight. If you cannot see clearly, avoid driving and any activity in which you need to be alert.
Hydroxychloroquine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Other side effects include any of the following: stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, tiredness, dizziness with sensations of spinning, ringing in the ears, weight loss, loss of appetite, nervousness, nightmares, hair loss, hair colour changes, itchiness, rash, and dark skin patches.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- difficulty in breathing, coughing, swelling, fast or irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness, low amount of urine, chest pain
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth, or eyes accompanied by fever
- signs and symptoms of low blood sugar e.g. dizziness, shaky hands, feeling hungry, weak or confused, sweating
- trouble controlling body movements, stiffness, shaking or abnormal movements in the mouth and tongue
- changes in eye colour, sensitivity to light or the way you see colour
- muscle weakness, cramps, or spasm
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour) or having thoughts of self-harm
This medicine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for irregular heartbeat e.g. amiodarone
- medicines to treat depression
- medicines for mood disorders
- certain antibiotics e.g. moxifloxacin, azithromycin, ampicillin
- medicines for diabetes e.g. insulin
- medicines for fits or seizures
- other medicines for malaria e.g. mefloquine
- certain medicines for cancer e.g. methotrexate, tamoxifen
- ciclosporin (medicine used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders)
- digoxin (medicine for heart disease)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- agalsidase (medicine for enzyme replacement)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Hydroxychloroquine.
Hydroxychloroquine should not be taken with antacids as antacids could reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. If you must take antacids, take them between meals at least 2 or 4 hours after you have taken this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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