Uniquin Side Effects

Ocular effects: Retinopathy with changes in pigmentation and visual field defects can occur, but appears to be uncommon if the recommended daily dose is not exceeded. In its early form it appears reversible on discontinuation of UNIQUIN. If allowed to develop, there may be a risk of progression even after treatment withdrawal. Patients with retinal changes may be asymptomatic initially, or may have scotomatous vision with paracentral, pericentral ring types, temporal scotomas and abnormal colour vision. Corneal changes including oedema and opacities have been reported. They are either symptomless or may cause disturbances such as haloes, blurring of vision or photophobia. They may be transient and are reversible on stopping treatment.
Blurring of vision due to a disturbance of accommodation which is dose dependent and reversible may also occur.
Dermatologic effects: Skin rashes sometimes occur; pruritus, pigmentary changes in skin and mucous membranes, bleaching of hair and alopecia have also been reported. These usually resolve readily on stopping treatment. Bullous eruptions including very rare cases of erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, photosensitivity and isolated cases of exfoliative dermatitis have been reported. Very rare cases of acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) has to be distinguished from psoriasis, although hydroxychloroquine may precipitate attacks of psoriasis. It may be associated with fever and hyperleukocytosis. Outcome is usually favourable after drug withdrawal.
Gastrointestinal effects: Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, diarrhoea, anorexia, abdominal pain and, rarely, vomiting may occur. These symptoms usually resolve immediately on reducing the dose or on stopping treatment.
CNS effects: Less frequently, dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, headache, nervousness, emotional lability, toxic psychosis and convulsions have been reported with this class of drugs.
Neuromuscular effects: Skeletal muscle myopathy or neuromyopathy leading to progressive weakness and atrophy of proximal muscle groups have been noted. Myopathy may be reversible after drug discontinuation, but recovery may take many months. Associated mild sensory changes, depression of tendon reflexes and abnormal nerve conduction may be observed.
Cardio-vascular effects: Cardiomyopathy has been rarely reported. Chronic toxicity should be suspected when conduction disorders (bundle branch block/atrioventricular heart block) as well as biventricular hypertrophy are found. Drug withdrawal may lead to recovery.
Hematologic effects: Rarely, there have been reports of bone-marrow depression. Blood disorders such as anaemia, aplastic anaemia, agranulocytosis, a decrease in white blood cells and thrombocytopenia have been reported. Hydroxychloroquine may precipitate or exacerbate porphyria.
Liver effects: Isolated cases of abnormal liver function tests have been reported; rare cases of fulminant hepatic failure have also been reported.
Allergic reactions: Urticaria, angioedema and bronchospasm have been reported.
Metabolism and nutrition disorders: Hypoglycaemia. Frequency: unknown.