HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE

Hydroxychloroquine is a medication containing the active ingredient hydroxychloroquine. For several decades, it has been used to treat and prevent malaria. The drug also manages certain autoimmune conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. In early 2020, hydroxychloroquine received significant attention for its potential use in treating COVID-19. During the COVID-19 pandemic, considerable speculation and debate surrounded its effectiveness as a COVID-19 treatment. Some early laboratory studies and reports indicated it might possess antiviral properties and could be useful in reducing the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initially approved hydroxychloroquine on April 18, 1955.

Hydroxychloroquine treats autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and discoid & systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body recognizes its tissues and cells as foreign antigens and starts attacking them. This medication is used to prevent and treat uncomplicated malaria. It also treats and prevents graft vs. host disease in patients recently undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Hydroxychloroquine capsules or tablets are taken orally. The medication is usually taken once a day, with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. Swallow the capsule or tablet whole without crushing or chewing it.

Hydroxychloroquine can cause a range of side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, rash, abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, and hair loss. Serious side effects, although rare, can include cardiac effects such as QT prolongation, retinal toxicity leading to vision changes, blood disorders, allergic reactions, and potential liver or kidney problems.

Hydroxychloroquine carries warnings regarding potential cardiac effects, retinal toxicity, blood disorders, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal effects, psychiatric effects, dermatological reactions, pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations, drug interactions, and the lack of recommended use for COVID-19 treatment.

To use hydroxychloroquine safely, follow these precautions: consult a healthcare professional, report symptoms promptly, undergo regular eye exams, monitor blood counts if needed, be vigilant for allergic reactions, take it with food, be aware of psychiatric and dermatological changes, consider pregnancy and breastfeeding implications, disclose all medications, and follow recommended guidelines for specific conditions while recognizing its lack of recommendation for COVID-19 treatment.

Safety is paramount when using Hydroxychloroquine or any medication. A healthcare professional should assess your medical history and current condition to guide appropriate use. Potential side effects warrant awareness, and any concerning symptoms should be reported to your doctor without delay. Regular blood monitoring may be required, particularly for patients at higher risk or those with pre-existing blood disorders. Maintaining clear communication with your healthcare team supports safe use of this medicine.

Zentiva, Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC), [Revised on Dec 2021] [Accessed on 16th May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1764.pdf Douglas F. Lake and Adrienne D. Briggs, Immunopharmacology, Lange’s Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 977-1002. Concordia Pharmaceuticals Inc, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on Jan 2017] [Accessed on 16th May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/009768s037s045s047lbl.pdf H Khoury et al; Hydroxychloroquine for the prevention of acute graft-versus-host disease after unrelated donor transplantation; Published on 01/11/2003; Accessed on 16/05/2023; https://www.astctjournal.org/article/S1083-8791(03)00294-5/fulltext