How does it work?

Hydroxychloroquinine is used in the treatment of some auto-immune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. In these diseases the body's immune system is over-active and slightly defective. The body develops antibodies which attack and cause damage to its own cells. Damage can occur anywhere in the body, such as in the joints or cartilage as in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. As a result of the damage to the joints, reduced mobility and stiffness in the affected joints is experienced. Hydroxychloroquine is thought to act by interfering with the production and release of blood cells that are involved in the body's immune defence system. Hence the autoimmune response of the antibodies against its own body, is reduced and as result the amount of damage to the cells is minimized and prevented. As it has the potential to prevent progression of the disease, by limiting the damage caused, it is often referred to as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARDS) and is commonly used very early in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine is also used in treating skin conditions that are caused or aggravated by sunlight.

What is it used for?

Inflammatory disease of the joints

Long-term inflammation of skin and some internal organs (systemic lupus erythematosus) or related diseases e.g. scleroderma

Severe inflammatory diease of the joint that commonly occurs in children and adolescents (juvenile arthritis)

Skin damaged by the sun

Skin disorders caused or made worse by sunlight

Warning!

This medication may cause a blurring of vision. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

People taking this medicine should have regular blood tests to check the levels of their blood components.

It is recommended that eye examinations are carried out before starting treatment with this medicine and repeated every six months in the course of the treatment. This medicine should be discontinued if any visual problems develop.

Use with caution in

Disease affecting the brain and nervous system (neurological disease)

Gastro-intestinal conditions

Individuals taking medicines that may cause skin reactions or impair vision

Kidney disease

Lack of the chemical G6PD in the blood (G6PD deficiency)

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Liver disease

Psoriasis

Severe blood disorders

Not to be used in

Allergy to quinine

Pre-existing abnormality of the eye (eye maculopathy)

Pregnancy

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk in small amounts. Seek medical advice from your doctor before breastfeeding.

Label warnings

Do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this medication.

Take this medication with or after food.

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