Hydroxychloroquine, a prescription drug, has been around since the 1940s. Doctors first prescribed it to treat malaria.
It’s more common to take it today if you have rheumatoid or lupus. It can be used to treat COVID-19, as you may have heard.
Certain conditions have more benefits than risks. It should only be taken if your doctor has approved it or participating in a clinical trial. It can have serious Hydroxychloroquine side effects. Here are the facts.
Why is this medication prescribed to me?
The treatment of acute malaria attacks with Hydroxychloroquine can be prevented and treated. Hydroxychloroquine can also be used to treat chronic inflammatory conditions of the skin, such as discoid-lupus-erythematosus or systemic lupus. It can also treat rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have not seen improvement with other treatments. Hydroxychloroquine belongs to the anti-malarial drug class. It kills malaria-causing organisms. Hydroxychloroquine can treat rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus by decreasing the immune system’s activity.
Is it able to treat COVID-19?
There is not much evidence. Because of promising early laboratory studies, there is interest in Hydroxychloroquine being used as a COVID-19 therapy. The drug did have some antiviral effects on cells infected by SARS-CoV-2. This is the virus that causes COVID-19. There is no evidence to suggest that the virus causes COVID-19 in humans. Since then, the studies have been retracted or pulled back.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the emergency use of Hydroxychloroquine in a limited time. After an extensive study, they pulled approval. There was no evidence that the drug could prevent deaths or improve COVID-19 patients’ lives.
What conditions does it treat?
It is most commonly used to treat autoimmune diseases. This is when your immune system mistakenly attacks your cells or tissue. This can cause inflammation, which can damage your joints, muscles, or even your internal organs.
Your doctor may prescribe Hydroxychloroquine in the following cases:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus, erythematosus
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Antiphospholipid syndrome
- Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome
Experts believe the drug alters how your immune cells send signals. It can also stop specific processes that are responsible for inflammation.
What additional information should I have?
- Overdose can make children more sensitive than others. Keep the medication away from children. For long-term treatment, Hydroxychloroquine should be avoided by children.
- All appointments should be kept with your doctor and laboratory. To check your response to Hydroxychloroquine, your doctor may order lab tests or electrocardiograms (EKG), which are tests to monitor your heart rhythm and beat.
- Your doctor may recommend regular eye examinations if you take Hydroxychloroquine long-term. These appointments should be kept. Vision problems can be caused by Hydroxychloroquine. You should immediately notify your doctor if you notice any vision changes.
- Don’t allow anyone to take your medication. If you have any questions about refilling your prescription, ask your pharmacist.
- You should keep a list of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines you take, along with many vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. This list should be kept with you at all times, whether you visit the doctor or are admitted to the hospital. This list is essential to have in an emergency.
