Hydroxychloroquine

Brand names: Plaquenil

A gentle, long-used immune-modulating medicine that is a foundation of lupus treatment.

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Hydroxychloroquine

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How it works · Disease-modifying medicine

Overactive immune cells

In conditions like RA and lupus, immune cells are overactive and keep sending inflammatory signals.

Lupus, Sjögren’s disease, mild rheumatoid arthritis and antiphospholipid syndrome alongside other treatment.

It calms immune signaling inside cells and reduces the production of inflammatory messengers. In lupus it also lowers flares and protects organs.

A tablet taken once or twice a day with food. Full benefit takes 2 to 3 months.

Stomach upset, rash and, rarely, low blood sugar. Long-term use can rarely damage the retina, which is why eye exams matter.

A baseline eye exam, then yearly screening after 5 years of use, or sooner with risk factors. The dose is based on your weight.

Hydroxychloroquine is considered safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding and should usually be continued.

At a glance

Class

Conventional DMARDs & immunosuppressants

Brand names

Plaquenil

Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR

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For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.