Prescription Hydroxychloroquine (value) Drug Information

Fundoscopy is also recommended every six months in addition to current blood screens if taken continuously Hydroxychloroquine is not effective against all strains of malaria, or against malaria in areas where the infection has been resistant to a similar drug called chloroquine. You should not use hydroxychloroquine if you are allergic to hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine. High doses or long-term use of hydroxychloroquine may cause irreversible damage to your retina (the membrane layer inside your eye that helps produce vision). This could progress to permanent vision problems. The risk of retinal damage is higher in people with pre-existing eye problems, kidney disease, or people who also take tamoxifen. Vision changes or damage to your retina caused by an anti-malaria medication;heart disease, heart rhythm disorder (such as long QT syndrome);diabetes;a stomach disorder; an allergy to quinine;liver or kidney disease;psoriasis; alcoholism;porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system); or a genetic enzyme deficiency called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. To prevent malaria: Hydroxychloroquine is usually taken once per week on the same day each week. Start taking the medicine 2 weeks before entering an area where malaria is common. Keep taking the medicine during your stay and for at least 4 weeks after you leave the area. To treat malaria: Hydroxychloroquine is usually given as one high dose followed by smaller doses during the next 2 days in a row. Hydroxychloroquine side effects yellowing of your eyes; ringing in your ears, trouble hearing;unusual mood changes;severe muscle weakness, loss of coordination, underactive reflexes;low blood cell counts - fever, chills, tiredness, sore throat, mouth sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; low blood sugar - headache, hunger, sweating, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, and feeling anxious or shaky; or a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body - skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.