Chemical Name: HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE (hye-drox-ee-KLOR-oh-kwin)
This medicine is an immunosuppressant and antirheumatic agent used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking quinacrine. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or milk. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. Also, keep all appointments for eye examinations. IF YOU ARE TAKING THIS MEDICINE FOR SLE OR ARTHRITIS, it may take 4 to 12 weeks for this medicine to work. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE after several months or if they become worse, check with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, or abdominal cramping. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience skin rash or itching; ringing in the ears or loss of hearing; fever or sore throat; unusual bleeding or bruising; blue-black discoloration of the skin or inside of mouth; hair loss; mood changes; vision changes or disturbances; or unusual weakness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include blurred vision; severe drowsiness or dizziness; fainting; irregular heartbeat; headache; excessive excitability; slow, shallow breathing; seizures; and loss of consciousness.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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