Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine)

Do's

• Take this medication by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once a week on the same day each week for malaria prevention.
• Start taking the medication 1 to 2 weeks before entering a malarious area.
• Continue to take it weekly while in the area and for 4 to 8 weeks after leaving the area, or as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for the treatment of malaria.
• Take this medication by mouth as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once or twice daily for lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Increase your dose as instructed by your healthcare provider, and once your condition has improved, follow your healthcare provider's instructions to lower your dose.
• Take Plaquenil with food or milk to help prevent stomach upset.
• Swallow the tablets whole to avoid a bitter taste.
• Take Plaquenil at least 4 hours before or after certain drugs for diarrhea or antacids to prevent interference with absorption.
• Use this medication regularly at the same time(s) each day to get the most benefit from it.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your condition lasts or gets worse, and be aware that it may take several weeks or months to see improvement if you are taking this for lupus or arthritis.
• Seek medical help right away if you experience fever or other symptoms of illness, especially while in a malarious area and for 2 months after returning from the area, as you may need a different medication.
• Discuss with your healthcare provider if you have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, as alternative formats may be available.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions and consult them if you have any concerns about the dosage or administration of Plaquenil.

Don’ts

• Do not stop taking this medication without talking with your healthcare provider, especially if you are taking it for malaria, as stopping prevention or treatment too soon may lead to infection or a return of the infection.
• Avoid exposure to mosquitoes, as Plaquenil may not prevent malaria in all cases.

Common Side Effects:

• Skin rash or itching

Other Side Effects:

• Heart problem 
• Retinal toxicity, leading to symptoms such as loss of vision, changes in vision, or other eye-related issues
• Skin and mucous membrane pigmentation disorders
• Bleaching of hair
• Alopecia

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Report any side effects to a healthcare provider and seek medical advice if needed. 

Individuals with psoriasis should consult their healthcare provider before starting Plaquenil, as in some cases, this drug may worsen psoriasis. 

Avoid taking Plaquenil if there has been an allergic reaction to Plaquenil or any of its ingredients, or to drugs called 4-aminoquinoline drugs, such as chloroquine. Consulting a healthcare provider about medication allergies is essential.

The safety of taking Plaquenil during pregnancy and while breastfeeding is not fully known. Seek medical advice and more information on the use of Plaquenil during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Plaquenil can cause dangerous effects on the heart, especially when used with certain other medicines. Seek emergency medical attention if experiencing fast or pounding heartbeats and sudden dizziness while taking Plaquenil.

Taking Plaquenil long-term or at high doses may cause irreversible damage to the retina of the eye, which could progress to permanent vision problems. Regular eye examinations are recommended while using Plaquenil to monitor for retinal toxicity.

Severe, life-threatening skin reactions have been reported with the use of Plaquenil. Patients should seek medical attention immediately if experiencing signs and symptoms such as blisters on the skin, itching, or burning. Additionally, neuropsychiatric reactions, including new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes, should be reported to a healthcare provider.

This is not a complete list of warnings and precautions, and individuals should consult with their healthcare provider for personalized advice and information.