A number of patients have found hydroxychloroquine to be helpful for treating their rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, but it does come with some downsides. Learn about the pros and cons of hydroxychloroquine before you decide if it’s right for you.
In addition to its use in treating malaria, hydroxychloroquine has also been used to treat other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, though results are inconsistent. This review will discuss the pros and cons of using hydroxychloroquine to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
The Pros and Cons of Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis
The medication hydroxychloroquine has been used for decades to treat rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that causes pain and swelling in the joints. It works by inhibiting an enzyme that causes inflammation, although its exact mechanisms of action are still unclear. Here’s what we know about hydroxychloroquine and its use in rheumatoid arthritis treatment, as well as some things that are still up in the air.
What Is Hydroxychloroquine?
Also known as Plaquenil, hydroxychloroquine is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of arthritis. Some people take it in combination with other medications, while others take it on their own. Learn more about hydroxychloroquine side effects, dosage, interactions, and effectiveness. Read reviews here.
Who Should Consider Taking This Drug?
Hydroxychloroquine is typically prescribed to patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are trying to avoid steroid drugs. The drug belongs to a class of medications called antimalarials, which suppress immune responses in order to prevent symptoms like redness and swelling. Although hydroxychloroquine can help control inflammation, it doesn’t help alleviate pain or other common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. This makes it a poor choice as a first-line treatment, but a good option if you’re already experiencing signs of disease progression. If you’re considering taking hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis, ask your doctor about potential side effects like depression, vision issues and cancer risk.
What Are the Benefits?
Although hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) may have some unpleasant side effects, it can be very effective in reducing joint pain. However, there are also some negative effects that you should be aware of when taking hydroxychloroquine. Some people might find that Plaquenil causes severe or unusual side effects with long-term use. As such, talk to your doctor about whether using hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis is a good idea based on your specific situation. These are some pros and cons of hydroxychloroquine to help you decide whether it’s right for you.
Side Effects and Precautions
Even though many people take hydroxychloroquine without experiencing any negative side effects, some people may be more likely to experience side effects than others. There is no guarantee that you will experience side effects when taking hydroxychloroquine, however, so if you’re worried about potential side effects, discuss them with your doctor. The most common hydroxychloroquine side effects include weight gain; nausea; vomiting; and headache. Some patients may also experience eye sensitivity or skin reactions such as itching or rash after taking it. Patients who develop more serious reactions such as rashes or breathing difficulties should seek immediate medical attention.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Plaquenil has been shown to be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Although Plaquenil is intended to relieve symptoms, it may take a while before you notice a difference. The drug usually starts working within two weeks of starting treatment, but you could have noticeable improvements after three months. It is important to continue taking Plaquenil even if you feel well because your symptoms can flare up again over time. Remember that hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis dosage should be closely monitored by your doctor so that doses are not too high or too low.
Potential Drug Interactions
Before using hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis, discuss with your doctor if you are also taking other medications. These may include blood thinners, antibiotics, methotrexate (used to treat psoriasis), seizure medications, hormonal birth control pills, or others. You may need to start at a lower dose until you can monitor any potential interactions between hydroxychloroquine and other medications. Avoid alcohol while taking hydroxychloroquine as it may cause severe drowsiness or make side effects worse; if you have questions about alcohol use speak with your healthcare provider before drinking any alcoholic beverages while taking hydroxychloroquine.
Where Can I Buy It?
If you’re considering taking hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis, one of your main concerns will be getting ahold of it. While you can ask your doctor to prescribe it to you, he or she may have already given you an alternative medication instead—such as prednisone—or may decline altogether if other medications have proven more effective. In addition, there are ways to buy hydroxychloroquine online that can help you circumvent the doctor’s office entirely. If you choose to do so, make sure that any website or retailer through which you purchase your hydroxychloroquine is authorized by Health Canada before placing an order.
