Active Ingredient(s)	Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate
Manufacturer	Sanofi-Aventis Ltd.
Country of Origin	New Zealand
Reference	N/A

What is Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate) used for?

This packaging of Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine) is not currently available.

Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate) is an oral medication prescribed to treat patients suffering from arthritis or other similar inflammatory conditions. It operates by preventing the actions of enzymes in the body that cause pain and swelling associated with these conditions to increase comfort and the range of joint movement. It may also be useful for treating or preventing malaria. Your doctor may use for the treatment of other unlisted conditions, as well.

How should I use Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate)?

Follow your doctor`s instructions while using Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate) to get the safest and most effective results from treatment. One tablet is typically administered each day when treating inflammation, but your individual directions will depend on your age, weigh, health condition, and the severity of your symptoms. They should be swallowed with a large glass of water along with a meal to prevent nausea. When preventing malaria you may be instructed to take one tablet each week beginning two weeks prior to your trip, during the trip, and four to eight weeks following your return to eliminate any parasites that may still be in the blood stream. Never change the form of the tablets by crushing or splitting the medication as this may destroy or alter the effects of their contents. Ask your pharmacist or doctor any questions you have about the medicine to ensure the correct usage.

What are the side effects of Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate)?

The use of Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate) may cause side effects in some patients such as:

• Headaches
• Dizziness or drowsiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite or upset stomach
• Mood changes or anxiousness
• Mild skin rash or irritation
• Hair loss

Serious side effects that may require emergency medical attention are muscle pain or weakness, sensitive skin, easier bruising, blurry vision, loss of coordination, confusion, or seizures. Tell your doctor as soon as you experience these symptoms or any other worrying side effects to make sure the necessary adjustments are made to your application frequency or dosage to stop further health complications from appearing.

Please Note

Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate) should not be used to treat patients who are pregnant, lactose intolerant, or those who have an abnormality of the macula. You are also recommended to inform your doctor if you have psoriasis, diabetes, anaemia, porphyrias, a G6PD deficiency, epilepsy, digestive disorders, or decreased liver or kidney function. These conditions may cause unexpected problems during treatment requiring alterations to your regimen.

Strictly use Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate) as prescribed and follow all instructions provided by your doctor. Safe, suitable, and optimum dosage can vary and is dependent on the patient`s health and medical history, as well as the condition you are treating.

Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate) may not be safe or suitable for all patients. Always ensure your doctor is informed if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, using any other type of medication (including non-prescription medicine, vitamins, and supplements), as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or pre-existing medication conditions.

Seek immediate medical attention or proceed to your nearest accident and emergency department if you suffer a hypersensitive or allergic reaction. Symptoms usually present during a reaction of this nature include difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the limbs or face, tight chest, hives, and skin rashes.