Hydroxychloroquine is a medicine used for malaria and for some autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. It is also used in rheumatology and dermatology, including in lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Hydroxychloroquine became widely discussed during the COVID-19 pandemic, but major health authorities do not recommend it for preventing or treating COVID-19.
Uses
Hydroxychloroquine has several established uses. In the United Kingdom it is used for conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and it has also historically been used for malaria.
In lupus, it can help with rashes, joint and muscle pain, fatigue and flare reduction. Its effect is gradual; people may need to take it for weeks before noticing benefit.
How It Works
Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial medicine with immune-modifying effects. In autoimmune disease it can reduce inappropriate immune activity and inflammation. It is not a painkiller in the ordinary short-term sense and is not usually expected to work immediately.
Monitoring and Eye Safety
Long-term use can rarely damage the retina, a condition called hydroxychloroquine retinopathy. This is why people taking hydroxychloroquine for a long time, or people at higher risk of eye problems, may have regular eye checks.
Retinopathy can be serious because it may cause permanent sight loss. Monitoring aims to find early signs before the person notices symptoms.
Side Effects
Common or recognised side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, headache, skin rash and changes in appetite. Less common but important risks include serious skin reactions, liver problems, heart rhythm problems and eye toxicity.
The risk profile depends on dose, duration, other health conditions and other medicines. Kidney disease, liver disease, existing eye disease, heart problems and diabetes may affect whether hydroxychloroquine is suitable.
COVID-19
During the early COVID-19 pandemic, hydroxychloroquine was promoted as a possible treatment. Later trial evidence did not support routine use.
WHO does not recommend hydroxychloroquine to prevent COVID-19 or to treat COVID-19. It cites trial evidence showing little or no benefit for prevention and no reduction in key outcomes for treatment, with increased risk of adverse effects.
See Also
References
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