Formulation:
Tablet
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Manufacturer:
Genpharm, Sanofi-Synthelabo Inc.
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Alternate Names:Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)
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What is Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) used for? |
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is used to treat and suppress acute attacks of certain strains of malaria. It is also used to treat lupus erythematosus and chronic rheumatoid arthritis that does not respond to other medications.
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When should Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) not be taken?
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Do not take/give Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) if you are allergic to any ingredient in Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) if you have vision changes due to Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) or to similar medications to children for prolonged periods of time |
What precautions should I follow when taking Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) ?
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Before using Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine if you have any other medical condition |
What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)?
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Do not take Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) if you have psoriasis (a recurrent skin disorder characterized by patches of red, dry, scaly skin) or porphyria (an inherited metabolic disorder affecting the liver or bone marrow). The use of Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) may cause a severe attack of psoriasis and may increase the severity of porphyria. |
What are the side effects of Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)?
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Most severe: Vision problems; bizarre behavior; convulsions.
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Most common: Malaria: Mild headache; dizziness; diarrhea; appetite loss; nausea; stomach cramps. Lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis: Irritability; nervousness; emotional changes; nightmares; headache; feeling of whirling motion; ringing in the ears; continual rapid eye movement; nerve deafness; clumsiness; outer eye muscle problems; muscle weakness; absent or slow tendon reflexes; problems focusing; blurred vision; swelling of the cornea; seeing halos around lights; sensitivity to light; missing or blacked-out areas in the visual field; bleaching of hair; hair loss; itching; change in skin and mucous membrane color; skin inflammation; blood disorders; diarrhea; appetite loss; nausea; vomiting; stomach cramps; weight loss; exhaustion.
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Other: Bone marrow depression, cardiomyopathy, neuromyopathy, psychosis and convulsions.
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How should I take Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine)?
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How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) you are taking, talk with your health care provider. If possible, preventative measures for malaria should begin 2 weeks before exposure. Contact your health care provider if you notice any muscle weakness or problems with vision or hearing. Lab tests will be required to monitor therapy. Be sure to keep appointments. Stop using Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for rheumatoid arthritis if no improvement (reduced joint swelling, increased mobility) within 6 months. If rheumatoid arthritis recurs after Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) has been stopped, Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) may be resumed or taken on a periodic basis if there are no existing vision problems. Do not stop taking Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) without checking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine). Do not take more medicine than is prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your health care provider. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
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How should Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) be stored?
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Store Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) between 59 to 86 degrees F. Protect from light. |
General Information:
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| If you have any questions about Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider. Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine). If you have any questions about Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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