Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview
Plaquenil is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Plaquenil can help reduce joint pain and swelling, protect against joint damage, and decrease the risk of disability related to arthritis. Plaquenil may be prescribed alone or with methotrexate and azulfidine. Plaquenil is also referred to by its drug name, hydroxychloroquine.

Plaquenil is considered a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). The exact mechanism of action of Plaquenil in treating rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Plaquenil is believed to work by interfering with the function of the cells of the immune system, which prevents them from attacking the body’s tissues.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Plaquenil is taken orally as a tablet once daily.

Side effects
Most people do not experience side effects from taking Plaquenil. The FDA-approved label for Plaquenil lists side effects including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, rash, itchiness, hair loss, and diarrhea.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Plaquenil include low blood cell counts, heart disorders, deafness, visual disturbances, liver failure, seizures, and suicidal behavior.

Plaquenil can cause serious eye problems, especially if taken at high doses for many years. An eye exam is recommended within the first year of use and then every one to five years.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Plaquenil — RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/plaquenil-drug.htm

Plaquenil — Drugs.com
https://www.drugs.com/plaquenil.html