This medication is used alone or with other anti-arthritic medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine is classified as an antimalarial and an immunomodulator. While it does not suppress the immune system as broadly as some other treatments, it helps modify the immune response to reduce inflammation. It can reduce skin problems in lupus and help prevent joint swelling or pain from arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine is also used to treat and prevent certain types of malaria. It may also be used to treat other autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
It is important to note that clinical benefits develop gradually. At the same time, some improvement may be seen within weeks; it typically takes 3 to 6 months to determine the full clinical response to the medication. If no improvement is noted by 6 months, the treatment is usually considered ineffective for that patient. Other prescription medications for autoimmune conditions include Rheumatrex and Prednisone.
In a study (The Role of Hydroxychloroquine in the Management of Rheumatic Disorders: A Comprehensive Review – PMC, 2025), Ates I, Sahin H, Irham LM, Yilmaz S, and Suzen S found that “the inclusion of HCQ [Plaquenil] lowers the frequency of significant adverse events (such as severe infections and decreased liver function) and total adverse events, hence increasing survival” when used in combination with other treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.
Manufacturer Information
We currently have the brand-name product from Sanofi Aventis in Canada.
The generic hydroxychloroquine is manufactured in Canada, the United Kingdom, and India.
Plaquenil is available only as 200mg tablets.
The information below lists potential side effects and risks. It is crucial to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist.
Common Side Effects – The following are common side effects. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome.
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Skin rash or itching
• Vomiting
Other Potential Side Effects: (less common) – These effects are reported less frequently but can still occur:
• Blurred vision (temporary or initial)
• Emotional instability or nervousness
• Hair loss or thinning
• Irritability
• Muscle weakness
• Nightmares
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Skin pigment changes (blue-black discoloration)
Serious Side Effects - These are rare but potentially severe. Seek your doctor or call medical emergency services immediately if any of the following occur:
• Blood Disorders: Significant decreases in blood cell counts, which may present as unusual bruising, pale skin, or frequent infections.
• Cardiomyopathy: Weakening of the heart muscle or irregular heart rhythms (QT prolongation), which can lead to fainting or palpitations.
• Hypoglycemia: Severe low blood sugar that can cause tremors, sweating, or loss of consciousness, especially in those taking diabetes medications.
• Neuromyopathy: Progressive nerve and muscle damage, typically causing weakness in the proximal muscles (hips and shoulders).
• Psychiatric Symptoms: New or worsening depression, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts.
• Retinopathy: Irreversible damage to the retina. This is the most critical long-term risk and requires a baseline eye exam followed by annual screenings after five years of use.
• Severe Skin Reactions: Blistering or peeling skin, such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, which requires immediate emergency care.
The most significant long-term risk of Plaquenil therapy is retinal toxicity, which can lead to irreversible vision loss. To manage this, patients must have a baseline eye exam (including SD-OCT and 10-2 automated visual fields) within the first year of treatment. While annual screenings typically begin after five years of use, they must start immediately if major risk factors are present, such as a high daily dose relative to actual body weight >5mg/kg), concurrent kidney disease, or use of the medication tamoxifen.
Additionally, this medication can affect the electrical activity of the heart (QT prolongation), potentially leading to life-threatening heart rhythms. This risk is significantly increased if it is combined with other rhythm-altering drugs, particularly certain antibiotics (like azithromycin), antidepressants, or antipsychotics. Plaquenil passes into breast milk; therefore, you should inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Before starting therapy, you must disclose all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and herbal supplements.
Dietary and Lifestyle Factors
When taking this medication, certain lifestyle adjustments are necessary to ensure the medication's safety and effectiveness. To minimize gastrointestinal distress, you should always take this medication with a meal or a glass of milk. If you have diabetes and are taking insulin or insulin secretagogues (such as glimepiride or glyburide), you must monitor your blood sugar closely, as Plaquenil can enhance their effects and lead to severe hypoglycemia.
Excessive alcohol consumption should generally be avoided for liver health; the primary drivers of retinal damage remain dosage and duration of treatment.
Furthermore, because this medication can cause photosensitivity, you should use high-SPF sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Finally, since this medication may cause dizziness or blurred vision (difficulty with visual accommodation), you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you are certain it does not impair your alertness or vision.
How do I order?
You can order this medication from our website, or by email (CustomerService@canadianpharmacyking.com), by phone (1-877-745-9217), or by fax or mail.
Is a prescription required?
Yes, a prescription is required when purchasing this medication.
Can I get a prescription in the USA and use it to buy medication from Canada?
Yes, you can get a prescription from your physician in the USA and use it to buy from a Canadian pharmacy.
Are there any discounts or coupons available?
Unfortunately, no discounts or coupons are available. However, we are proud to offer high-quality prescription medications at affordable prices.
Can I have this medication shipped from Canada to my address in the USA?
Yes, you can get this medication shipped to your address (or home) in the USA from Canada.
What are the shipping costs and delivery times from Canada to the USA?
It may take 4-8 business days for your order to ship from Canada, and our shipping cost to the area is $10.00. If you have any questions about the shipping frame, please contact our customer support at 1-877-745-9217 for details.
How can I tell if an online pharmacy is legitimate?
Any pharmacy that is CIPA-certified is licensed, reputable, and must follow strict safety protocols. CanadianPharmacyKing.com is verified by the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA).