Questions and Answers
Hello Dr.
I am looking for the side affects of Hydroxychoroquine (Plaquenil) My aunt just found out she has rheumatoid arthritis.
Thank you very much
Hi ... sorry to hear of your aunt's rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment with hydroxychloroquine is usually continued for a long period at a dose of 200 - 700 mg. per day - quite a wide range allowing for adjustment for best response and minimum side effects.
In the past, damage to sight has occurred, but nowadays the dosage has been reduced to account for this. Reversible side-effects include skin lesions, hair loss, sensitivity to sunburn, and changes in the electrocardiogram. These and other effects disappear when dosage is modified or, if necessary, the drug discontinued and substituted with some other.
Best wishes to you and your aunt.