Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate Treatment for Arthritis

Hydroxychloroquine is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis need to be well informed on the various treatments available to assist the management of their disease. Hydroxychloroquine is one of these treatment options and it is growing in popularity among rheumatologists.

Names

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate is also known as Plaquinil, according to Medicinenet.com.

Origins

According to Drugs.com, the drug was originally used as an anti-malarial medication. Hydroxychloroquine is used to aggressively treat rheumatoid arthritis, ArthritisToday.org reports.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hydroxychloroquine is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, including lupus, psoriasis and Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome.

How it Works

Hydroxychloroquine works to suppress immune systems where rheumatoid arthritis is active, controlling the disease and its symptoms.

Side Effects

The drug is considered mild with few side effects. Side effects of the drug that have been reported include sun sensitivity, rashes and nausea. Issues with hearing and blurry vision are rarely reported side effects. It is advisable to have an ophthalmologist monitor the patient during the first year of taking the drug.

References

• Medicinenet.com; Generic name: hydroxychloroquine
• Drugs.com; Hydroxychloroquine (Systemic)
• ArthritisToday.org; How to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Resources

• Antimalarials in Arthritis by drdoc on-line
• Arthritis Foundation; Hydroxychloroquine and the Risk of Diabetes