Hydroxychloroquine SULFATE - Uses, Side Effects, And More

Who should not use hydroxychloroquine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take hydroxychloroquine.

• Plaquenil
• Sovuna
• Hydroxychloroquine
• Any other medicine known as a 4-aminoquinoline
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific hydroxychloroquine products they stock.

What should I know about hydroxychloroquine before using it?

Do not take hydroxychloroquine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share hydroxychloroquine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep hydroxychloroquine out of the reach of children.

You should take hydroxychloroquine with food or milk. 

Do not crush, break, or divide hydroxychloroquine tablets.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from hydroxychloroquine. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using hydroxychloroquine?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if hydroxychloroquine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Connective Tissue Disorders. If you have a connective tissue disorder, you may develop kidney damage while taking hydroxychloroquine.

Porphyria. If you have porphyria, taking hydroxychloroquine might cause liver damage, worsen your porphyria symptoms, or increase the chances of having a severe flare-up.

Psoriasis. If you have psoriasis, taking hydroxychloroquine might worsen your symptoms or increase the chances of having a severe flare-up.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

• Heart problems
• Kidney problems
• Liver problems
• Diabetes
• Eye disease or vision problems
• G6PD deficiency

Other Medicines and Supplements. Hydroxychloroquine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking hydroxychloroquine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how hydroxychloroquine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take hydroxychloroquine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking hydroxychloroquine, you can register for the Pregnancy Registry by calling 877-311-8972. This registry collects safety information about the use of hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Hydroxychloroquine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take hydroxychloroquine while breastfeeding.