Hydroxychloroquine
Buy Plaquenil Online in USA From Canada
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is used to treat autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus and prevent and treat malaria. It reduces inflammation and immune response. Common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort, fatigue, and visual disturbances. It requires careful monitoring for eye health and cardiac function. Plaquenil should be used cautiously in individuals with existing health conditions, and its interaction with other medications must be managed under medical guidance.
Product Overview
Plaquenil, or hydroxychloroquine, is primarily prescribed for the treatment of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and discoid lupus erythematosus, as well as for the prevention and treatment of malaria. The drug works by modulating the immune system’s activity to decrease inflammation and suppress disease progression in autoimmune disorders, while in malaria, it interrupts the parasite’s ability to process hemoglobin.
Patients using Plaquenil should undergo regular health monitoring, including eye exams to detect any retinal damage and assessments for potential cardiac issues like cardiomyopathy. Common side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, and skin rashes, among others. Due to its interaction with other medications, such as antacids, ampicillin, and cimetidine, dosing schedules may need adjustment.
Patients with pre-existing conditions like liver or kidney disease, heart rhythm problems, or G6PD deficiency need to consult with healthcare providers before starting treatment. Plaquenil should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, discussing all potential risks and benefits with a medical professional.
What Are the Uses of Plaquenil?
- Used in adults to manage and reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Treats malaria in adults and children.
- Used in adults to treat discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE).
- It helps manage and reduce systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) symptoms in adults.
What Are the Benefits of Plaquenil?
- Effectively treats and manages the symptoms of autoimmune disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
- It helps reduce joint pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
- It can prevent flare-ups and disease progression in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- It may improve skin manifestations and photosensitivity in patients with lupus.
- It is shown to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.
- It can be used as a long-term maintenance therapy for chronic autoimmune conditions.
- It may help reduce the risk of certain complications associated with lupus, such as kidney disease.
- It may have a protective effect against the development of certain types of cancer in some patients.
- Relatively well-tolerated compared to other immunosuppressive medications.
What Are the Side Effects of Plaquenil?
Common Plaquenil side effects may include:
- Weight loss
- Rash
- Dizziness
- Hair loss
- Fatigue (low energy)
- Ringing in the ears
- Digestive issues like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Irritability or nervousness
- Headache
[Note: This list is not exhaustive, if you notice any other symptoms not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]
Plaquenil Dosage
What Are the Forms & Strengths of Plaquenil?
It comes in the form of tablets and has a strength of:
- Plaquenil 200 mg tablet
What Are the Recommended Dosages of Plaquenil?
Malaria Treatment
- For Adults:
- Start with an 800 mg dose taken orally.
- Follow up with 400 mg doses 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after the initial dose.
- For Children (weighing 68 lbs or more):
- Initial dose: 13 mg/kg (maximum 800 mg).
- Subsequent doses: 6.5 mg/kg (maximum 400 mg) at 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after the first dose, as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- For Children (weighing less than 68 lbs): Not recommended for use.
Malaria Prevention
- For Adults:
- Take 400 mg orally once a week, starting two weeks before entering a malaria-prone area.
- Continue during the stay and for four weeks after leaving the area.
- For Children (weighing 68 lbs or more):
- Typical dose: 6.5 mg/kg (up to 400 mg) orally once a week, as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- For Children (weighing less than 68 lbs): Not recommended for use.
Lupus (SLE or DLE)
- Daily dosage ranges from 200 to 400 mg, taken as a single dose or split into two smaller doses.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Starting Dose: 400 mg to 600 mg taken orally each day in one or two divided doses.
- Maintenance Dose: Once symptoms are under control, reduce to 200 to 400 mg daily, taken as a single dose or in two smaller doses.
How to Take Plaquenil?
- Take Plaquenil exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Do not alter the amount prescribed. Typically, Plaquenil is taken once or twice daily.
- Take the medication simultaneously each day to keep blood levels stable.
- To minimize stomach upset, take Plaquenil with food or a glass of milk.
- Swallow the tablet whole without crushing, chewing, or breaking it.
- Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider.
- Regular eye exams are crucial to check for possible retinal damage. Blood tests might be needed to monitor the effects on blood cells and liver function.
What to Do When You Miss a Dose of Plaquenil?
If it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Continue with your regular dosing schedule.
[Note: Do not simultaneously take two doses of Plaquenil to compensate for a missed dose. This can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.]
What Happens When You Overdose on Plaquenil?
Never exceed the prescribed dosage. Overdosing can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects.
[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]
How Does Plaquenil Work?
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) treats autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus and for malaria prevention and treatment. It works by:
- Immune System Interaction: Hydroxychloroquine interferes with the communication among immune cells, reducing inflammatory responses.
- Antigen Processing: It may inhibit the processing of antigens, decreasing the immune system’s harmful responses.
- Malaria Action: In malaria, it prevents parasites from metabolizing hemoglobin, stopping their growth.
Important Safety Precautions
- Plaquenil carries FDA-boxed warnings for retinal damage, cardiomyopathy, and psoriasis exacerbation. Regular eye exams and cardiac monitoring are essential.
- Patients with macular degeneration, G6PD deficiency, heart, kidney, or liver problems should consult a doctor before use.
- Plaquenil can affect blood cell counts; blood tests may be required before starting treatment.
- Low magnesium or potassium levels increase heart risks; your doctor may address deficiencies beforehand.
- Mental health issues like depression or suicidal thoughts may worsen; discuss any history of these conditions.
- Plaquenil may worsen porphyria or psoriasis; consult a healthcare professional.
- If allergic to Plaquenil, alternative medications will be considered.
- Moderate alcohol use is generally safe but should be discussed with your doctor.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding require medical consultation.
How to Store Plaquenil?
- Keep at room temperature, ideally between 68°F and 77°F.
- Store in a dry area away from heat and moisture.
- Do not keep it in the bathroom.
What Medications Interact with Plaquenil?
- Antiepileptic Drugs
- Digoxin
- Methotrexate
- Certain Heart Medications
- Cimetidine
- Other Immunosuppressants
- Ampicillin
- Antacids and Kaolin
- Tamoxifen
- Insulin and Oral Diabetes Medications
[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, or supplements.]
What Are the Plaquenil Alternatives?
- Orencia (Abatacept)
- Primaquine (generic name same as brand)
- Vibramycin, Oracea (Doxycycline)
- Aralen (Chloroquine)
- Malarone (Atovaquone/Proguanil)
- Azulfidine (Sulfasalazine)
- Actemra (Tocilizumab)
- Neoral, Sandimmune (Cyclosporine)
- Rituxan (Rituximab)
- Lariam (Mefloquine)
- CellCept (Mycophenolate Mofetil)
- Rheumatrex, Trexall (methotrexate)
- Arava (Leflunomide)
- Imuran (azathioprine)
[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Plaquenil alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Plaquenil Cost & Coupons
Plaquenil helps in managing autoimmune diseases and preventing or treating malaria, but its high U.S. retail price can be a barrier. To offset this you might consider options to buy Plaquenil online from Canada. At Arctic Meds, we provide competitive pricing on Plaquenil. Additionally, significant savings can be achieved by using a Plaquenil coupon code or participating in referral programs that offer discounts on future purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plaquenil considered an immunosuppressant?
Plaquenil is a non-biologic DMARD (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug). It does not directly suppress immune cells such as white blood cells, but it does modify immune system activities to reduce immune responses. This might lead to lower blood cell counts and a slightly increased risk of infections, especially with long-term use.
Can Plaquenil cause hair loss?
Some people taking Plaquenil have reported experiencing hair loss or alopecia, though it’s not definitively known if Plaquenil is the direct cause. If you notice hair loss while on Plaquenil, consult your healthcare provider to determine possible causes and solutions.
Can Plaquenil cause weight gain?
Plaquenil is not typically linked to weight gain. In fact, some patients report weight loss while on the medication. If you experience unexpected weight changes while taking Plaquenil, discussing this with your healthcare provider to explore possible reasons and address any concerns is essential.
How long does it take for Plaquenil to start working?
The effects of Plaquenil on symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can begin to show within a few weeks to months. However, it may take up to 6 months for full benefits to be realized. Response times can vary widely among individuals, so maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider about your treatment progress is crucial.
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