Brand name : Plaquenil (Quineprox)
Pronounced: PLAK-en-ill
Generic name: Hydroxychloroquine sulfate
Why is Plaquenil (Quineprox) prescribed?
Plaquenil (Quineprox) is prescribed for the prevention and treatment of certain
forms of malaria.
Plaquenil (Quineprox) is also used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
such as swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and joint pain. It is also
prescribed for lupus erythematosus, a chronic inflammation of the connective
tissue.
Most important fact about Plaquenil (Quineprox)
Children are especially sensitive to Plaquenil (Quineprox). Relatively small doses
of Plaquenil (Quineprox) have caused fatalities. Keep Plaquenil (Quineprox) in a child-proof
container and out of the reach of children.
How should you take Plaquenil (Quineprox)?
Take Plaquenil (Quineprox) exactly as prescribed for the full course of therapy.
If you have been prescribed Plaquenil (Quineprox) for rheumatoid arthritis, it
will take several weeks for beneficial effects to appear. Take each
dose with a meal or a glass of milk.
If you miss a dose...
And you take 1 dose every 7 days, take it as soon as you remember,
then go back to your regular schedule.
If you take 1 dose a day and you miss your dose, take it as soon as
you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the one
you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
If you take more than one dose a day, take it as soon as you remember
if it is within an hour or so of the missed time. If you do not remember
until later on, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule.
Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage information
Store at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.
Plaquenil (Quineprox) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Plaquenil (Quineprox).
* Side effects of treatment for an acute malarial attack may include:
Abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, heart problems, lack or loss of appetite,
mild headache, nausea, vomiting
* Side effects of treatment for lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid
arthritis may include:
Abdominal cramps, abnormal eye pigmentation, acne, anemia, bleaching of hair,
blind spots, blisters in mouth and eyes, blood disorders, blurred vision, convulsions,
decreased vision, diarrhea, difficulty focusing the eyes, diminished reflexes,
dizziness, emotional changes, excessive coloring of the skin, eye muscle paralysis, "foggy
vision," halos around lights, headache, hearing loss, heart problems,
hives, involuntary eyeball movement, irritability, itching, light flashes and
streaks, light intolerance, liver problems or failure, loss of hair, loss or
lack of appetite, muscle paralysis, muscle weakness and wasting, nausea, nervousness,
nightmares, psoriasis (dry, scaly, red skin patches), reading difficulties,
ringing in the ears, skin eruptions, skin inflammation and scaling, skin rash,
vertigo, vomiting, weariness, weight loss
Why should Plaquenil (Quineprox) not be prescribed?
If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Plaquenil (Quineprox)
or similar drugs such as Aralen and Chloroquine, you should not take
Plaquenil (Quineprox). Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you
have experienced.
Plaquenil (Quineprox) should not be prescribed if you have suffered partial or
complete loss of vision in small areas while taking this medication
or similar drugs. Notify your doctor of any past or present visual
changes you have experienced.
This drug should not be used for long-term therapy in children.
Special warnings about Plaquenil (Quineprox)
Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this
medication if you have psoriasis (a recurrent skin disorder characterized
by patches of red, dry, scaly skin) or porphyria (an inherited metabolic
disorder affecting the liver or bone marrow). The use of Plaquenil (Quineprox)
may cause a severe attack of psoriasis and may increase the severity
of porphyria.
Disorders of the retina causing impairment or loss of vision may be
related to the length of time and the dose of Plaquenil (Quineprox) given for lupus
and rheumatoid arthritis. Problems have occurred several months to
several years after beginning daily therapy. When you are on prolonged
therapy your doctor will perform eye examinations at the beginning
of treatment and every 3 months after that. Visual disturbances may
progress, even after you have stopped taking this drug. If you have
any problem with your vision or your eyes, notify your doctor immediately.
All people on long-term therapy with Plaquenil (Quineprox) should have a physical
examination periodically, including testing of knee and ankle reflexes,
to detect any evidence of muscular weakness.
Consult your doctor if you experience ringing in the ears, or other
hearing problems.
If you are being treated for rheumatoid arthritis and have shown no
improvement (such as reduced joint swelling or increased mobility)
within 6 months, your doctor may decide to discontinue Plaquenil (Quineprox).
Plaquenil (Quineprox) should be used with caution by alcoholics and those who
have liver disease or kidney problems.
Your doctor should conduct periodic blood cell counts if you are on
prolonged therapy with Plaquenil (Quineprox). If any severe blood disorder develops
that is not attributed to the disease you are being treated for, your
doctor may discontinue use of Plaquenil (Quineprox).
Consult your doctor if you are taking a drug that has a tendency to
produce dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), because you may have
some skin reactions while taking Plaquenil (Quineprox).
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Plaquenil (Quineprox)
If Plaquenil (Quineprox) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Plaquenil (Quineprox) with the following:
Any medication that may cause liver damage
Aurothioglucose (Solganal)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Use of Plaquenil (Quineprox) during pregnancy should be avoided except in the
suppression or treatment of malaria when, in the judgment of your doctor,
the benefit outweighs the possible hazard. This drug may appear in
breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is
essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue
breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for Plaquenil (Quineprox)
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
* Symptoms of an overdose of Plaquenil (Quineprox) may occur within 30 minutes.
They include:
Convulsions, drowsiness, headache, heart problems and failure, inability to
breathe, visual problems
