Plaquenil contains hydroxychloroquine and is prescribed to treat and prevent acute attacks of malaria. Hydroxychloroquine may also be used to treat discoid or systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Plaquenil does not treat all strands of malaria and you should discuss this medication with your doctor before travelling to an area where malaria is common such as southern Asia, Africa and South America.

Always read the medication information and instructions before using this medication.
Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Plaquenil is taken orally.
• Take Plaquenil with a glass of milk or a meal to decrease nausea.
• If you are taking Plaquenil to prevent malaria, it is usually taken once a week on the same day each week. Start taking this medication 1-2 weeks before travelling to an area where malaria is common and continue your treatment for 8 weeks after travel.
• If you are taking Plaquenil to treat acute attacks of malaria, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, your dose will be different. Always follow your doctor’s directions.
• If you are taking Plaquenil to treat or prevent malaria, always take your medication for the full length of time prescribed, even if your symptoms improve before then.
• If you are taking Plaquenil to treat arthritis or lupus, speak to your doctor if your symptoms have not improved after six months.

Make sure to tell your doctor:

• If you have any drug or other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• Your medical history especially of heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart rhythm disorder, QT syndrome, stomach disorder, history of vision changes, psoriasis, porphyria or G6PD deficiency.
• If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
• If you are breast-feeding.
• Your history of alcohol use.
• If you have taken malaria medication before.

Other information you should also know:

• Plaquenil should not be used by anyone younger than 18.
• Plaquenil is not effective on all strains of malaria.

Common side effects of Plaquenil:

• Nausea, vomiting or stomach pain.
• Hair loss, skin rash or itching.
• Loss of appetite or weight loss.
• Headaches or dizziness.
• Changes to your mood including feeling nervous or irritable.
• Ringing in your ears.

If you have any of the following hydroxychloroquine side effects, seek medical help:

• Slow heart rate or a weak pulse.
• Numbness or tingling.
• Headaches with a chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting or a fast or pounding heartbeat.
• Muscle weakness.
• Signs of low blood sugar such as headaches, hunger, sweating, nausea, fast heartbeat or feeling anxious, shaky, dizzy or irritable.
• Symptoms of low blood cell counts such as fever, chills, sore throat, lightheadedness, weakness or ill feeling, swollen gums, skin sores, mouth sores, rapid heart rate, easy bruising, unusual bleeding or pale skin.
• Symptoms of an allergic reaction including difficulty breathing, hives or swelling in your face, lips or throat.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Plaquenil?

If you miss a dose of Plaquenil, you should take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, then skip your missed dose.

Where is malaria most common?

Malaria is most common in South America, Africa and Southern Asia. If you are travelling to these locations, speak to your doctor about Plaquenil.