How Toxic is an Old Friend? A Review of the Safety of Hydroxychloroquine in Clinical Practice

Overview

Journal Intern Med J

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2022 Aug 15

PMID 35969110

Authors

Jessica L Fairley

Mandana Nikpour

Heather G Mack

Maria Brosnan

Amanda M Saracino

Marc Pellegrini

Ian P Wicks

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and its close relative chloroquine (CQ) were initially used as antimalarial agents but are now widely prescribed in rheumatology, dermatology and immunology for the management of autoimmune diseases. HCQ is considered to have a better long-term safety profile than CQ and is therefore more commonly used. HCQ has a key role in the treatment of connective tissue diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), where it provides beneficial immunomodulation without clinically significant immunosuppression. HCQ can also assist in managing inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Debate around toxicity of HCQ in COVID-19 has challenged those who regularly prescribe HCQ to discuss its potential toxicities. Accordingly, we have reviewed the adverse effect profile of HCQ to provide guidance about this therapeutic agent in clinical practice.

Citing Articles

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