Your doctor may have prescribed you this medicine called Hydroxychloroquine. If so, you may have a lot of questions about what it is, why you should take it, and what you should be careful about. Don't worry, today we will talk about this medicine simply and clearly.
What exactly is this medicine? What is it used for?
Simply put, hydroxychloroquine is a drug that works by suppressing the overactive parts of our immune system. It's like calming someone who's anxious.
Therefore, this medicine is mainly used for:
- For autoimmune conditions: These are conditions in which our own immune system attacks our own body's own cells. For example, they are commonly used to treat conditions that cause joint swelling and pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus . In medical terms, this class of drugs is called DMARDs .
- For Malaria: This medicine is used to kill the parasite that causes malaria and also to prevent the development of malaria.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she needs to have a complete picture of your health. This is very important for your safety. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Do you have this condition? | Why is it important to inform the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes | This medicine may cause low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). |
| Eye diseases or vision problems | This medicine has a small chance of affecting the retina of the eye. |
| G6PD deficiency | This is a genetic condition. Problems may occur with this medication. |
| A history of heart disease or irregular heartbeat | The drug may affect the heart rhythm (QT interval). |
| Kidney or liver disease | The function of these organs is important because they help remove drugs from the body. |
| Skin diseases (e.g. Psoriasis) | Sometimes skin conditions can worsen. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about whether the medicine will affect the baby. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | You should ask your doctor if the medicine will pass to your baby through breast milk. |
| Allergies to other medications or foods | It is essential to inform if you have allergies to Hydroxychloroquine or Chloroquine. |
How to use this medicine correctly?
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to take it correctly.
- Take this pill with a meal or a glass of water . This can help reduce symptoms like heartburn and nausea.
- Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow the tablet whole .
- Take the prescribed dose, at the prescribed time, as prescribed by the doctor.
- Even if your symptoms seem to be improving, do not stop taking the medicine suddenly unless your doctor tells you to.
- If you are taking an antacid (e.g., Digene, Gelusil) for gastritis, take it 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking this medicine. Taking it together will reduce the absorption of this medicine.
Imagine you accidentally took too much medicine. If that happens, don't panic and go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
- Regular medical check-ups: While taking this medication, it is essential to continue to go to clinics for check-ups as directed by your doctor. You may also need to have blood tests.
- Eye exam: This is very important. Your doctor will check your eyes before you start taking this medicine and while you are taking it. If you notice any changes in your vision, such as blurred vision or changes in the way you see colors, tell your doctor right away.
- Skin allergies: Some people may develop a severe skin allergy even weeks after starting the medication. If you develop a red rash, blisters, peeling skin, or a rash with a rash on the face, lips, neck, or armpits, see your doctor immediately.
- Mental health: If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior, new or increased depression, thoughts of self-harm, or excessive anxiety, inform your doctor immediately.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Vision changes | Blurred vision, sensitivity to light, changes in color vision. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, chest pain, fainting. |
| Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) | Tremors, excessive sweating, restlessness, fainting. |
| Muscle damage | Muscle aches for no reason, dark yellow or brown urine. |
| Mental changes | Severe anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Easy bruising, nosebleeds, or bleeding gums. |
| Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
| Digestive system problems | Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea. |
| Headache | Slight headache. |
Take-Home Message
- Hydroxychloroquine is a medicine that should only be used under the advice of a doctor. Never give this medicine to another person.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- It is essential to have regular eye exams while taking this medication. If you notice even the slightest change in your vision, tell your doctor immediately.
- Be on the lookout for things like severe skin reactions, changes in heart rate, or changes in mental status.
- If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about it.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න