What happens when you stop taking Plaquenil?

Stopping Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine sulfate) suddenly may cause a flare-up or worsening of your underlying condition, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Always consult your healthcare provider before stopping to avoid worsening your symptoms.

Is Plaquenil a high-risk medication?

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) can generally be considered a high-risk medication because it can cause irreversible retinal damage, potentially affecting vision. Less commonly, it may lead to serious heart issues like abnormal rhythms, cardiomyopathy, or neuropsychiatric effects. These risks are rare when used correctly but require careful monitoring by healthcare professionals.

Can I buy Plaquenil over the counter?

No. Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is a prescription-only medication. You must have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare expert to purchase it safely and legally from a Canadian pharmacy like Polar Bear Meds.

Which is safer, Plaquenil or Methotrexate?

Plaquenil is generally safer for the liver and immune system. Methotrexate is a stronger immunosuppressant that requires regular blood tests and is not safe during pregnancy. Your doctor or physician will decide the best option based on your health needs.

How quickly does Plaquenil work?

Plaquenil tablets are a slow-acting medication. You should not expect immediate relief. You may begin to experience minor improvements within 4 to 12 weeks. It typically takes 6 months of consistent daily use to reach its full therapeutic effect.

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Plaquenil Description

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine sulfate) is a prescription oral medication available in 200 mg tablets. It is approved for the treatment and prophylaxis of uncomplicated malaria in regions where chloroquine-sensitive strains of Plasmodium species have not been reported. Also, for the management of certain autoimmune conditions, including SLE (systemic lupus erythematosus), rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic discoid lupus erythematosus.

Plaquenil helps reduce inflammation by regulating the immune system's activity. This can help relieve joint pain, swelling, rashes, and fatigue. Because long-term use can affect the eyes, patients are advised to undergo regular ophthalmologic examinations while taking this medication.

Plaquenil Quick Facts Table

Category	Details
Brand Name	Plaquenil
Generic Name	Hydroxychloroquine sulfate
Form	Oral tablet
Strength	200 mg
Drug Class	Antimalarials and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
FDA Approval	Yes, approved for malaria and autoimmune diseases
Indications	• Treatment of uncomplicated malaria where chloroquine resistance is not reported • Malaria prophylaxis in chloroquine-sensitive regions • Rheumatoid arthritis • Systemic lupus erythematosus • Chronic discoid lupus erythematosus
Administration	Oral, usually taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset
Common Side Effects	Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, headache, dizziness
Contraindications	Hypersensitivity to hydroxychloroquine or related compounds
Monitoring	Regular eye exams (risk of retinopathy), blood counts, and liver function tests
Storage	Store at controlled room temperature (20-25°C / 68-77°F), away from moisture and light
Quantities Available	60, 100, 200, 300 tablets per pack
Prescription Required	Yes

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What Is the Drug Plaquenil Used For?

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine sulfate) is an FDA-approved prescription medication used to:

Treat uncomplicated malaria caused by susceptible Plasmodium species and prevent malaria in areas where chloroquine resistance is not reported
Manage systemic lupus erythematosus and chronic discoid lupus erythematosus by reducing immune-mediated inflammation
Treat rheumatoid arthritis in adults to help reduce inflammation, pain, stiffness, and joint damage

Plaquenil Dosage Guide

Plaquenil dosing varies by indication, so always follow your doctor’s exact dosage instructions.

Recommended Plaquenil Dose for Adults

Condition	Usual Adult Dose	How Often
Prevent Malaria	400 mg	Once a week (start 2 weeks before travel, continue during travel, and 4 weeks after leaving)
Treat Malaria	800 mg first dose, then 400 mg	At 6, 24, and 48 hours after the first dose
Rheumatoid Arthritis	200-400 mg	Once daily (may take weeks to see benefit)
Lupus (Systemic or Discoid)	200-400 mg	Once daily

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Recommended Plaquenil Dose for Children

Condition	Usual Children’s Dose	How Often
Prevent Malaria (≥31 kg)	6.5 mg per body weight (max 400 mg)	Once a week
Treat Malaria	13 mg per kg first dose, then 6.5 mg per kg	At 6, 24, and 48 hours after the first dose
Autoimmune Conditions (RA, Lupus)	5 mg/kg/day (actual body weight), as determined by your physician	Once daily

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Plaquenil Mechanism of Action

Plaquenil has antimalarial activity and provides beneficial effects in autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. While it helps reduce inflammation and disease activity, its precise mechanism of action is not fully known.

What Are the Side Effects of Plaquenil Tablets?

Plaquenil Common Side Effects

These Plaquenil side effects are usually mild and may improve with time:

Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea and abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Headache
Dizziness
Skin rash or itching
Hair color or texture changes

Plaquenil Serious Side Effects

Seek medical attention if you notice any of these:

Eye problems: blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or changes in color vision
Muscle weakness, cramps, or tingling sensations
Mood or mental changes: anxiety, depression, hallucinations, confusion
Heart rhythm changes: fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fainting
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): sweating, shakiness, dizziness (can even occur in non-diabetic patients)
Severe skin reactions: blistering, peeling, or sensitivity to sunlight
Frequent infections: fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers (possible blood cell changes)

Plaquenil Rare but Serious Side Effects

Easy bruising or bleeding (rare blood disorders)
Retinal damage (may cause permanent vision loss if not detected early)
Serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): swelling of lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing, rash with blisters
Cardiac toxicity: rare reports of cardiomyopathy or dangerous arrhythmias

Plaquenil Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s: Plaquenil Precautions

Take Plaquenil with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
Follow the exact dose prescribed by your doctor.
Keep regular eye exams to monitor for vision changes.
Consult your provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Store the medicine safely away from children.
Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.
Have periodic blood tests if advised to check liver, kidney, or blood cell health.
Use the lowest effective dose for long‑term treatment to reduce the risk of eye damage.

Don’ts: Plaquenil Warnings

Don’t use Plaquenil tablets for unapproved conditions such as COVID‑19.
Avoid exceeding 400 mg per day unless specifically directed by your physician.
Do not take Plaquenil 200 mg if you are allergic to hydroxychloroquine or related medicines (like chloroquine).
Never stop your medication suddenly without medical guidance, which can worsen lupus or arthritis symptoms.
Avoid combining Plaquenil with other medicines that affect heart rhythm without medical supervision.
Do not use Plaquenil if you have pre-existing retinal or visual field changes attributable to 4-aminoquinoline compounds.

Plaquenil Missed Dose

If you forgot or missed a dose of Plaquenil 200 mg tablets, take them as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next one, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra doses to make up for a missed one.

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) Overdose

An overdose of Plaquenil is a medical emergency, particularly in children, and can be rapidly fatal. Severe toxicity may occur within hours of ingestion.

Symptoms may include cardiotoxicity, such as dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, ECG abnormalities (including QT and QRS prolongation), severe hypotension, and cardiovascular collapse. Other serious effects may include seizures, respiratory depression or breathing difficulty, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), electrolyte imbalances, and loss of consciousness or coma.

If a Plaquenil overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical care immediately or contact Poison Control without delay, as immediate treatment is critical for survival.

Plaquenil Interactions

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine sulfate) may interact with certain medications, some of them are as follows:

Drug Class	Examples	Interaction
QT‑prolonging drugs	Amiodarone, azithromycin, clarithromycin, fluoroquinolones, antipsychotics, and certain antiarrhythmics	Increased risk of QT prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac events; avoid combination when possible
Drugs affecting cardiac conduction	Antiarrhythmics (Class IA, III)	Additive effects on cardiac rhythm; ECG monitoring may be required
Tamoxifen	—	Increased risk of retinal toxicity when used with hydroxychloroquine
Digoxin	—	Increased digoxin serum concentrations; monitor digoxin levels
Cyclosporine	—	Increased cyclosporine blood levels; monitor drug concentrations
Antidiabetic agents	Insulin, sulfonylureas	Risk of hypoglycemia; blood glucose monitoring recommended
Antiepileptic drugs	Phenytoin, carbamazepine	May reduce seizure control or alter antiepileptic drug levels
Antacids	Aluminum‑ or magnesium‑containing antacids	Reduced absorption of Plaquenil; separate dosing by at least 4 hours

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Plaquenil Alternatives

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine sulfate) has several alternatives approved for similar uses, including malaria and autoimmune conditions.

Medication for Malaria

Aralen (chloroquine phosphate)
Mefloquine (mefloquine hydrochloride)
Mefloquine
Coartem (artemether/lumefantrine)

Medication for Autoimmune Conditions

Methotrexate

Plaquenil Cost & Coupons

The standard price of Plaquenil on Polar Bear Meds is $102.63, before shipping charges. Pricing may vary based on tablet strength, quantity ordered, and current availability. Save even more with:

Price-match guarantee if you find a lower price at another licensed Canadian pharmacy.
10% off for first-time customers with code WELCOMEPB10.
Earn $20 account credit for every verified referral. Your referral also gets $20 off their first order. After 10 referrals, receive an additional $100 credit.

Plaquenil FAQs

Why Buy Plaquenil from Canada with Polar Bear Meds?

U.S. patients often pay significantly more for Plaquenil at local pharmacies. Ordering Plaquenil from Canada through Polar Bear Meds helps you access the same prescription medication at a lower cost while maintaining safety and pharmacy standards.

Why patients choose Polar Bear Meds:

80% lower prices compared to many U.S. retail pharmacies
All medications are dispensed through licensed Canadian pharmacies
Prescription verification by a licensed pharmacist
Secure ordering and home delivery across the U.S.
Dedicated customer support for orders and prescriptions
There are no hidden fees; you see the medication cost clearly before checkout

Polar Bear Meds works only with regulated pharmacy partners and requires a valid prescription for all Plaquenil orders, helping ensure responsible and safe use.

Important Notice

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before stopping, starting, or changing any medication.