FDA Approves Sanodi Aventis's Plaquenil
Plaquenil is considered an older disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug or DMARD. Plaquenil is actually in a class of medications called anti-malarials but it is also used to treat rheumatic and autoimmune conditions which are unrelated to malaria.
It's important to know about safety warnings associated with plaquenil so undesirable side effects can be minimized.
Hydroxychloroquine is used to prevent or treat malaria infections caused by mosquito bites. It does not work against certain types of malaria (chloroquine-resistant). The United States Center for Disease Control provides updated guidelines and travel recommendations for the prevention and treatment of malaria in different parts of the world. Discuss the most recent information with your doctor before traveling to areas where malaria occurs.
This medication is also used, usually with other medications, to treat certain auto-immune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) when other medications have not worked or cannot be used. It belongs to a class of medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It can reduce skin problems in lupus and prevent swelling/pain in arthritis, though it is not known exactly how the drug works.
PLAQUENIL is indicated for the suppressive treatment and treatment of acute attacks of malaria due to Plasmodium vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale, and susceptible strains of P. falciparum. It is also indicated for the treatment of discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Plaquenil is a prescription medicine used for treating and preventing certain types of malaria. It is also approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The medication comes in tablet form and is taken once a week to prevent malaria (starting two weeks before anticipated exposure) and once or twice daily for other uses. Potential side effects of Plaquenil include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headaches.
