Product Details: Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Sanofi-Aventis

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an immunosuppressant and antirheumatic agent used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or milk. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. Also, keep all appointments for eye examinations. IF YOU ARE TAKING THIS MEDICINE FOR SLE OR ARTHRITIS, it may take 4 to 12 weeks for this medicine to work. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. IF YOUR SYMPTOMS DO NOT IMPROVE after several months or if they become worse, check with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include headache, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, or abdominal cramping. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience skin rash or itching; ringing in the ears or loss of hearing; fever or sore throat; unusual bleeding or bruising; blue-black discoloration of the skin or inside of mouth; hair loss; mood changes; vision changes or disturbances; or unusual weakness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Hydroxychloroquine