hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine is used to prevent and treat acute attacks of malaria in adults and children weighing more than 31 kg (68 lbs). It is also used to treat discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE; a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus; an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body such as joints, skin, blood vessels, and organs) and rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine is in a class of drugs called antimalarials and is also an antirheumatic drug. It works by killing the organisms that cause malaria. Hydroxychloroquine may work to treat rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus by decreasing the activity of the immune system.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking hydroxychloroquine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Hydroxychloroquine has not been specifically studied to see whether it makes it harder to get pregnant. Some information suggests it might actually improve the success rates of certain fertility treatments. Any questions about fertility and this medication are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking hydroxychloroquine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. Several studies have not found a higher chance of miscarriage related to hydroxychloroquine use. One study reported more miscarriages than expected, but the authors noted that underlying conditions such as malaria or lupus can themselves increase miscarriage risk. Talk with your healthcare provider about your individual situation.
Does taking hydroxychloroquine increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts with a background 3–5% chance of a birth defect. Most studies looking at hydroxychloroquine use for rheumatic disease in pregnancy have not found an increased chance for birth defects. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh this information in the context of your own health.
Can taking hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Studies do not suggest that hydroxychloroquine increases the chance of preterm delivery or low birth weight, while untreated lupus or malaria themselves may raise some of these risks. Hydroxychloroquine may also reduce the chance of congenital heart block in pregnancies at increased risk for that condition. A theoretical concern about eye effects in the baby has not been borne out in most studies. Discuss your specific risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Can taking hydroxychloroquine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
According to the source, studies have not been done to see if hydroxychloroquine can cause behavior or learning issues for the child. Because this question has not been directly studied, it is a good topic to raise with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking hydroxychloroquine?
Hydroxychloroquine passes into breastmilk in small amounts. Studies in breastfeeding have reported no harmful effects on infants, including no effects on vision, hearing, or growth in children followed up to about 1 year of age. Your healthcare provider can help address your individual breastfeeding questions.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
hydroxychloroquine