HQHEAL 400 (400mg Hydroxychloroquine)

Product Information

HQHEAL (Hydroxychloroquine) is used to prevent and treat malaria caused by mosquito bites. It is also prescribed for autoimmune conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Hydroxychloroquine reduces skin problems in lupus and helps prevent swelling and pain in arthritis. It belongs to a class of medicines called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Hydroxychloroquine is not recommended for coronavirus infection (COVID-19) unless you are enrolled in a clinical study.

Why is this Medication Prescribed?

• To prevent malaria in areas where the disease is common.
• To treat malaria infections.
• To treat autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Uses

• Malaria prevention and treatment
• Lupus (reduces skin problems and systemic symptoms)
• Rheumatoid arthritis (reduces swelling, pain, and inflammation)

Benefits

• Prevents malaria during travel or residence in high-risk areas
• Reduces skin flare-ups and joint pain in lupus
• Helps control swelling and joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis

How Should this Medicine be Used?

• Take by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor.
• To prevent stomach upset:
  • Take with food or milk.
• Swallow tablets whole. Do not break or crush.
• Dose depends on your condition, response, and (for children) body weight.

For Malaria Prevention

• Take once a week on the same day each week.
• Start 1–2 weeks before entering a malaria area.
• Continue weekly during your stay and for 4–8 weeks after leaving.
• Mark a calendar to remember your dose.

For Malaria Treatment

• Follow your doctor’s exact instructions.

For Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Usually taken once or twice daily.
• Your doctor may gradually adjust your dose.
• After improvement, your doctor may lower the dose to the lowest effective amount.

Drug Interactions

• If taking kaolin (for diarrhea) or antacids (magnesium/aluminum hydroxide):
  • Take HQHEAL at least 4 hours before or after these products.
  • They can reduce absorption of hydroxychloroquine.

Special Precautions

• Tell your doctor if you have eye problems, liver or kidney disease, heart disease, or low blood sugar.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• Use with caution in children; overdose may be fatal.
• Long-term use may affect vision. Your doctor may recommend regular eye exams.

Possible Side Effects

• Nausea, stomach upset, or loss of appetite
• Headache or dizziness
• Itching or skin rash
• Blurred vision or sensitivity to light

Serious side effects (seek medical help immediately):

• Vision changes (blurred vision, difficulty focusing)
• Irregular heartbeat or chest pain
• Muscle weakness
• Severe skin reactions

Storage & Disposal

• Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
• Keep out of reach of children (hydroxychloroquine overdose in children can be fatal).
• Dispose of unused medicine safely — do not flush down the toilet unless instructed.

Emergency Guidance

• In case of overdose, especially in children, seek emergency help immediately.
• Call your local poison control center or emergency number.
• For severe allergic reactions (swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing), go to the nearest emergency department.