HQ CHRIST 200 (200mg Hydroxychloroquine)

Product Information

HQ Christ contains hydroxychloroquine, a medicine used to prevent and treat malaria caused by mosquito bites. It is also used to treat autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis by reducing skin problems, pain, and swelling.

It belongs to a class of medicines known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Hydroxychloroquine is not recommended for treating coronavirus infection (COVID-19) unless under supervised clinical study.

Why is this Medication Prescribed?

• Malaria: prevention and treatment in areas where malaria occurs
• Autoimmune diseases: lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, to reduce symptoms and disease activity

Uses

• Prevention of malaria
• Treatment of malaria
• Treatment of lupus erythematosus
• Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Benefits

• Prevents malaria when taken before, during, and after travel to high-risk areas
• Reduces skin problems and disease flares in lupus
• Prevents joint swelling, stiffness, and pain in rheumatoid arthritis
• Improves long-term outcomes by modifying disease progression

How Should this Medicine be Used?

• Take exactly as directed by your doctor
• Swallow whole with water; do not crush or break (may cause bitter taste)
• Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset
• Dosage depends on condition, medical history, and (for children) weight

For Malaria Prevention

• Usually taken once weekly on the same day each week
• Start 1–2 weeks before entering a malaria area
• Continue weekly while in the area and for 4–8 weeks after leaving

For Malaria Treatment

• Follow your doctor’s instructions precisely

For Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Usually once or twice daily
• Dose may be adjusted gradually, then reduced to the lowest effective dose once symptoms improve

Drug Interactions

• If taking kaolin (for diarrhea) or antacids (e.g., magnesium/aluminum hydroxide), take hydroxychloroquine at least 4 hours before or after these products

Other Uses

No additional approved uses.

Special Precautions

Before taking HQ Christ, inform your doctor if you:

• Have eye problems (retinal or visual changes may occur with long-term use)
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have heart rhythm problems
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding (use only if clearly needed and prescribed)

Monitoring

• Regular eye examinations are required during long-term use
• Blood tests may be needed to monitor liver, kidney, and blood counts

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Nausea or stomach upset
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness

Serious but less common effects:

• Vision changes (blurred vision, difficulty focusing)
• Hearing changes or ringing in the ears
• Mood changes or irritability
• Muscle weakness

Seek medical advice if you experience vision problems, heart rhythm disturbances, or severe allergic reactions.

Storage & Disposal

• Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of reach of children
• Dispose of unused tablets safely; do not flush into drains or toilets

Emergency Guidance

• Vision changes, severe dizziness, fainting, or heart palpitations → seek urgent medical attention
• Overdose: hydroxychloroquine overdose can be life-threatening, especially in children; call emergency services or poison control immediately