CompositionHCQS 400 Tablet 10 is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (systemic and discoid), reducing joint pain, swelling and skin rashes. It is a single-ingredient medicine containing hydroxychloroquine, which belongs to a class of medicines called antimalarials and disease-modifying antirheumatic medicines (DMARDs).
This medicine is also used to prevent and treat certain types of malaria. In arthritis and lupus it works by calming the overactive immune system, and benefits build up over several weeks to months. Take it with food or milk, as prescribed, and keep taking it even when you feel better.
Regular gentle exercise, rest during flares, and protecting your skin from strong sunlight (especially if you have lupus) can help manage your condition.
Long-term use can rarely damage the retina at the back of the eye, so you should have an eye check before or soon after starting and regular eye tests during treatment. Before starting, tell your doctor if you have eye or vision problems, heart rhythm problems, liver or kidney disease, psoriasis, epilepsy, diabetes or G6PD deficiency, and about other medicines you take, especially heart rhythm medicines and diabetes medicines. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Seek medical help for changes in vision, a fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, symptoms of low blood sugar, or low mood. Keep out of reach of children, as overdose is very dangerous. Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor advises you to do so.
