Overview Of The Best Arthritis Medications

Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial medicine sometimes used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, it carries higher risks than other medications. When patients take it at high doses or for long periods, it can permanently damage their retina. This is more likely to happen in individuals who have kidney disease or pre-existing eye conditions. Patients who take tamoxifen are also at an increased risk. This drug can cause heart problems as well, particularly if individuals take it with azithromycin. Before using this medicine, patients should tell their doctor if they have heart conditions, diabetes, vision problems, psoriasis, or liver disease.

Hydroxychloroquine is usually taken daily for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Most doctors recommend that patients take it with food or milk. The most commonly reported side effects of this medicine include hair loss, nausea, weight loss, vomiting, dizziness, nervousness, stomach pain, and itchy skin. Patients should let their doctors know immediately if they experience jaundice, ringing in the ears, mood changes, or low blood sugar on this medication. Finally, this medication has many potential side effects. Specifically, medications that it interacts with include cimetidine, diabetes medicines, anticonvulsants, and heart rhythm drugs.