Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is hydroxychloroquine. You may hear it called by the brand name 'Plaquenil'. This medicine is used for malaria, rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of lupus. It may have other uses, too.

You should take this medicine exactly how your doctor tells you to. Be sure to swallow the tablet whole. You should take each dose with food or with a glass of milk.

Most people tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include a headache, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and loss of appetite. Others include feeling a little nervous or irritable, or feeling a little dizzy. These side effects are normal if they are mild, and should go away. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

This medicine could make your skin sensitive to sunlight. You should take care to protect your skin from the sun.

As with any medicine, rare but more serious effects can occur. With this medicine, these include allergic reactions, changes to eyesight or hearing, and changes to the skin, like rashes, peeling or blisters. You should tell your doctor RIGHT AWAY if you notice these changes, or ANY unusual changes to your body or your emotions. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your health closely.      

You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you take other medicines, including antacids. Also check before you drink alcohol. 

Women must talk to their doctors before becoming pregnant and before breastfeeding. Also, you should store this medicine in a safe place away from children.

For best results with this medicine, work closely with your doctor to understand what your treatment goals are.