Description
Same active ingredient (hydroxychloroquine) as Plaquenil®, the US brand. Hetquenil 200 mg is an Indian brand, made and licensed in India.
About Hetquenil 200 mg
Hetquenil 200 mg contains hydroxychloroquine sulfate and is made by Hetero Healthcare. Hydroxychloroquine is a long-established medicine that calms an overactive immune system. Today it is mainly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and it is also used in some regions to prevent or treat malaria.
What it is used for
- Rheumatoid arthritis: to reduce joint pain, swelling and stiffness, often alongside other treatments.
- Lupus (SLE and discoid lupus): to control skin, joint and general symptoms and reduce flare-ups.
- Malaria: only where the parasite is still sensitive to chloroquine, which now applies to few parts of the world. Travelers need region-specific advice; see our malaria guide.
Hydroxychloroquine is not a treatment for COVID-19; major health authorities do not recommend it for that purpose.
How to take it
Your doctor sets the dose. For arthritis and lupus it is commonly 200–400 mg a day, adjusted to body weight, and the usual maximum is 5 mg per kilogram of body weight daily. Take tablets with food or milk to reduce stomach upset, and swallow them whole. It can take 6–12 weeks to feel the full benefit for joint or lupus symptoms, so keep taking it as prescribed.
Pack sizes
Packs of 100, 200, 300 and 500 tablets, from $60. A 400 mg strength, Hetquenil 400 mg, is also available.
Side effects
- Common: nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, headache and skin rash.
- Eyes: long-term use can rarely damage the retina. Regular eye checks are recommended, usually from the start and then yearly after five years of treatment, and you should report any change in vision promptly.
- Other: low blood sugar (shakiness, sweating, confusion) and changes in heart rhythm.
Cautions and interactions
Tell your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems, liver or kidney disease, epilepsy, psoriasis, porphyria, G6PD deficiency or diabetes. Some medicines that also affect heart rhythm, antacids (take them at least four hours apart) and certain diabetes treatments can interact. Hydroxychloroquine can be dangerous in overdose, especially for children, so store it securely.
Monitoring during treatment
People taking hydroxychloroquine long term usually have a baseline eye examination and regular reviews with their rheumatologist or DOCTOR. Blood tests may be arranged to check blood count and liver function, and an ECG may be advised if you take other medicines that affect heart rhythm. Keep a list of all your medicines and share it with every doctor or pharmacist you see.
Storage
Store below 86°F (30°C) in the original strip, well out of reach and sight of children.
Frequently asked questions
Can I stop if I feel better?
Do not stop without talking to your doctor, as symptoms can return.
Is it safe in pregnancy?
It is often continued in lupus pregnancy under specialist care, but this must be decided by your doctor.
What else is in this range?
See our malaria category for related information.
This information is educational and does not replace your doctor’s advice. Hetquenil 200 mg is a prescription medicine that requires regular monitoring.