Aralen (Chloroquine) for Lupus
Overview
- Drug Name: Chloroquine
- FDA Approval: 1949 (originally for malaria)
- Purpose: Treats inflammation associated with lupus by interfering in communication between immune system cells.
Usage
- Dosage: Usually taken once a day with food.
- Initial Improvement: Symptoms may improve Show Full Answer
Aralen (Chloroquine) for Lupus
Overview:
- Drug Name: Chloroquine
- FDA Approval: 1949 (originally for malaria)
- Purpose: Treats inflammation associated with lupus by interfering in communication between immune system cells.
Usage:
- Dosage: Usually taken once a day with food.
- Initial Improvement: Symptoms may improve within 1-2 months, but some may take several months.
- Smoking: Avoid smoking as it reduces the benefits of Aralen.
- Ophthalmologist Visits: Regular checkups are necessary before starting and every six months to monitor for vision-related side effects.
Precautions:
- Not Suitable For: People with certain vision conditions or hypersensitivity to related drugs.
- Use with Caution: Those with auditory damage, liver disease, alcoholism, or a history of epilepsy.
Side Effects:
- Common: Blurred vision, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, diarrhea.
- Serious: Irreversible eye damage, vision changes, hearing changes, mood changes, pain in limbs, fast heartbeat, worsening skin problems, swelling, yellowing of skin/eyes, hair changes.
- Emergency: Fainting, seizures, irregular heartbeat, allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling in face/throat/eyes/lips/tongue).
Important Notes:
- Follow Doctor's Instructions: Always adhere to the prescribed regimen.
- Potential Flare: Stopping Aralen may cause a lupus flare.
Results:
- Research: A 1953 trial showed significant improvement in early cases of dermatological lupus symptoms with Chloroquine.
For more detailed information, you can visit the [Aralen (Chloroquine) for Lupus | MyLupusTeam](https://www.mylupusteam.com/treatments/aralen) page.
July 18, 2024
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