Sticking With Antimalarial Plan Linked to 21% Fewer Hospital Days

Written by Ted Samson

Posted on May 28, 2026

Feel better informed on lupus and get real support from your community.

Pill bottle medication People with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who stick closely to their antimalarial medication plan early in treatment may be less likely to need hospital care later on, according to a new population-based study.

Researchers found that people with SLE who took at least 90 percent of their prescribed antimalarial doses had 21 percent fewer hospital days over the following year. They also had 11 percent fewer hospital admissions compared with people who took less than the prescribed dose. The study also found lower hospitalization costs among those who stayed on treatment.

The findings matter because lupus can increase the risk of serious complications, including inflammation, infections, kidney disease, and heart problems that may lead to emergency care or hospital stays. The study suggests that taking antimalarial medications consistently early after diagnosis may help reduce some of those risks.

Share your thoughts.

🗳️ What’s the biggest challenge for you in sticking to your lupus treatment plan?

Remembering to take medications on time

Managing side effects

Affording treatment costs

Something else

What Are Antimalarial Medications?

Antimalarial drugs were originally developed to prevent and treat malaria, but they are now commonly used to help manage autoimmune diseases like lupus. Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is the most widely used antimalarial medication for SLE.

Most people in the new study were taking hydroxychloroquine, while a small number took chloroquine.

These medications help calm an overactive immune system. For people with lupus, antimalarials may reduce joint pain, rashes, fatigue, and disease flares. Previous research has also linked hydroxychloroquine to lower risks of kidney disease and cardiovascular problems.

As with all medications, hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can cause side effects. Common side effects may include stomach cramps, nausea, loss of appetite, and bloating.

Although these medications are generally considered safe for long-term use, in rare cases, they can affect the retina (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye) or cause other serious side effects.

Sticking With Treatment Reduced Hospital Visits

Researchers analyzed health data from more than 26,000 people in British Columbia, Canada, who were newly diagnosed with either lupus or rheumatoid arthritis and had started antimalarial treatment between 1997 and 2022.

The study compared people who took at least 90 percent of their prescribed doses with those who took less.

Compared with participants who did not take the medication as prescribed, people who stayed on antimalarial treatment had:

An 11 percent lower risk of hospital admission
A 21 percent reduction in hospital days

Researchers said the findings remained strong even after accounting for factors such as age, other health conditions, and use of additional medications.

Because this was an observational study, the findings show an association, not proof of cause and effect. The researchers also noted that prescription refill records cannot confirm whether medication was actually taken, and the data didn’t include some factors that can affect lupus outcomes, such as disease activity or reasons people stopped or missed treatment.

Why These Findings Matter for People With SLE

Health and wellness

Lupus treatment can feel overwhelming, especially soon after diagnosis. Medications may come with side effects, costs, or daily challenges that make it harder to stay consistent.

Still, this study adds to growing evidence that taking antimalarial medications as prescribed may help lower the chances of serious complications that require hospital care.

Not every treatment works the same way for every person living with lupus. If staying on your medication becomes difficult because of side effects, costs, or other concerns, it’s important to talk with a healthcare provider. They can help adjust treatment plans, manage side effects, or find other ways to support long-term treatment success.