Tag: Plaquenil alternatives

An estimated 4 million people worldwide are affected by Sjögren's disease, and for those who find hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) ineffective or intolerable, there are several viable alternatives available. Addressing the complex nature of this autoimmune condition often requires exploring different medications to manage symptoms and disease activity effectively.

For patients with autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, studies show that stopping hydroxychloroquine, the active ingredient in Plaquenil, can significantly increase the risk of disease flares. When discontinuation is necessary due to side effects or ineffectiveness, knowing what drug can replace Plaquenil is crucial for maintaining disease control.

In 2023, hydroxychloroquine was the 131st most prescribed medication in the United States, with over 4 million prescriptions [1.7.3]. For those who need a different option, questions like, 'What can I take instead of Plaquenil?' are common and critical.