Hydroxychloroquine Alternatives

In short: Hydroxychloroquine (hydroxychloroquine sulfate), also sold under the brand name Plaquenil, belongs to the Antimalarials / Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Medicines (DMARDs) class. The medications listed below either share that mechanism of action or have been clinically validated as substitutes when Hydroxychloroquine is unsuitable due to side effects, cost, availability, or contraindications.

When to consider an alternative to Hydroxychloroquine

Switching is a decision to make with your prescriber, not on your own. People most often look for a substitute for one of a few reasons — and the right alternative depends on which one applies:

• Tolerability. If bothersome or serious reactions are the problem, review the side effects of Hydroxychloroquine first — a same-class option often shares them, so a different class may be the better move.
• Interactions. If a new prescription clashes with your current regimen, check Hydroxychloroquine's known drug interactions before choosing a replacement.
• Cost or availability. A generic or same-class medicine may deliver the same benefit at a lower cost tier or without a shortage.
• Effectiveness. If Hydroxychloroquineisn't controlling your condition, a different mechanism of action may work where this one fell short.