HCQS 400 Tablet

Composition Hydroxychloroquine (400mg)
Rx Prescription Required
Pack strip of 10 tablets
Storage Store below 30°C
Chemical Class 4-Aminoquinoline Derivative
Action Class Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatoid Drugs (DMARDs)- Non biologics
Habbit Forming No
Manufacturer Ipca Laboratories Ltd
Manufacturer address 142 AB, Kandivli Industrial Estate, Kandivli (West), Mumbai – 400 067, Maharashtra

HCQS 400 Tablet should be taken with food. This will prevent you from getting an upset stomach upset. You should take it regularly and at the same time each day to get the maximum benefit from it. Keep taking it as recommended by your doctor and complete the dose even if you feel better.

The common side effects of this medicine include blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light. It may even change the color of your eyes. Consult with your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away with time or get worse. Your doctor may help with ways to reduce or prevent these symptoms.

To make sure the medicine is safe for you, before taking this medicine, let your doctor know if you have any problems with your heart, kidneys, or liver. Also, tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking. Your doctor may recommend regular eye tests to check your vision while on this medication. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult with their doctors before taking the medicine.

Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis
Treatment of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. HCQS 400 Tablet is to be taken with food.

HCQS 400 Tablet is a Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatoid Drug (DMARD). It works by suppressing the overactivity of the immune system that causes inflammation (swelling) and pain in the joints. This slows the progression of the underlying disease.

If you miss a dose of HCQS 400 Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

You have been prescribed HCQS 400 Tablet for the treatment of autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus.

Take it with food to avoid an upset stomach.

It can take 8-12 weeks for HCQS 400 Tablet to work. Keep taking it as prescribed.

Do not take medicines that neutralise stomach acids (antacids) four hours before and after taking HCQS 400 Tablet as they can stop the medicine from being absorbed properly from your gut.

Have regular eye tests done while taking this medicine. Stop taking it and inform your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in your vision.

It can cause lowering of blood glucose level. Inform your doctor if you experience hypoglycemia symptoms such as cold sweats, cool pale skin, tremor, and anxious feeling.

Q. Is HCQS 400 Tablet effective against novel coronavirus infection?

HCQS 400 Tablet is currently under study in various clinical trials (research studies in human beings) for the prevention of novel coronavirus infection and treatment of patients with COVID-19 (the illness caused by the novel coronavirus). This medicine has shown some activity against the novel coronavirus in laboratory studies (in vitro studies). However, further evidence is required to conclude that HCQS 400 Tablet is effective against the novel coronavirus.

Q. Can HCQS 400 Tablet be used for the prophylaxis of the novel coronavirus infection?

The national task force for COVID-19 (constituted by ICMR) has recommended the use of HCQS 400 Tablet for prevention of novel coronavirus infection ONLY in certain high-risk populations (ie people at high risk of exposure to the virus) or emergency situations. It can be used for prophylaxis in case of asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 and asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases.

Q. Do we need to maintain a stock of HCQS 400 Tablet?

No, we do not have to maintain a stock of HCQS 400 Tablet. If you suspect that you have contracted the novel coronavirus infection, consult a doctor immediately and strictly follow their advice. Do not self-administer HCQS 400 Tablet. Keep in mind that this medicine needs to be taken only if prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.

Q. What is the recommended dose for preventing coronavirus?

HCQS 400 Tablet is only recommended for preventing coronavirus infection in certain high-risk groups or emergency situations. It should strictly be taken as per the dose, frequency, and duration prescribed by your doctor.

Q. How to take the HCQS 400 Tablet?

HCQS 400 Tablet comes as a tablet to be taken by mouth. It should be taken with food or a glass of milk to prevent an upset stomach and nausea. Take it as per dose and duration suggested by the doctor and finish the complete course. HCQS 400 Tablet should be used regularly as advised by your doctor. Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor first. If you have also taking antacids, then take HCQS 400 Tablet at least 4hours before or after these products.

Q. What to do if someone becomes symptomatic or shows symptoms of novel coronavirus while taking HCQS 400 Tablet?

Any person who has been prescribed HCQS 400 Tablet and develops symptoms of novel coronavirus infection (such as high fever, dry cough, tiredness, difficulty in breathing) while taking HCQS 400 Tablet should immediately consult their doctor. Your doctor will advise if you need to get tested for the novel coronavirus and if you need to be isolated. Follow all the instructions from your doctor.

Q. How long does it take for HCQS 400 Tablet to start working?

HCQS takes some time to show its effects. It may even take a few weeks or months before you see an improvement in your symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases. However, it is important that you be patient and keep taking this medication regularly. Your doctor may prescribe some additional medications in the interim for temporary relief from the symptoms.

Q. Does HCQS 400 Tablet have any effect on vision?

Yes, though uncommon, HCQS can affect vision especially if taken at higher doses or for a period of time (> 5 years). The symptoms include reading or seeing difficulties (words, letters, or parts of objects missing), sensitivity to light, blurred distant vision, and seeing light flashes or streaks. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may carry out various eye tests and then decide if HCQS 400 Tablet needs to be discontinued. You may also be advised to get certain eye tests done periodically if you have been prescribed HCQS.

Q. Do I need to get any tests done during HCQS 400 Tablet treatment?

An eye test is required before your treatment with HCQS starts and should be repeated every 12 months. Also, your doctor may advise you to get your blood counts (CBC) and liver function test (LFT) checked regularly. Your doctor may discontinue HCQS if any abnormality is detected.

Q. Is HCQS 400 Tablet an opioid, a painkiller, a steroid, or an anti-inflammatory medicine? How does it work?

HCQS 400 Tablet is an antimalarial medicine with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. It is neither a steroid nor an opioid nor a painkiller. In malaria, HCQS 400 Tablet destroys the harmful parasite which causes the illness. Whereas in rheumatoid arthritis, it reduces inflammation of the joints and provides relief.

Q. Do I need to be careful with HCQS 400 Tablet if I am a diabetic?

Yes, you need to be careful while using HCQS if you have diabetes. HCQS can lower your blood glucose levels to dangerous levels so much so that you may even lose consciousness(severe hypoglycemia). Keep a regular check on your blood glucose levels and if it starts to fall, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor may alter the doses of your anti-diabetic medications as per your blood glucose levels.

Q. I am on antacids since a long time, which is necessary for me. Can I still take HCQS 400 Tablet?

Yes, you can take HCQS, provided you keep a gap of at least 4 hours between HCQS and antacid. If this gap is not maintained, then the antacid may interfere with the absorption or working of HCQS. As a result, you may not experience the full benefits of HCQS.

Q. Can I take ibuprofen while taking HCQS 400 Tablet?

Yes, you may take ibuprofen and HCQS together. They do not have any significant interactions and do not interfere with the working of each other.

Q. What can I expect if I stop taking HCQS 400 Tablet?

If you stop taking HCQS without consulting your doctor, your illness may get worse. Therefore, do not stop taking HCQS without consulting your doctor, even if you start feeling better.

In Treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where your body’s immune system (which usually fights bacteria and viruses) attacks your body’s own cells. HCQS 400 Tablet stops that from happening and can relieve the symptoms of this condition such as pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints. It can also slow down joint damage, reduce disability, and enable you to be as active for as long as possible. It can take several weeks or months to notice the effect of the medicine. You should continue taking it until your doctor says it is okay to stop using the medicine.

In Treatment of Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other organs. HCQS 400 Tablet prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation. It can be used to treat a great many different inflammatory and allergic conditions. It lowers your immune system’s response to these conditions thereby reducing symptoms such as swelling, pain, itching and other allergic-type reactions.You should always take it as it has been prescribed for you. Do not stop taking it without your doctor’s advice. This can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Because this medicine weakens your immune system, you should avoid being near people who are ill or have infections.show moreshow less

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Increased sensitivity to light

Blurred vision

Alcohol:CAUTION

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with HCQS 400 Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

HCQS 400 Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

HCQS 400 Tablet is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.

Driving:UNSAFE

HCQS 400 Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.You may get eye problems while taking this medicine. This may affect your ability to drive.

Kidney:CAUTION

HCQS 400 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of HCQS 400 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.This medicine can affect your eyes. Regular eye check up is recommended while you are taking this medicine.

Liver:CAUTION

HCQS 400 Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of HCQS 400 Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

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