Get a hydroxychloroquine (generic Plaquenil) prescription online for malaria, lupus, and arthritis

Get convenient and affordable hydroxychloroquine online prescriptions available for same-day pick up at your pharmacy. Hydroxychloroquine is prescribed for use as a preventative measure against malaria, as well as a treatment for lupus and arthritis.

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Product Overview

Hydroxychloroquine (generic Plaquenil)

  • What is hydroxychloroquine?
    Hydroxychloroquine is a medication used for the treatment of malaria. It may also be used as a preventative measure against malaria when other methods have failed. In addition to its use as an anti-malarial medication, hydroxychloroquine may be prescribed as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, and both chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (chronic inflammation of the skin) and systemic lupus erythematosus (chronic inflammation of the body) in adults.

    Talk to your doctor about whether hydroxychloroquine is right for you.

  • What are the most common side effects of hydroxychloroquine?
    Hydroxychloroquine may cause side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away after a day or two.


Common side effects of hydroxychloroquine use include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Rash
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
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Medically Reviewed By Dr. Allison Edwards, MD

Frequently asked questions about hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine is a medication used for the treatment of malaria. It may also be used as a preventative measure against malaria when other methods have failed. In addition to its use as an anti-malarial medication, hydroxychloroquine may be prescribed as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, and both chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (chronic inflammation of the skin) and systemic lupus erythematosus (chronic inflammation of the body) in adults.

Malaria is a parasitic disease carried by mosquitos. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were nearly 241 million cases of malaria in 2020. Nearly 627,000 people died of malaria. While this disease is rarer in the United States than in other parts of the world, the CDC estimates that nearly 2,000 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.

As an antimalarial medication, hydroxychloroquine is prescribed for the treatment of malaria, and as a preventative measure against malaria in parts of the world where chloroquine resistance has not been reported.

In addition to its use as a treatment for malaria, hydroxychloroquine is also indicated for use in adults as a treatment for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (CLE), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Hydroxychloroquine targets the parasitic organism in red blood cells that causes malaria. By killing this pathogen, hydroxychloroquine effectively treats uncomplicated malaria infections. If the disease has become severe or has caused complications, hydroxychloroquine may not be able to treat these conditions. In this case, further medical treatment may be required.

As a treatment for CLE, SLE, and rheumatoid arthritis, hydroxychloroquine works by limiting certain functions of the immune system - which reduces inflammatory responses that cause the symptoms of these conditions.

Hydroxychloroquine may cause side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these adverse reactions do not go away after a day or two.


Common side effects of hydroxychloroquine use include:

  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Rash
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain

Seek medical attention right away if you experience any of these rare, but potentially serious, adverse reactions:

  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Vision changes (blurry or distorted vision)
  • Blood in urine or stools
  • Light sensitivity
  • Anxiety
  • Swelling
  • Unexplained bruising
  • Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
  • Drowsiness
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty breathing

It may take 1-2 months for the effects of hydroxychloroquine to be observed as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Do not increase your dosage of hydroxychloroquine, even if you do not feel like it’s working. In addition, if you begin to feel better, it is important that you do not discontinue the use of hydroxychloroquine until directed to do so by your doctor.

As a preventative measure for adults going into a malaria-exposure area, hydroxychloroquine is prescribed as a 400mg tablet meant to be taken once weekly for two weeks before exposure, and then for four weeks after exposure.

As a treatment for lupus, hydroxychloroquine is prescribed as a 200-400mg tablet (depending on the weight and age of the patient) to be taken once a day.

For rheumatoid arthritis, hydroxychloroquine is prescribed as a 400-600mg tablet meant to be taken once a day, or twice a day with the dosage split in half.

If you respond well to this medication, your health care provider may elect to reduce your daily dosage by 50%. Do not discontinue or alter your dosage without consulting your doctor first. In addition, do not increase your dose of hydroxychloroquine without the direct order of the prescribing doctor. An overdose of hydroxychloroquine can lead to severe adverse reactions. Follow the directions on the prescription packaging, and get in touch with your health care provider if you experience any lingering side effects.

Hydroxychloroquine is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not hydroxychloroquine is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for hydroxychloroquine to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.

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