Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine)

Name: Plaquenil
Brand: Sanofi Aventis
SKU: 1854
Availability: InStock

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Plaquenil

Manufacturer: Sanofi Aventis

Country: Canada

Dosage: 200 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Plaquenil

Type

Product

Manufacturer

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Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Hydroxychloroquine

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 200 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Hydroxychloroquine

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: India

Dosage: 200 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Hydroxychloroquine

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: United Kingdom

Dosage: 200 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Plaquenil Information

medically reviewed by Carol Hou (BSc. Pharm) on October 14, 2025.

A licensed pharmacist (Licensed Community Pharmacies Directory | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia) with over 20 years of experience in medication management, specifically medication safety, she has reviewed the information for accuracy and completeness.

Plaquenil and Hydroxychloroquine at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

The brand Plaquenil, manufactured by Sanofi Aventis, is available in Canada.

Generic hydroxychloroquine is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturer of your dispensed medication may vary.

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com supplies only genuine Plaquenil from Canada, shipped using Canadian packaging. This Plaquenil is manufactured by Sanofi (SANOFI SA), the worldwide manufacturer of Plaquenil. This offer is neither endorsed nor authorized by Sanofi (SANOFI SA). CanadaPharmacyOnline.com has no affiliation whatsoever with Sanofi (SANOFI SA).

Important Information about Generic Hydroxychloroquine:

Generic hydroxychloroquine contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Plaquenil and is required to meet the same safety, effectiveness, and quality standards. This means it is designed to work in the same way as Plaquenil. Studies have shown that generic hydroxychloroquine is bioequivalent to brand-name Plaquenil, meaning it has a similar absorption rate and reaches identical concentrations in the bloodstream. However, individual responses to medication can vary due to factors such as metabolism, genetics, and other health conditions.

For more information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, please visit Access to Generic Drugs in Canada | Canada.ca.

Dosage:

The brand Plaquenil and its generic equivalent, hydroxychloroquine, are available in the same 200 mg strength.

Your conditions will determine the appropriate dose based on your individual needs and medical conditions.

Usage:

Plaquenil’s (hydroxychloroquine) main uses are to treat autoimmune diseases, most commonly Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE, also known as lupus) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). It functions as a Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drug (DMARD), helping to regulate the overactive immune system. This reduces joint pain, swelling, and inflammation, while also protecting against long-term damage to organs and joints. Plaquenil can also be used to prevent and treat certain types of malaria. Since the drug builds up gradually in the body, it often takes several weeks to months to see full benefits. Long-term use requires regular eye exams to monitor for a rare but serious side effect involving the retina.

Mechanism of Action:
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) works to treat autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, by acting as a gentle yet effective regulator of an overactive immune system. The drug is a weak base that accumulates inside specialized parts of immune cells (like lysosomes). This subtly raises the pH (making it less acidic) within those cells, which disrupts immune functions and prevents the cells from overreacting. This action helps to "calm down" the immune system by interfering with the signals and inflammatory messengers (like cytokines) that mistakenly attack the body's own tissues, ultimately reducing swelling, pain, and long-term damage caused by the disease.

Take Plaquenil exactly as your doctor prescribes, following the instructions in the product monograph in Canada. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking Plaquenil, it is essential to discuss all possible side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below outlines potential side effects of Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine. It is not an exhaustive list, and individual reactions can vary.

Common side effects – The following are common side effects of Plaquenil; other side effects may also occur. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Rash
• Vomiting

Other Potential Side Effects (less common):
• Changes in hair color or mild hair loss
• Decreased appetite
• Feeling tired or weak (fatigue)
• Nervousness or excitability
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

Serious Side Effects: These are rare but potentially severe side effects. Seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
• Blood Disorders (e.g., anemia, low white blood cell count), which may cause fever, easy bruising, or unusual bleeding.
• Cardiotoxicity and Heart Risks (Cardiomyopathy, severe rhythm changes, e.g., QT prolongation), which can lead to a dangerously fast heartbeat called Torsades de Pointes. Symptoms include chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, severe irregular heartbeats, or shortness of breath.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which may cause confusion, dizziness, shakiness, or sweating.
• Liver Problems, which may cause dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or severe stomach pain.
• Muscle Weakness or changes in sensation, such as numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
• Neuropsychiatric Changes: Severe Neuropsychiatric Changes, including psychosis, deep depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
• Retinopathy (damage to the retina of the eye) or other vision changes, which may cause blurred vision, difficulty seeing in dim light, or seeing spots.
• Severe Skin Reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome), which may cause blistering, peeling skin, or sores in the mouth, eyes, or genitals, often accompanied by a fever.
• Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)

Contraindications:

The following is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. Before starting Plaquenil, it is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Plaquenil should not be used if you have any of the following conditions:
• A known sensitivity or allergy to hydroxychloroquine or related drugs.
• Pre-existing retinopathy or maculopathy of the eye

Tell your doctor about your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Plaquenil. This is crucial because certain conditions can affect whether Plaquenil is right for you. These conditions may include, but are not limited to:
• A Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.
• Alcoholism or a history of significant alcohol use.
• Any serious blood or bone marrow disorder.
• Diabetes or a history of severe hypoglycemia.
• Heart disease, including heart failure, a slow heartbeat, or certain irregular heart rhythms (prolongation).
• Kidney disease or significant renal impairment.
• Liver disease or significant hepatic impairment.
• Myasthenia gravis or other serious muscle or nerve disorders.
• Porphyria (a rare liver disorder)
• Psoriasis, as the condition may be worsened.

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Plaquenil, it is essential to discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information, please visit the Plaquenil prescribing information | Sanofi.com at https://www.sanofi.com/assets/countries/canada/docs/products/prescription-products/plaquenil-en.pdf.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Plaquenil may interact with other medicines, but is not limited to:
• Antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox): Can decrease the absorption of Plaquenil, potentially making it less effective. It is generally recommended to take Plaquenil and antacids at least four hours apart.
• Anti-Diabetic Medications (e.g., Insulin, Metformin, Glipizide): Plaquenil can enhance the effects of anti-diabetic drugs, significantly increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar). Doses of anti-diabetic medication may need to be adjusted.
• Anticonvulsants/Seizure Medications: Plaquenil can lower seizure threshold, increasing the risk of convulsions and potentially working against the anti-seizure medicine (e.g., Carbamazepine).
• Bupropion (Antidepressant/Smoking Cessation Aid): Can increase the risk of seizures.
• Cimetidine (Stomach Acid Reducer): Can increase the level of Plaquenil in the blood, raising the risk of side effects.
• Cyclosporine (Immunosuppressant): Plaquenil can increase the blood levels of cyclosporine, raising the risk of side effects from cyclosporine.
• Digoxin (Heart Medication): Plaquenil can increase the blood levels of digoxin, raising the risk of digoxin toxicity. Serum digoxin levels should be closely monitored.
• Drugs that Affect Heart Rhythm (QT-Prolonging Agents): Taking Plaquenil with other medications that can cause prolongation (an abnormal heart rhythm risk) can significantly increase the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening irregular heart rhythms. This includes:
o Antiarrhythmics (e.g., Amiodarone, Flecainide, Sotalol)
o Certain Antibiotics (e.g., Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin, Clarithromycin)
o Certain Antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline)
o Certain Antipsychotics (e.g., Haloperidol, Quetiapine
• Other Antimalarials (e.g., Mefloquine, Chloroquine): Can increase the risk of side effects, including seizures or an irregular heart rhythm.
• Tamoxifen (Breast Cancer Medication): Concomitant use with Plaquenil may increase the risk of retinal toxicity (eye damage).

Use in Children:

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is generally considered a safe medication. It is often prescribed to children with autoimmune conditions, such as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), as well as for the treatment and prevention of malaria. It is an essential, long-term medication for managing these diseases. However, using it requires careful attention: the dosage must be precisely calculated based on weight to avoid toxicity. Because the tablets cannot be split, it is usually not recommended for very small children (under 31 kg). Most importantly, Plaquenil can be deadly in overdose, so it is vital to keep it locked away and entirely out of a child's reach to prevent accidental ingestion. Regular eye exams are also crucial throughout long-term treatment to monitor for the rare risk of retinal damage.

Use in Older Adults:

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is generally viewed as a safe and essential long-term medication for older adults managing autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The primary concern for older adults is that side effects may be heightened due to age-related changes, especially the risk of retinal damage (retinopathy), which increases with the total amount of drug taken over many years. For this reason, regular, specialized eye exams are required during treatment. Doctors also monitor older patients closely because they are more likely to have other health issues, such as kidney, liver, or heart problems, which could cause the drug to accumulate in the body and potentially raise the risk of heart rhythm changes or other side effects. If you're an older adult, your doctor will adjust your dose and review all your medications to keep the treatment as safe as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions about Plaquenil at Canada Pharmacy Online:

Why is Plaquenil more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Plaquenil, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower costs compared to the U.S., where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy is dedicated to providing you with the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I place an order with your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784 for more information or to learn about the ordering process. Visit our How to Order page for details.

Is there a limit on the number of Plaquenil tablets I can order at one time?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can only dispense a maximum of a three-month supply of Plaquenil at one time, as per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy Plaquenil over the counter from you?

No, Plaquenil requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes between 7 and 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

Is there a generic for Plaquenil?

Yes, there is a generic alternative for this product, known as hydroxychloroquine.

Who makes Plaquenil?

Sanofi Aventis manufactures Plaquenil.

Is Plaquenil an immunosuppressant?

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is generally considered an immunomodulatory drug rather than a potent, traditional immunosuppressant. (source)

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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