An Update on the Benefits and Safety Profile of Hydroxychloroquine

Hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug developed in 1950, has been used for decades in the management of various systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. By targeting both the innate and adaptive immune systems, it exerts widespread immunomodulatory effects to attenuate the inflammatory response and exert antirheumatic effects. Its favourable safety profile, coupled with proven benefits in improving disease activity and decreasing morbidity and mortality, especially in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, has solidified its place in the long-term management of patients with rheumatic diseases. Recently, therapeutic drug level monitoring has been used to predict the risks of disease flares and prevent treatment-related toxicity. This review article briefly reviews the benefits of using hydroxychloroquine in the management of systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases, its common and serious adverse effect profile, and the role of drug blood level monitoring in improving patient-related health outcomes.