Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Apo Hydroxyquine.
HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY
April 25, 2020
Health Canada has issued information concerning the use of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Blood counts: Apo Hydroxyquine can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and platelets (which help your blood to clot). If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or sore throat) or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor immediately.
If you take Apo Hydroxyquine for a long period of time, your doctor will likely want you to have blood tests to monitor your levels of red and white blood cells.
Blood sugar levels: Hydroxychloroquine may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). People with Diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Apo Hydroxyquine. People without diabetes have also been known to experience low blood sugars while taking hydroxychloroquine. If you experience signs of low blood sugar (cold sweat, cool pale skin, headache, or weakness), contact your doctor immediately.
Blurred vision: While taking Apo Hydroxyquine, use caution when driving or operating machinery, since hydroxychloroquine can cause blurring of vision. If your vision blurs, call your doctor.
Eye damage: Irreversible damage to the Retin A of the eye has occurred for some people who take long-term or high-dosage treatment with hydroxychloroquine. Eye damage is more likely to occur if recommended doses are exceeded. Your doctor will want you to have regular eye exams if you take Apo Hydroxyquine for a period of time. If you notice any new problems with sight or symptoms such as light flashes and streaks, stop the medication at once and call your doctor.
Heart disease: Rarely, weakening of the heart muscle has been reported with the use of hydroxychloroquine. If you have heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Apo Hydroxyquine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Hydroxyquine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Heart rhythm: Hydroxychloroquine can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, Angina, low potassium or magnesium levels), discuss with your doctor how Apo Hydroxyquine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Hydroxyquine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney Disease: If you have kidney disease, you may need a lower dose of Apo Hydroxyquine. Talk to your doctor about how Apo Hydroxyquine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Hydroxyquine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver disease: If you have liver disease, you may need a lower dose of Apo Hydroxyquine. Talk to your doctor about how Apo Hydroxyquine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Hydroxyquine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Muscle weakness: Call your doctor if you notice any signs of unusual or unexpected muscular weakness.
Other medical conditions: If you have Epilepsy, stomach, nerve, blood, or skin disorders, talk to your doctor about how Apo Hydroxyquine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Apo Hydroxyquine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Suicidal behaviour: Rarely, people taking Apo Hydroxyquine may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Apo Hydroxyquine. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Apo Hydroxyquine, contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Apo Hydroxyquine.
Pregnancy: Hydroxychloroquine crosses the placenta during pregnancy and may cause harm to the developing baby if it is taken by the mother during pregnancy. Apo Hydroxyquine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Apo Hydroxyquine, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Apo Hydroxyquine passes in small amounts into breast milk. Infants are extremely sensitive to its side effects. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking hydroxychloroquine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Apo Hydroxyquine have not been established for children when used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Children are especially sensitive to the side effects of hydroxychloroquine.
