Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is a prescription drug that’s used for certain types of arthritis, lupus, and malaria. The drug comes as an oral tablet. Plaquenil may not be safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep reading to learn more about Plaquenil and reproductive health. And for a detailed overview of this drug, check out this article.
If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Plaquenil is a safe option for you.
It’s not known whether Plaquenil is safe to take while pregnant. Clinical studies that included pregnant people have not shown any increased risk of major birth defects or pregnancy loss.
If you do take Plaquenil while pregnant, consider enrolling in the drug’s pregnancy registry. A pregnancy registry collects information about the safety of a drug when used during pregnancy. To learn more, call 877-311-8972 or talk with your doctor.
Malaria and pregnancy
Having malaria during pregnancy increases the risk of negative outcomes during pregnancy. This may include:
- anemia during pregnancy
- premature birth
- pregnancy loss
Because of these possible outcomes, you and your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of taking Plaquenil while pregnant versus not treating your condition during your pregnancy.
Rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy
Published data suggests that having rheumatoid arthritis that’s not well managed during pregnancy increases the risk of negative outcomes during pregnancy. These may include premature birth or low birth weight.
Because of these possible outcomes, you and your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of taking Plaquenil while pregnant versus not treating your condition during pregnancy.
Systemic lupus erythematosus and pregnancy
Pregnant people with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially those with untreated SLE, have a higher risk of negative outcomes during pregnancy. Examples include:
- premature birth
- low birth weight
- pregnancy loss
- preeclampsia
Because of these possible outcomes, you and your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of taking Plaquenil while pregnant versus not treating your condition during pregnancy.
It’s not known whether it’s safe to take Plaquenil while breastfeeding. Small amounts of Plaquenil can pass into breast milk. But side effects haven’t been reported in children who were breastfed by people taking the drug.
If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor about your options before starting Plaquenil treatment.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.