Thinking about hydroxychloroquine? It’s a drug that treats malaria and some autoimmune conditions, but you can’t just pick it up off the shelf in the UK. Here’s a quick guide on how you can get it safely, what it’s approved for, and the main safety points to watch.
In the UK, doctors prescribe hydroxychloroquine for two main reasons: malaria prevention/treatment and for chronic illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. It’s not a generic COVID‑19 cure here, and the NHS does not support using it for viral infections unless you’re part of a clinical trial.
If you have a documented autoimmune condition, your rheumatologist will decide the right dose and monitor you regularly. For travellers heading to malaria‑risk areas, a GP can write a short‑term prescription, usually for a few weeks.
First step: book an appointment with a GP or specialist. Bring any relevant medical records – especially if you’ve been diagnosed with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. The doctor will check your health history, look for heart or eye issues, and then decide if hydroxychloroquine is appropriate.
Once you have a prescription, you can fill it at any NHS pharmacy or a registered private pharmacy. Make sure the pharmacy displays a valid registration number; you can verify it on the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) website.
Beware of online offers that promise cheap hydroxychloroquine without a prescription. In the UK, selling prescription‑only medicines without a valid prescription is illegal. Ordering from unverified sites can land you with counterfeit pills or legal trouble.
Hydroxychloroquine is generally well‑tolerated, but it does have a few things you should keep an eye on. The most common side effects are mild stomach upset, headache, and skin rash. More serious concerns include eye toxicity (retinal damage) and heart rhythm changes, especially with high doses.
Because eye issues can develop slowly, the NHS recommends a baseline eye exam before starting treatment and regular follow‑ups every year. If you notice blurred vision, colour changes, or difficulty seeing at night, call your doctor straight away.
People with pre‑existing heart conditions should have an ECG before beginning treatment. This helps check the QT interval, which can be prolonged by hydroxychloroquine and increase the risk of arrhythmias.
Never skip your regular blood tests if your doctor asks for them. These tests track liver function and blood counts, ensuring the drug isn’t causing hidden problems.
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember – but don’t double up. Taking two doses at once can raise the risk of side effects, especially heart issues.
Keep your medication in a cool, dry place and use a pillbox to stay organized. Simple habits like linking your dose to a daily routine (e.g., after breakfast) can reduce missed doses.
Lastly, store any unused medication safely out of reach of children and pets. If you have leftover pills after finishing a prescription, return them to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Hydroxychloroquine can be a helpful medicine when used correctly. By following UK prescription rules, choosing a legitimate pharmacy, and staying on top of safety checks, you can use it confidently and avoid unnecessary risks.
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