Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial medication that is generally well-tolerated and has been used off-label to treat a variety of other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and some cases of acute viral infections.
In addition, it was recently found to be an effective treatment for Covid-19. However, those who take hydroxychloroquine should be aware that there is an associated risk of certain nutrient deficiencies, depending on the length and amount of the medication.
Specifically, hydroxychloroquine has been found to deplete levels of vitamin A, folate, iron, zinc, and magnesium. Vitamin A plays an integral role in facilitating healthy vision and immune system, while folate is necessary for nervous system and red blood cell health.
Furthermore, iron, zinc, and magnesium are collectively responsible for a variety of metabolic reactions.
For those taking hydroxychloroquine, it is important to supplement with these vitamins and minerals to ensure the health of the individuals remain optimal. For example, folate can be taken in the form of a multivitamin or folate supplement, and zinc supplements can be used to replenish the amounts present in the body.
Appropriate supplementation, together with sufficient intakes of these three essential minerals and vitamins, should help to reduce the risk of metabolic problems associated with hydroxychloroquine use.
Does hydroxychloroquine cause vitamin D deficiency?
No, hydroxychloroquine does not cause vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency is caused by insufficient exposure to sunlight, a poor diet, and/or digestive problems that interfere with the absorption of vitamin D.
While hydroxychloroquine has not been directly linked to vitamin D deficiency, there is evidence that it may interact with vitamin D metabolism. One study found that hydroxychloroquine inhibited 24-hydroxylase, an enzyme involved in vitamin D metabolism and important for the activation of vitamin D.
Another study found that hydroxychloroquine reduced the absorption of calcium, which can be related to an effect on vitamin D. Ultimately, while hydroxychloroquine is not thought to directly cause vitamin D deficiency, it is possible that it may interact with vitamin D metabolism, and anyone on the medication should be aware of the potential for deficiency and consult with their doctor about any concerns.
Is it ok to take vitamin D with hydroxychloroquine?
Yes, it is ok to take vitamin D with hydroxychloroquine. However, as with any medication or supplement, it is important to talk to your doctor and pharmacist about any potential interactions between hydroxychloroquine and vitamin D.
Additionally, it is important to ensure you are taking the correct dose of both—too much vitamin D can be harmful and can interfere with the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine. Also, be sure to monitor your blood calcium levels, as taking large amounts of vitamin D may elevate them.
If you experience any unexpected side effects when taking hydroxychloroquine and vitamin D together, contact your doctor immediately.
What vitamins should you not take with hydroxychloroquine?
It is important to avoid taking certain vitamins with the medication hydroxychloroquine. Vitamins A, D, E, and K can all interact with hydroxychloroquine and cause safety concerns. When these vitamins and hydroxychloroquine are taken together, they can decrease the effectiveness and increase the risk of side effects.
When taking hydroxychloroquine, it is best to avoid taking vitamins A, D, E, and K to reduce any potential interactions and maximize the effects of hydroxychloroquine. Additionally, it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any vitamins or supplements you are taking with any medications, including hydroxychloroquine, to avoid any potential interactions.
What vitamins does Plaquenil deplete?
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is an antimalarial medication that is also commonly prescribed as a treatment for a variety of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. While generally considered to be safe and well-tolerated, Plaquenil has been associated with some potential side effects, including the depletion of certain vitamins and minerals within the body.
Specifically, Plaquenil may deplete levels of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and zinc.
Vitamin A is an essential vitamin involved in the maintenance of normal vision, growth, and tissue health. When depleted, symptoms such as night blindness, dry eyes, and dry skin may occur. Additionally, Vitamin A is important for a strong immune system, and its deficiency has been associated with increased susceptibility to infections.
Vitamin D is also important for bone mineralization and calcium absorption, making it a critical nutrient for bone health. Deficiency in Vitamin D – which is often linked to reduced sun exposure – can lead to significant bone weakening, and has been associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals—unbalanced molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and even genetic material. Low levels of Vitamin E may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, while high levels of Vitamin E are associated with an increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke.
Finally, zinc is an essential mineral that is involved in a variety of important functions such as metabolism, immune cell development, and wound healing. Deficiency in zinc is linked to an increased risk of infection, as well as slow wound healing, hair loss, and changes in taste and smell.
In conclusion, Plaquenil may deplete levels of vitamins A, D, E, and zinc. Thus, it is important to discuss any potential nutrient deficiencies with one’s doctor, as well as evaluate the potential of supplementing with these nutrients.
What are the long term effects of taking hydroxychloroquine?
The long-term effects of taking hydroxychloroquine are not clearly understood, but can be serious. Hydroxychloroquine is used to treat certain types of arthritis, inflammatory diseases, lupus, and malaria.
Despite its efficacy in treating acute symptoms, it can lead to serious side effects in the long run.
Long-term possible side effects of hydroxychloroquine include changes in hearing and vision, skin discoloration, increase in blood sugar levels, and an increased risk of infections. Additionally, hydroxychloroquine can lead to serious nerve damage, muscle weakness, and blurry vision.
Rarely, hydroxychloroquine can cause sudden death due to cardiac arrest. Other possible long-term side effects include chest pain, severe headaches, nausea, and diarrhea.
Hydroxychloroquine can be dangerous if taken for a long period of time, and people should discuss the potential risks with their doctor before taking the medication. Hydroxychloroquine should be used carefully and monitored by a doctor because it can lead to serious long-term effects when used for extended periods of time.
What Meds deplete Vit D?
Some medications that can interfere with vitamin D levels include steroids such as prednisone, anticonvulsants, cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins, anti-fungals, HIV/AIDS drugs, and bariatric (weight loss) medications.
Other medications whose use can interfere with the absorption of vitamin D from the gut include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids, antiretroviral drugs, and some antibiotics. As well, some chemotherapeutic drugs used to treat cancer, such as docetaxel and paclitaxel and cyclophosphamide, can interfere with vitamin D levels.
Furthermore, chronic kidney or liver disease can lead to a vitamin D deficiency as these organs help convert it into an active form in the body. Therefore, it is important to discuss any medications you are taking, as well as any medical conditions you may have, with your healthcare provider to determine if you may be at risk for depleted vitamin D levels.
What autoimmune diseases cause low vitamin D levels?
Autoimmune diseases can cause low vitamin D levels due to damage to the immune system preventing the body from absorbing and/or utilizing vitamin D properly. Some of the most commonly associated autoimmune diseases include systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or “lupus”), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Addison’s disease, celiac disease, and Graves’ disease.
SLE is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and damage to a number of organs throughout the body including the skin, heart, lungs, and blood vessels. People with SLE have an increased risk of developing low vitamin D levels because the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the enzymes that help absorb and metabolize vitamin D.
RA is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, causing pain and swelling. People with RA have a high risk of developing a deficiency in vitamin D as the body has difficulty absorbing vitamin D from food due to chronic inflammation.
Addison’s disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to the destruction of the adrenal glands and can cause the body to produce insufficient amounts of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Low levels of cortisol and aldosterone can, in turn, lead to a decrease in the absorption of vitamin D in the intestines, resulting in low vitamin D levels.
Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the lining of the small intestine, preventing food particles from being properly absorbed.
As vitamin D is absorbed and transported through the small intestine, unabsorbed food particles, and damage to the lining of the small intestine can prevent or reduce absorption of vitamin D from food sources.
Finally, Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system produces an excess of thyroid hormones, leading to abnormal metabolic processes. The resulting metabolism irregularities can often lead to a decrease in the absorption and utilization of vitamin D, leading to low vitamin D levels.
Is vitamin D deficiency linked to rheumatoid arthritis?
Yes, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, and people with lower levels of vitamin D tend to have worse outcomes with their FA.
Additionally, research has suggested that treatment with vitamin D may improve RA symptoms, reduce joint pain and swelling, and even help to reduce the risk of developing the disease. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to determine the exact role of vitamin D in rheumatoid arthritis.
Should I take hydroxychloroquine at night or in the morning?
The optimal time of day to take hydroxychloroquine typically varies depending on the individual person. Some people may experience better results if they take it in the morning, while others may have better results by taking it at night.
The prescribing information recommends speaking with your doctor to determine the best time to take this medication for you.
It is important to also make sure that you take hydroxychloroquine at the same time every day to maintain consistent levels of the medication in your bloodstream. Additionally, it should be taken with meals or a light snack for the best absorption.
Avoid taking it on an empty stomach, which can lead to stomach upset.
Even though timing may vary between people, it is important to take hydroxychloroquine exactly as prescribed. If you experience any unusual side effects or have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your doctor.
What medications should you not take B12 with?
You should avoid taking B12 with any medication that increases the amount of folate in your body, as this can decrease the effectiveness of B12. Medications that can increase folate levels include methotrexate, antacids, cholestyramine, and sulfasalazine.
You should also avoid taking B12 with any medications that may interact with it, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), tramadol, or anticoagulants.
It is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications as they may interact with B12 and/or cause potentially adverse effects.
Does B12 interfere with any medications?
Yes, B12 can interfere with certain medications. According to the National Institutes of Health, B12 may interact with antibiotics, such as gentamicin and neomycin, diuretics, such as furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide, certain HIV/AIDS medications, and the cancer drug methotrexate.
Additionally, B12 can interact with certain antacids, such as aluminum or magnesium hydroxide, as well as high blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors. If you take any medications and are considering supplementing with B12, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider first to understand any potential interactions and risks.
Do any vitamins interact with Plaquenil?
Yes, some vitamins may interact with Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine). Specifically, Plaquenil may interact with vitamin D, calcium and magnesium supplements, which can lead to a decrease in the protective effect of Plaquenil.
As such, people taking Plaquenil should not take vitamin D, calcium, or magnesium supplements without first consulting their healthcare provider. Additionally, Plaquenil can interact with certain antibiotics, birth control pills, and certain antacids.
For example, taking Plaquenil alongside birth control pills, doxycycline or minocycline can lead to decreased effectiveness of the Plaquenil. Lastly, taking certain multivitamins that contain magnesium, zinc, manganese, or iron can also lead to a decrease in the protective effect of Plaquenil.
Therefore, it is important to speak to your healthcare provider prior to taking any vitamins while on Plaquenil.
Can I take hydroxychloroquine with coffee?
It is generally not recommended to take hydroxychloroquine with coffee. This is because coffee—as well as other caffeinated beverages like tea, energy drinks and sodas—may impede the absorption of the hydroxychloroquine into your body.
Additionally, some people may be more sensitive to caffeine and its effects, and taking hydroxychloroquine with coffee could worsen this. If you must drink coffee while taking hydroxychloroquine, be sure to talk to your doctor and follow their advice.
They may suggest that you should take the medication at least one hour before or after consuming caffeinated drinks to minimize any possible interactions.
Does milk interfere with antimalarial drugs?
No, milk does not appear to interfere with the efficacy of antimalarial drugs. While it is possible that certain dairy products might have an effect on the absorption of some antimalarial medications given their generally high fat content, there is currently no evidence that this is the case.
In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that no interactions between milk and antimalarial drugs have been identified.
All antimalarial medications should be taken according to the instructions of the prescribing doctor and it is important to inform the doctor of any other medications being taken, including any dairy products.
Additionally, if any concerns arise with taking antimalarial drugs and dairy products, checking with a healthcare provider is the best way to confirm whether any potential interactions exist.