Buying Hydroxychloroquine Online: What You Need to Know
Introduction
Hydroxychloroquine is a prescription medication used to treat malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. In recent years, there has been increased interest in
buying hydroxychloroquine online due to its potential use against COVID-19. However, it’s important to understand the facts about this drug, proper usage, and how to safely purchase it online if prescribed by a doctor.
What is Hydroxychloroquine?
Hydroxychloroquine belongs to a class of drugs called antimalarials. It works by decreasing the activity of the immune system to reduce inflammation in autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. For malaria, it interferes with the growth of parasites in red blood cells.
Some key facts about hydroxychloroquine:
- Generic name: Hydroxychloroquine sulfate
- Brand names: Plaquenil, Hydroquin, Axemal, Dolquine, Quensyl
- Drug class: Antimalarial, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)
- Available as oral tablets
- Requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider
Uses of Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine is FDA-approved for the following uses:
- Prevention and treatment of malaria
- Treatment of lupus erythematosus
- Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
It has also been studied for other potential uses, including:
- Treatment of COVID-19 (results have been mixed)
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Porphyria cutanea tarda
- Q fever
However,
hydroxychloroquine should only be used for FDA-approved purposes or as part of clinical trials under medical supervision. Self-medicating or using it for unapproved uses can be dangerous.
How to Take Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. The typical dosage is:
| Condition | Typical Adult Dosage |
|---|
| Rheumatoid arthritis | 400-600 mg daily |
| Lupus | 200-400 mg daily |
| Malaria prevention | 400 mg once a week |
| Malaria treatment | 800 mg initial dose, followed by 400 mg at 6, 24, and 48 hours |
Exact dosage depends on the condition being treated, body weight, and other factors. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.
Key tips for taking hydroxychloroquine:
- Take with food or milk to reduce stomach upset
- Use a pill splitter if you need to split tablets
- Take at the same time(s) each day
- Do not stop taking suddenly without consulting your doctor
- Regular eye exams are recommended during long-term use
Side Effects and Precautions
Common side effects of hydroxychloroquine include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Skin rash or itching
More serious side effects can include:
- Vision changes or damage to the retina
- Muscle weakness
- Mood changes
- Irregular heartbeats
- Low blood sugar
Precautions:
- Tell your doctor about all medications you take to avoid interactions
- Use caution if you have liver/kidney disease, diabetes, or epilepsy
- Regular blood tests and eye exams are recommended during long-term use
- Avoid in pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
Buying Hydroxychloroquine Online
If you have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider,
buying hydroxychloroquine online can be a convenient option. However, it’s crucial to use caution and only purchase from reputable sources.
Tips for safely buying hydroxychloroquine online:
- Only use licensed online pharmacies
- Verify the pharmacy is located in your country
- Check for proper accreditation and certifications
- Make sure a prescription is required
- Avoid sites offering the drug without a prescription
- Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true
- Look for contact information and customer service options
Reputable online pharmacies will require a valid prescription from your doctor before dispensing hydroxychloroquine. They should also have licensed pharmacists available to answer questions.
Comparison of Online Pharmacy Options
| Pharmacy | Requires Rx | Location | Accreditations |
|---|
| PharmacyChecker.com Verified | Yes | Varies | NABP, CIPA |
| Honeybee Health | Yes | US | URAC, NABP |
| HealthWarehouse | Yes | US | VIPPS, LegitScript |
Typical Online Pricing
Prices can vary significantly between pharmacies. As of 2023, typical pricing for generic hydroxychloroquine:
| Dosage | Quantity | Average Price Range |
|---|
| 200mg tablets | 30 count | $15 – $30 |
| 200mg tablets | 60 count | $25 – $50 |
| 200mg tablets | 90 count | $35 – $70 |
Brand name Plaquenil typically costs 2-3 times more than generic versions. Insurance coverage can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
The legality of
buying hydroxychloroquine online depends on your location and whether you have a valid prescription. In the United States, it is legal to purchase from licensed online pharmacies with a prescription, but importing from other countries is generally not allowed.
Key regulations:
- Prescription required in most countries
- Must be FDA-approved in the US
- Illegal to import for personal use in many cases
- Online pharmacies must be licensed and follow regulations
Always check your local laws and regulations before attempting to purchase hydroxychloroquine or any prescription medication online.
Alternatives to Buying Online
While
buying hydroxychloroquine online can be convenient, there are other options to consider:
- Local pharmacy: Often covered by insurance, can provide counseling
- Mail-order pharmacy: May offer lower prices for
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