Hydroxychloroquine in lupus: emerging evidence supporting multiple beneficial effects

Abstract

Due to multiple beneficial effects, including control of disease activity, reduction in cardiovascular events and improved survival, hydroxychloroquine is now recommended long-term for all patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. However, patients must be made aware of the possible risk of retinal toxicity and have eye examinations to monitor for this complication. As hydroxychloroquine becomes more widely used in systemic lupus erythematosus, physicians must also be aware of rare but serious adverse effects, including neuromyotoxicity and cardiotoxicity.