• Like Plaquenil, Signaquin is highly effective at preventing and treating malaria, a parasitic infection caused by mosquito bites.
• The medicine has also been found effective at treating autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Signaquin prevents the malarial parasite from entering the red blood cells, preventing the infection.
• Compared to Plaquenil, Signaquin is easily available, that too at a much cheaper price.

Signaquin (hydroxychloroquine) does not allow the malarial parasite to invade and prolferate in the red blood cells. By keeping the parasite from entering the cells, the drug prevents malarial infection. Also, the drug works by reducing inflammation in those who have autoimmune diseases – the condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own cells and tissues.

• Signaquin is taken orally, preferably with a meal or a glass of milk to prevent gastric irritation. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets before consumption.
• For the prevention of malaria, take Signaquin 200 mg (2 tablets) once a week for at least two weeks before going to regions where malaria is endemic.
• For the treatment of malaria, take Signaquin 200 mg (4 tablets) followed by 2 tablets after 6 hours, and then 2 tablets after 24 hours and 48 hours.
• For lupus and arthritis, take Signaquin 200 mg or 400 mg once daily as advised by your doctor.
• Do not increase or decrease the dose of your own volition because Signaquin overdose could increase the risk of adverse events.

• Before taking Signaquin, make sure you tell your doctor if you have liver/kidney problems, GI problems, heart disease, G6PD deficiency, or any other medical conditions.
• Before treatment with Signaquin tablets, make sure you tell your doctor if you have any drug allergies, including chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine.
• More importantly, tell your doctor if you have been undergoing treatment with any medications because some drugs may interact with Signaquin.
• Use of Signaquin pills is not recommended during pregnancy. So, see your doctor right away if you get pregnant while using this malaria drug.
• You should not take hydroxychloroquine tablets if you are breastfeeding or nursing a child. That’s because small amounts of the drug may pass into breast milk, affecting the infant.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache

These are common side effects of Signaquin, which may or may not occur. If they last long or get worse, tell your doctor promptly. Get immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects such as slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, swelling of ankles/feet, fatigue, sudden weight gain, mood changes, or any other symptoms.

• Signaquin may make you dizzy or drowsy. So, avoid alcohol or marijuana and stay away from driving or using heavy machinery during the course of treatment.
• Hydroxychloroquine may make you a bit more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, it is recommended to limit your time in the sun and avoid tanning booths or sunlamps. Use sunscreen.
• Before undergoing any minor or major surgical procedure, tell your doctor that you have been taking Signaquin tablets.
• Signaquin may lower your blood sugar levels so monitor your blood sugar levels and check with your doctor.
• Older people have been found to be more sensitive to the side effects of Signaquin, especially arrhythmias, so they should use the drug with great caution.