When you hear chloroquine, a prescription drug used for malaria and certain autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Also known as hydroxychloroquine, it's one of the few medications that has been used for decades — but that doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. This drug works by calming overactive immune responses and killing parasites, but it also affects your heart, eyes, and nervous system in ways many people don’t expect.
People taking chloroquine for autoimmune disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis often feel better for months or years — until side effects sneak up. The most dangerous ones include irregular heartbeat, vision loss, and muscle weakness. These aren’t rare. In fact, the FDA has warned that even low doses over time can damage the retina, and some patients don’t notice vision changes until it’s too late. If you’re on this medication, you need regular eye exams — not just when you feel off.
It’s not just the long-term risks. cardiac risks, including QT prolongation and dangerous heart rhythms are real, especially if you’re also taking other drugs like antibiotics or antidepressants. That’s why doctors check your heart before prescribing it and again after a few months. Even people with no history of heart problems can develop issues. And if you’re older, have kidney or liver problems, or take multiple meds, your risk goes up fast.
You might think chloroquine is just another pill, but it’s not. It interacts with dozens of common drugs — from statins to antacids — and can make some conditions worse. If you’ve ever been told to avoid it because of a seizure disorder, liver disease, or G6PD deficiency, that’s not a suggestion — it’s a warning backed by real cases of hospitalization. And while it’s still used for malaria in some parts of the world, many doctors now avoid it unless there’s no alternative.
What you’ll find in the posts below aren’t just lists of side effects. You’ll see real stories, clear warnings, and practical advice from people who’ve been there — and doctors who’ve seen the damage. Whether you’re considering chloroquine, already taking it, or just worried about a loved one, these articles give you the facts without the fluff. No hype. No guesswork. Just what you need to know to protect your health.
