Lupus Site - a guide for lupus patients and their families

Brand names - Aralen, Aralen HCl.

Medication type - Antimalarial.

Common side effects - There are no common side effects associated with this drug.

Rare side effects - Diarrhoea, loss of appetite, headache, stomach cramps or pain, nausea or vomiting, itching, dizziness, fatigue, confusion, loss or bleaching of hair, skin rash. Also blue-black discoloration of skin, inside of mouth, or fingernails.

Serious side effects - Blurred or altered vision; blood problems including low white blood cell count (sore throat, fever), anaemia (fatigue, weakness), and low platelet count (easy bleeding and bruising). Such side effects are extremely rare; call your doctor immediately if they occur.

Other notes - Take it with food or milk to reduce the chance of a stomach upset. The use of chloroquine is discouraged during pregnancy because of the risks it poses to the unborn child. Consult your doctor for advice. Chloroquine passes into breast milk; extreme caution is advised. Consult your physician for specific advice.