In recent years, two of the most commonly prescribed treatments for rheumatoid arthritis have been hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate. But what is the difference between them? What makes one more suitable than the other? In this blog article, well be exploring these questions and more, so that you can make an informed decision. Well discuss the differences in side effects, efficacy, and cost between hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate, as well as provide some potential alternatives to both.

What is hydroxychloroquine?

Hydroxychloroquine is a medication that is used to treat malaria, lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease), and rheumatoid arthritis (a type of joint inflammation). Hydroxychloroquine is taken orally, typically in tablet form. In recent years, Buy Hydroxychloroquine Australia has also been studied as a potential treatment for COVID-19. However, its effectiveness in treating COVID-19 is still under research, and it is not currently recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a standard treatment for COVID-19. It is important to note that it can have side effects and interact with other medications, and it should not be used during pregnancy or by individuals with certain medical conditions. A healthcare provider can advise on the most appropriate treatment based on individual circumstances.

What is methotrexate?

Methotrexate is an antineoplastic and immunosuppressive agent used in the treatment of various cancers and autoimmune conditions. It inhibits the metabolism of folic acid, which is necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. Methotrexate is typically given as an injection, but can also be taken orally. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, and rash.

How do they compare?

The most important factor is likely to be efficacy that is, how well each drug works. However, other factors such as side effects, cost, and convenience may also be important considerations. Efficacy: Hydroxychloroquine is typically considered to be slightly more effective than methotrexate. However, both drugs are effective at treating rheumatoid arthritis, and the difference in efficacy is not usually considered to be clinically significant. Side effects: Both hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate can cause side effects. These may include gastrointestinal upset, hair loss, fatigue, and dizziness. In general, hydroxychloroquine is better tolerated than methotrexate.

Cost: Hydroxychloroquine is typically cheaper than methotrexate. However, costs will vary depending on the specific brand of drug and the pharmacy where it is purchased.

Convenience: Hydroxychloroquine is generally considered to be more convenient than methotrexate as it is taken orally only once per day while methotrexate requires weekly injections.

Drug interactions

When it comes to prescription drugs, its always important to be aware of possible drug interactions. This is especially true for hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) and methotrexate, two medications often prescribed to people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While both drugs can be effective at treating RA, they work in different ways. Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial drug that also has anti-inflammatory properties, while methotrexate is a chemotherapy drug that suppresses the immune system. Because of their different mechanisms of action, there is a potential for these two drugs to interact with each other. Its generally recommended that hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate be taken at least four hours apart to avoid any potential interaction. However, if you are taking high doses of methotrexate (15 mg or more per week), your doctor may recommend that you take hydroxychloroquine twice a day with food to further reduce the risk of an interaction. If you are taking both hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate, be aware of the signs and symptoms of an interaction. These can include:

Nausea and vomiting

Diarrhea

Loss of appetite

Headache

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Ringing in the ears

Blurred vision or other changes in vision

Conclusion

After reading this article, it is clear that hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate are two drugs with very different effects. While both can be used to treat certain types of arthritis, the side-effects and risks associated with each drug must be evaluated before deciding which one is best for you. With the right advice and care, managing your condition can become much easier.