From the Research
You should not stop taking hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) for polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) while taking a different antimalarial medication for travel to Tanzania, but rather continue your regular hydroxychloroquine regimen and add a separate antimalarial medication for travel prophylaxis. Generally, hydroxychloroquine at the doses used for autoimmune conditions (typically 200-400mg daily) is not sufficient for malaria prevention in high-risk areas like Tanzania 1. Your doctor will likely prescribe a different antimalarial such as atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone), doxycycline, or mefloquine for your trip, which can be taken concurrently with your regular hydroxychloroquine 2. Some key points to consider include:
- The choice of antimalarial medication will depend on your specific travel itinerary, medical history, and medication list 3
- Some antimalarials may interact with hydroxychloroquine or your other medications, potentially increasing the risk of side effects like heart rhythm abnormalities 4
- Your doctor should review your complete medication list, medical history, and specific travel itinerary to recommend the most appropriate antimalarial regimen for your situation 1 It's essential to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your hydroxychloroquine regimen or adding a new antimalarial medication to ensure the best possible outcome for your PMR management and malaria prevention.