Advances in the clinical use of hydroxychloroquine levels
Purpose of review
This review summarizes the recent literature exploring hydroxychloroquine levels and their relationship with disease activity and risk of toxicity.
Recent findings
There is no clear correlation between weight-based dosing of hydroxychloroquine and the resulting blood levels of the medication. Recent studies have shown that increased hydroxychloroquine levels are associated with lower lupus disease activity and likely also increased risk of medication toxicity.
Summary
Mounting evidence supports use of hydroxychloroquine levels in clinical practice to document adherence and ensure safety.
Source: Current Opinion in Rheumatology - Category: Rheumatology Tags: CLINICAL THERAPEUTICS AND HEMATOLOGIC COMPLICATIONS: Edited by W. Joseph McCune Source Type: research