HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE

82/100 · Critical

Manufactured by Advanz Pharma (US) Corp.

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate Adverse Events: High Serious Reaction Rate

558,480 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE

HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Advanz Pharma (US) Corp.. Based on analysis of 558,480 FDA adverse event reports, HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE has a safety score of 82 out of 100. This score indicates a relatively favorable safety profile, with fewer or less severe adverse events compared to many other tracked medications. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE include DRUG INEFFECTIVE, RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, PAIN, FATIGUE, ARTHRALGIA. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE.

AI Safety Analysis

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100, placing it in the high concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 558,480 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Advanz Pharma (Us) Corp..

The most commonly reported adverse events include Drug Ineffective, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Pain. Of classified reports, 75.6% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. High percentage of serious adverse events (75.6%) among reported reactions.

A wide range of reactions, including serious conditions like liver injury and pericarditis. Significant report volume with over 558,000 total reports.

Patients taking Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Hydroxychloroquine sulfate can cause drug intolerance, rash, and gastrointestinal issues. It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 82/100

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate received a safety concern score of 82/100 (high concern). This is based on a 75.6% serious event ratio across 88,479 classified reports. The score accounts for 558,480 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This high score reflects a significant proportion of serious adverse events in the reporting data.

Top Adverse Reactions

DRUG INEFFECTIVE28,942 reports
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS20,168 reports
PAIN16,422 reports
FATIGUE13,899 reports
ARTHRALGIA13,656 reports
DRUG INTOLERANCE12,219 reports
JOINT SWELLING12,141 reports
OFF LABEL USE11,036 reports
RASH10,483 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT9,549 reports
CONTRAINDICATED PRODUCT ADMINISTERED9,462 reports
ALOPECIA9,414 reports
NAUSEA9,222 reports
ARTHROPATHY8,700 reports
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS8,656 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED8,540 reports
SYNOVITIS8,141 reports
HEADACHE8,071 reports
SWELLING8,038 reports
TREATMENT FAILURE7,623 reports
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY7,259 reports
PEMPHIGUS7,234 reports
DIARRHOEA7,130 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY7,124 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING6,782 reports
GLOSSODYNIA6,648 reports
HAND DEFORMITY6,479 reports
THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT EFFECT DECREASED6,315 reports
INFUSION RELATED REACTION6,266 reports
HEPATIC ENZYME INCREASED6,232 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY6,092 reports
MUSCULOSKELETAL STIFFNESS6,016 reports
DYSPNOEA5,995 reports
VOMITING5,620 reports
MALAISE5,592 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS5,536 reports
WOUND5,515 reports
INFECTION5,314 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE5,306 reports
MATERNAL EXPOSURE DURING PREGNANCY5,016 reports
PRURITUS4,977 reports
DISCOMFORT4,895 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED4,888 reports
PERICARDITIS4,885 reports
PYREXIA4,811 reports
SINUSITIS4,807 reports
PNEUMONIA4,798 reports
ANTI CYCLIC CITRULLINATED PEPTIDE ANTIBODY POSITIVE4,633 reports
HYPERTENSION4,567 reports
DIZZINESS4,366 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER4,153 reports
MOBILITY DECREASED4,092 reports
ASTHENIA3,829 reports
BLISTER3,758 reports
STOMATITIS3,758 reports
HELICOBACTER INFECTION3,736 reports
PSORIATIC ARTHROPATHY3,726 reports
GENERAL PHYSICAL HEALTH DETERIORATION3,717 reports
DUODENAL ULCER PERFORATION3,666 reports
LOWER RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTION3,648 reports
IMPAIRED HEALING3,539 reports
RHEUMATOID FACTOR POSITIVE3,488 reports
CONFUSIONAL STATE3,419 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER3,385 reports
URTICARIA3,367 reports
C REACTIVE PROTEIN INCREASED3,366 reports
INSOMNIA3,282 reports
CONTUSION3,278 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED3,246 reports
INTENTIONAL PRODUCT USE ISSUE3,186 reports
IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME3,181 reports
FOLLICULITIS3,166 reports
ILL DEFINED DISORDER3,100 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE3,064 reports
OSTEOARTHRITIS3,056 reports
INFLAMMATION3,003 reports
HYPOAESTHESIA2,999 reports
ARTHRITIS2,993 reports
FIBROMYALGIA2,990 reports
LOSS OF PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE IN DAILY ACTIVITIES2,973 reports
BLOOD CHOLESTEROL INCREASED2,965 reports
FALL2,889 reports
MUSCLE INJURY2,851 reports
C REACTIVE PROTEIN ABNORMAL2,833 reports
THERAPEUTIC PRODUCT EFFECT INCOMPLETE2,745 reports
COUGH2,691 reports
MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN2,688 reports
TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS2,680 reports
DECREASED APPETITE2,667 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION2,624 reports
BACK PAIN2,428 reports
CHEST PAIN2,366 reports
LIVER INJURY2,363 reports
SLEEP DISORDER2,348 reports
DEPRESSION2,325 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN2,308 reports
SLEEP DISORDER DUE TO GENERAL MEDICAL CONDITION, INSOMNIA TYPE2,303 reports
INJECTION SITE PAIN2,255 reports
INJURY2,254 reports
RHEUMATIC FEVER2,253 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Liver injury reported in 2.1% of cases.
  • Pericarditis reported in 0.9% of cases.
  • Infection reported in 9.4% of cases.

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 67,920, Male: 11,408, Unknown: 45. The most frequently reported age groups are age 44 (2,306 reports), age 43 (2,290 reports), age 59 (1,767 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 88,479 classified reports for HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE:

  • Serious: 66,855 reports (75.6%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 21,624 reports (24.4%)
Serious 75.6%Non-Serious 24.4%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female67,920 (85.6%)
Male11,408 (14.4%)
Unknown45 (0.1%)

Reports by Age

Age 442,306 reports
Age 432,290 reports
Age 591,767 reports
Age 601,761 reports
Age 631,488 reports
Age 581,444 reports
Age 571,399 reports
Age 541,395 reports
Age 611,345 reports
Age 621,337 reports
Age 531,336 reports
Age 651,316 reports
Age 561,294 reports
Age 401,293 reports
Age 641,287 reports
Age 551,281 reports
Age 521,271 reports
Age 671,179 reports
Age 511,142 reports
Age 501,127 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Hydroxychloroquine sulfate can cause drug intolerance, rash, and gastrointestinal issues. It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include drug ineffective, rheumatoid arthritis, pain, fatigue, arthralgia. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Patients should report any new or worsening symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately. Follow prescribed dosing and do not use off-label without medical supervision. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of hydroxychloroquine sulfate, particularly for serious adverse events. Healthcare providers should be vigilant and consider alternative treatments for patients with a history of adverse reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate?

The FDA has received approximately 558,480 adverse event reports associated with Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate include Drug Ineffective, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Pain, Fatigue, Arthralgia. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Drug Ineffective (28,942 reports), Rheumatoid Arthritis (20,168 reports), Pain (16,422 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate.

What percentage of Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 88,479 classified reports, 66,855 (75.6%) were classified as serious and 21,624 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 67,920, Male: 11,408, Unknown: 45. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate?

The most frequently reported age groups for Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate adverse events are: age 44: 2,306 reports, age 43: 2,290 reports, age 59: 1,767 reports, age 60: 1,761 reports, age 63: 1,488 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate?

The primary manufacturer associated with Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate adverse event reports is Advanz Pharma (Us) Corp.. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate include: Drug Intolerance, Joint Swelling, Off Label Use, Rash, Abdominal Discomfort. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate?

You can report adverse events from Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate's safety score and what does it mean?

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate has a safety concern score of 82 out of 100 (high concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. High percentage of serious adverse events (75.6%) among reported reactions.

What are the key safety signals for Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate?

Key safety signals identified in Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate's adverse event data include: Liver injury reported in 2.1% of cases.. Pericarditis reported in 0.9% of cases.. Infection reported in 9.4% of cases.. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate interact with other drugs?

Hydroxychloroquine sulfate can cause drug intolerance, rash, and gastrointestinal issues. It is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate.

What should patients know before taking Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate?

Patients should report any new or worsening symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately. Follow prescribed dosing and do not use off-label without medical supervision.

Are Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate side effects well-documented?

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate has 558,480 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. A wide range of reactions, including serious conditions like liver injury and pericarditis. The volume of reports for Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate?

The FDA continues to monitor the safety of hydroxychloroquine sulfate, particularly for serious adverse events. Healthcare providers should be vigilant and consider alternative treatments for patients with a history of adverse reactions. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE SULFATE based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

AmoxicillinIbuprofenCiprofloxacin
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.