Hydroxychloroquine Explained: Benefits, Risks & What Patients Need to Know

Have you recently been prescribed hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome or another autoimmune disease? Are you worried about side effects, eye damage, or whether hydroxychloroquine is actually safe? In this video, consultant rheumatologist *Dr Naveen Bhadauria* explains *how hydroxychloroquine works, who it is used for, its benefits, potential side effects, eye screening recommendations, and why it remains one of the safest and most important medications used in rheumatology today.* 📍 If you are concerned about your symptoms or would like a specialist opinion, you can book a consultation here: https://purerheumatologylondon.co.uk/ In this video, you will learn: • What is hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)? • How hydroxychloroquine works • Hydroxychloroquine for lupus explained • Hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis • Hydroxychloroquine for Sjögren's syndrome • How long hydroxychloroquine takes to work • Common side effects of HCQ • Does hydroxychloroquine damage your eyes? • Eye screening and retinal toxicity explained • Is hydroxychloroquine safe in pregnancy? • Can hydroxychloroquine weaken your immune system? • Why hydroxychloroquine remains a cornerstone treatment for autoimmune disease Hydroxychloroquine is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in rheumatology and is considered a cornerstone treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus. It is also widely used in rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome and other autoimmune conditions to reduce inflammation, prevent disease flares and improve long-term outcomes. Many patients worry after reading online about retinal toxicity and vision problems. In this video, Dr Bhadauria explains the real risks of hydroxychloroquine, why regular eye screening is recommended, how common retinal toxicity actually is, and why the medication remains extremely safe when prescribed correctly and monitored appropriately. Whether you've just started hydroxychloroquine or have been taking it for years, this video will help you better understand your treatment and answer the questions patients ask most frequently in clinic. We see patients across London, including: HCA UK The Shard (London Bridge) Welbeck London King's Oak Hospital (Enfield) Spire London East 🔔 *Don't forget to subscribe* for more expert videos on arthritis, osteoporosis, autoimmune disease and rheumatology treatments.    / @pure-rheumatology-london   🔗 *Stay Connected With Us* Instagram:   / pure_rheumatology_london   Facebook:   / pure-rheumatology-london-61555212661038   Website: https://purerheumatologylondon.co.uk/ 📩 Business enquiries: [pa@purerheumatologylondon.co.uk](mailto:pa@purerheumatologylondon.co.uk) ============================= 🎬 *Suggested videos for you:* ▶️ Prednisolone Explained: Side Effects, Risks & What Patients Need to Know ▶️ Methotrexate Explained: Side Effects & What to Expect ▶️ Rheumatoid Arthritis: Signs You Shouldn't Ignore + Treatment ▶️ Dry Eyes and Dry Mouth? It Could Be Sjögren's Syndrome ▶️ Lupus Explained: Symptoms You Should Never Ignore ================================= ⚠️ *Disclaimer:* This video is for educational purposes only and should not replace personalised medical advice. If you have concerns about your health or medication, please consult your GP, rheumatologist or another qualified healthcare professional. #Hydroxychloroquine #HCQ #Lupus #RheumatoidArthritis #SjogrensSyndrome #AutoimmuneDisease #Inflammation #DMARD #EyeScreening #RetinalToxicity #Arthritis #Rheumatology #ConsultantRheumatologist #DrNaveenBhadauria #PureRheumatologyLondon *Hydroxychloroquine Explained: Benefits, Risks & What Patients Need to Know*