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NHS Devon ICB has commissioned a hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine retinopathy monitoring service following the guidance issued by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
For further information please refer to the Formulary guidance: N&E Devon / S&W Devon
In accordance with the service specification:
People who are referred for an incidental finding will remain on the active register and continue to receive regular monitoring.
If there are any changes in the severity of the patient's condition or concomitant medication, or if troublesome adverse reactions develop, the GP should seek advice from the specialist.
For further information please refer to the Formulary guidance: N&E Devon / S&W Devon
1. MHRA Drug Safety Update (February 2022): Hydroxychloroquine/Chloroquine: increased risk of cardiovascular events when used with macrolide antibiotics; reminder of psychiatric reactions:
a. An observational study has shown that co-administration of azithromycin with hydroxychloroquine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events (including angina or chest pain and heart failure) and cardiovascular mortality.
b. Carefully consider the benefits and risks before prescribing systemic azithromycin or other systemic macrolide antibiotics (erythromycin or clarithromycin) to patients being treated with hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine.
2. Be vigilant for psychiatric reactions associated with hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine, especially in the first month of treatment; events have been reported in patients with no prior history of psychiatric disorders.
Publication date: July 2024