Drug Interaction Report

Hydroxychloroquine may increase the blood levels of fenfluramine. This may increase the risk and/or severity of side effects such as diarrhea, drowsiness, lethargy, decreased appetite, weight loss, blood pressure increases, valvular heart disease (problems with the valves in the heart), and pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs) . Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Using fenfluramine with alcohol can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects such as increased heart rate, chest pain, or blood pressure changes. In addition, you may also be more likely to experience nervous system side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, depression, and difficulty concentrating. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with fenfluramine. Do not use more than the recommended dose of fenfluramine, and avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medication affects you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medication without first talking to your doctor.

You may want to limit your consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with hydroxychloroquine. Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels and effects of hydroxychloroquine, which may result in an irregular heart rate or other conduction disturbances. Hydroxychloroquine should also be taken with food or milk to reduce the incidence of stomach upset. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations during treatment with hydroxychloroquine. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.