Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Aug 01, 2022

Common Questions


Common Questions about Hydroxychloroquine


Can hydroxychloroquine cure COVID-19?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had initially issued an Emergency Use Authorization for hydroxychloroquine in certain hospitalized patients with COVID-19. This was later revoked when it was found that hydroxychloroquine is unlikely to treat COVID-19 and can cause serious side effects like an irregular heartbeat.



What is the difference between hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine?

Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are similar drugs. However, hydroxychloroquine is a less toxic derivative of chloroquine and causes fewer side effects. While chloroquine is FDA approved to treat malaria, hydroxychloroquine, in addition to being an antimalarial agent, is also used to treat autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.



How do I get hydroxychloroquine?

Hydroxychloroquine is a prescription medication. It is not available over the counter without a doctor’s prescription.



Is there a hydroxychloroquine shortage?

The potential use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID 19 led to an increase in demand and a shortage of the drug in 2020, putting patients with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus at risk of flares. 



Is hydroxychloroquine a high-risk medication?

When used as directed by a healthcare provider, hydroxychloroquine is safe for the most part. However, in a small number of people, hydroxychloroquine can cause serious adverse effects and complications such as permanent eye damage, severe hypoglycemia, and irregular heartbeat.



What is the price of hydroxychloroquine without insurance?

Without insurance, hydroxychloroquine can be as high as $189.43, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $19.74 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of hydroxychloroquine with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on hydroxychloroquine—copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for hydroxychloroquine. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.