[Occurrence of chloroquine-induced myopathy after low-dose treatment of rheumatoid arthritis for seven years].
The myotoxicity of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine has been known for decades. Limb-girdle weakness due to a vacuolar myopathy may occur occasionally in a dose-dependent manner during the first 24 months on chloroquine. However, we report on a case in which muscular weakness developed after a daily intake of 250 chloroquine phosphate (= 155 mg chloroquine base) for a period of 7 years. Even after long-term and apparently well-tolerated chloroquine treatment, the occurrence of severe side-effects is possible.
Haberl
A
A
Max-Planck-Institut für Psychiatrie, Kraepelin Strasse 10, 80804, München, Germany.
Fischer
P
P
Pongratz
D
D
Sieb
J P
JP
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002738:Chloroquine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis*
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D002738:Chloroquine