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Disclaimer: This guide is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always confirm medicine, supplement and product decisions with your obstetrician, midwife, pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Medication

Is Hydroxychloroquine Safe During Pregnancy?

Published 2026-08-01 | By SafeMama Editorial Team | Editorial policy

Is Hydroxychloroquine Safe During Pregnancy? pregnancy safety guide image

Short answer

Hydroxychloroquine is often continued in pregnancy for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or malaria-related indications when a specialist recommends it. Do not stop it suddenly without the clinician managing the condition.

Often continued with specialist guidance

What is the safest way to think about this?

MotherToBaby reports that studies have not found a higher chance of birth defects with hydroxychloroquine, and UKTIS says exposure at any stage would not usually be medical grounds for pregnancy termination or extra fetal monitoring by itself. The condition being treated still matters.

What is generally okay?

  • Tell your rheumatologist, obstetric clinician or prescribing specialist if pregnancy is planned or confirmed.
  • Ask whether your disease-control plan, eye-monitoring schedule or other medicines need changes during pregnancy.
  • Keep the indication, dose, start date and other immune or malaria medicines ready for review.

What should you avoid or double-check?

  • Avoid stopping hydroxychloroquine on your own because flares or untreated disease can also affect pregnancy.
  • Avoid assuming advice for methotrexate, steroids or biologics applies to hydroxychloroquine.
  • Avoid using it for unreviewed or non-prescribed reasons.

How SafeMama helps

SafeMama can flag hydroxychloroquine, Plaquenil, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, antimalarial labels and immune-medicine combinations so users can prepare a specialist review.

Open the SafeMama app, scan the barcode or search the ingredient, then use the result as a starting point for a conversation with your healthcare provider.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Is Plaquenil the same as hydroxychloroquine?

Yes. Plaquenil is a hydroxychloroquine brand. Check the exact dose and reason for use on the prescription label.

Can stopping hydroxychloroquine be risky?

It can be for some conditions. Ask your specialist before stopping because disease flares can also affect pregnancy care.

Is hydroxychloroquine safe while breastfeeding?

MotherToBaby says it passes into milk in small amounts and breastfeeding studies have not reported harmful effects in infants followed for about 1 year. Ask your clinician about your baby and dose.

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