Antimalarials for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

All medicines have side effects. But many people don't feel the side effects, or they are able to deal with them. Ask your pharmacist about the side effects of each medicine your child takes. Side effects are also listed in the information that comes with the medicine.

Here are some important things to think about:

• Usually the benefits of the medicine are more important than any minor side effects.
• Side effects may go away after your child takes the medicine for a while.
• If side effects still bother your child and you wonder if he or she should keep taking the medicine, call your doctor. He or she may be able to lower the dose or change the medicine. Do not suddenly quit taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Call 911 or other emergency services right away if your child has:

• Trouble breathing.
• Swelling of his or her face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor right away if your child has:

• Hives.
• Any blurred vision, problems seeing to read, or changes in vision. Your doctor may have you check your child's vision at least once a month using an Reference Amsler grid Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window. This is a chart with lines and a dot at the center. The chart lets you monitor changes in vision. If you or your child notices any changes in vision or changes in his or her view of the Amsler grid, call your doctor.

Common side effects of this medicine include:

• Diarrhea.
• Itching.
• Headache.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Stomach cramps.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

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