What is a significant side effect of hydroxychloroquine in patients with SLE?

Hydroxychloroquine is a medication frequently used in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. One of the most significant and concerning side effects associated with hydroxychloroquine is retinopathy. This ocular complication can manifest as changes in vision, including blurred vision or visual field defects.

The risk of retinopathy increases with the cumulative dose of the drug and the duration of therapy, which is why regular eye examinations are recommended for patients on hydroxychloroquine, particularly those who have been on treatment for extended periods or are receiving high doses.

The other options, while they may represent issues that can be seen in patients with SLE or general considerations in medical practice, do not directly correlate with hydroxychloroquine’s adverse effects in the same significant manner that retinopathy does. For instance, weight loss and hypertension can occur due to various reasons in patients with SLE, but they are not recognized side effects of hydroxychloroquine. Gout is primarily associated with hyperuricemia and is not a direct side effect of this medication.