How long should hydroxychloroquine be taken for Sjögren's syndrome before stopping the medication?

Generally, hydroxychloroquine can be used to treat Sjögren's syndrome. The common formulation is hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets. In cases of Sjögren's syndrome, hydroxychloroquine is typically taken for 3–6 months before discontinuation. If any discomfort occurs, medical advice should be sought promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:

Sjögren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized primarily by reduced secretion of bodily fluids, leading to dryness in areas such as the eyes, mouth, and nasal passages. Hydroxychloroquine, an antimalarial drug, is also used in the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases, including Sjögren's syndrome. Hydroxychloroquine helps reduce inflammatory responses and suppresses overactivity of the immune system, thereby minimizing inflammation-related damage caused by Sjögren's syndrome. Additionally, hydroxychloroquine can enhance fluid secretion, improving dryness symptoms in the eyes, mouth, and nasal passages. For mild cases, the medication may be discontinued after approximately 3 months of treatment; for more severe cases, discontinuation may only be considered after about 6 months.

In daily life, engaging in regular physical exercise and maintaining adequate hydration can help prevent Sjögren's syndrome.