1. What Vasrasti Is and What It Is Used For

Contains hydroxychloroquine, which reduces inflammation in autoimmune diseases.

Used to treat:

Rheumatoid arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus

Skin problems sensitive to sunlight

2. What You Need to Know Before You Take Vasrasti

Do Not Take Vasrasti If You:

Are allergic to hydroxychloroquine or similar drugs (quinine, quinolones).

Have eye problems involving the retina (maculopathy).

Are pregnant, might become pregnant, or think you are pregnant.

Are under 6 years or weigh less than 35kg.

Warnings and Precautions

Talk to your doctor before use if you:

Have liver, kidney, stomach, gut, or blood problems

Are taking Tamoxifen

Have heart, nerve, or brain disorders

Have psoriasis, a history of quinine reaction, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

Have porphyria

Are over 65, taking high doses, or have kidney problems (you’ll need frequent eye exams)

Children and Adolescents

Not for use in children under 6 years or <35kg

Keep out of reach of children due to toxicity risk

Other Medicines and Vasrasti

Inform your doctor about all medicines, including over-the-counter or herbal products.

May Increase Side Effects With Vasrasti:

Antibiotics (gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin)

Cimetidine

Neostigmine, pyridostigmine

Liver or kidney-impacting drugs

Malaria treatments (halofantine, mefloquine, moxifloxacin)

Amiodarone

Interactions That May Affect Vasrasti or Other Medicines:

Digoxin, antiepileptics, antidiabetics (insulin/metformin)

Antacids (allow 4-hour gap between doses)

Rabies vaccine, Praziquantel, Ciclosporin, Agalsidase

Vasrasti With Food and Drink

Take with food or milk

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Do NOT take if:

You are pregnant or breastfeeding

You plan to breastfeed

Driving and Operating Machines

May cause vision problems; avoid driving or using machines if affected.

Lactose Warning

Contains lactose—inform your doctor if you have a sugar intolerance.

3. How to Take Vasrasti

General Instructions

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Oral use only—swallow whole with food or milk.

Do not crush or chew tablets.

Use during sun-sensitive skin conditions only in periods of high light exposure.

Dose based on body weight.

Dosage

Adults (including elderly): 1–2 tablets daily

Children (≥35kg): 1 tablet daily

It may take weeks before benefits appear.

Do not adjust the dose without consulting a doctor.

If You Take Too Much

Seek immediate medical help—bring the medicine with you.

Overdose symptoms: headache, vision changes, low BP, convulsions, breathing issues, possible heart failure

Dangerous for children—seek emergency care immediately.

If You Forget a Dose

Take it as soon as remembered.

If near the next dose, skip the missed dose—do not double dose.

If You Stop Treatment

Do not stop without consulting your doctor—even if you feel better.

4. Possible Side Effects

Serious Reactions – Seek Emergency Help Immediately

Allergic reactions: rash, swelling, breathing difficulty

Eye problems

Muscle weakness or spasms

Severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson Syndrome)

Suicidal thoughts

Infections due to low white cells

Easy bruising or bleeding

Pale skin, fatigue (possible anemia)

Liver problems (jaundice)

Other Side Effects

Skin changes, hair loss, stomach pain, loss of appetite

Tinnitus, hearing issues, dizziness, vertigo

Heart and liver function abnormalities

Mental symptoms: confusion, anxiety, insomnia, hallucinations, depression

Very Common (>1 in 10):

Stomach pain, nausea

Common (>1 in 100):

Rash, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, appetite loss, mood changes

Uncommon (>1 in 1,000):

Skin/mucosal color changes, liver test abnormalities, nervousness, hair loss

Not Known (Cannot Estimate):

Abnormal nerve conduction, liver failure, porphyria symptoms, psychosis, suicidal thoughts, heart and hearing issues

Blood Tests

Regular blood count monitoring for long-term users.

Monitor liver function.

5. How to Store Vasrasti

Store below 30°C, in original packaging

Keep out of children’s reach

Do not use after expiry date

Do not dispose of via household waste—ask a pharmacist for safe disposal

6. Contents of the Pack

Active Ingredient: Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate (Ph Eur)

Other Ingredients: Hypromellose, Lactose Monohydrate, Corn Starch, Sodium Hydroxide, Crospovidone, Magnesium Stearate, Opadry White (film coating)

Appearance: White to off-white round, biconvex tablets, debossed "JS46"

Pack Content: 60 film-coated tablets (6 blisters of 10 tablets each)

Important Notes

Medicament affects your health; misuse is dangerous.

Follow your doctor’s instructions and do not self-medicate.

Store out of children’s reach.

Provided under the Council of Arab Health Ministers and GCC guidelines