We are delighted to announce that the InHealth Intelligence Team have gone live with a new contract to provide a Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) Retinopathy Monitoring Service for people in Southampton.

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an anti-malarial/anti-inflamatory drug that can be used in the treatment of a variety of autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. The risk of retinal toxicity from HCQ has been recognised for many years and it can be irreversible, leading to significant visual impairment and sight loss. However, HCQ is considered a useful drug with fewer side-effects than many of the alternatives.

This service will offer a baseline assessment for people starting on HCQ, and annual screening for those who have been on HCQ for five or more years, and one or more years if they have additional risk factors.