Researchers Find Overdose of Prescribed Medication in 70% of Hospital Patients, Could Damage Vision

Newswise — Denver, Colo. – Researchers found that 70% of patients received a dose of hydroxychloroquine that exceeded safety guidelines, and can potentially cause vision loss, in an inner city hospital. The research is being presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) this week in Denver, Colo.

The study tracked dosing of patients in a single hospital outpatient service and compared the dosage to safety guidelines, which are based on a patient’s height and weight. The results highlight a need for better communication between eye care providers and prescribing physicians.

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®) is a commonly used medication to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Long term use of hydroxychloroquine can cause damage to the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision.Abstract Title: Avoiding the Bull’s Eye: Ensuring “On-Target” Hydroxychloroquine Dosing and Eye Screening in an Inner-City Hospital

Presentation Start/End Time: Monday, May 4, 11:00am – 12:45pm Location: Exhibit HallAbstract Number: 1793 – A0226

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The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest eye and vision research organization in the world. Members include nearly 12,000 eye and vision researchers from over 75 countries. ARVO advances research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating and curing its disorders.

All abstracts accepted for presentation at the ARVO Annual Meeting represent previously unpublished data and conclusions. This research may be proprietary or may have been submitted for journal publication. Embargo policy: Journalists must seek approval from the presenter(s) before reporting data from paper or poster presentations. Press releases or stories on information presented at the ARVO Annual Meeting may not be released or published until the conclusion of the presentation.