Hydroxychloroquine-Induced Hypoglycemia in a Patient Without Diabetes

Abstract

Hydroxychloroquine is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug commonly used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Although rare, hydroxychloroquine is associated with hypoglycemia in patients with or without diabetes due to its ability to alter insulin metabolism. There have been several cases described in the literature, but none of which, to our knowledge, detail follow-up and time to resolution of hypoglycemia. We describe a 55-year-old female who presents for episodes of hypoglycemia. She reported hypoglycemic symptoms and fasting blood glucoses in the 60-70s mg/dL regularly. Based on the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale, hydroxychloroquine was the probable etiology of her hypoglycemic episodes due to the improvement at her 3-month follow up appointment after discontinuing the drug. Providers should be mindful of the hypoglycemia risk when using hydroxychloroquine and be aware that the effects may take an extended amount of time to resolve given the drug’s long half-life.