Hypoglycemia Induced by Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate in a Patient Treated for Connective Tissue Disease Without Diabetes Mellitus

Clin Ther. 2020 May;42(5):940-945. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.03.011. Epub 2020 Apr 23.

Abstract

Purpose: Several case reports have highlighted symptomatic hypoglycemia as a serious but uncommon adverse effect of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in nondiabetic subjects.

Methods: This study describes a nondiabetic patient who experienced serious hypoglycemia related to HCQ.

Findings: In the course of treatment, the patient experienced multiple episodes of hypoglycemia at night and in the early morning. The hypoglycemia was usually accompanied by nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. The lowest value of blood glucose in the fingertip was 2.6 mmol/L.

Implications: This rare case will prompt clinicians to pay attention to unexplained hypoglycemia when using HCQ in nondiabetic patients.

Keywords: Connective tissue disease; Gastrointestinal bleeding; Hydroxychloroquine; Hypoglycemia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Blood Glucose / drug effects
  • Connective Tissue Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Dizziness / chemically induced
  • Fatigue / chemically induced
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / adverse effects*
  • Hypoglycemia / chemically induced*
  • Nausea / chemically induced

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Blood Glucose
  • Hydroxychloroquine