Steroids are any of the large class of organic compounds with a distinct molecular structure, including four rings of carbon atoms. Hydroxychloroquine, which is not a steroid, is an anti-malaria drug that is also used to treat lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases.
Hydroxychloroquine is typically used in the first stages of disease in children and adolescents with SLE to decrease symptoms of fatigue, manifestations, and alopecia, and coincidentally, steroid toxicity. It has also demonstrated the possibility of treating thrombosis.
Studies have indicated that the drug reverses the inhibitor of trophoblast interleukin. It has been shown to diminish steroid-induced hypercholesterolemia and to lower fasting blood glucose concentrations.