Study Finds Antimalarial Medication Adherence is Linked to Fewer Hospitalizations for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus

Vancouver (March 18, 2026)—  A new study led by a research trainee and scientists at Arthritis Research Canada found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who take antimalarial medications such as hydroxychloroquine are less likely to be hospitalized.

The study was published in the American College of Rheumatology’s journal, Arthritis & Rheumatology, and led by research trainee Dr. Rashedul Hoque and scientists Dr. Diane Lacaille, Dr. J. Antonio Aviña-Zubieta, Dr. Mary De Vera, Dr. John Esdaille, and Dr. Hui Xie.

The research team analyzed provincial health data from British Columbia between 1997 and 2022, identifying patients with RA or SLE who started taking a new antimalarial. They compared hospitalizations between patients who consistently took antimalarial medication doses at least 90 per cent of the time as prescribed to patients who were non-adherent, and not taking antimalarial medication as prescribed.

Findings showed that RA and lupus patients who adhered to antimalarial therapy had 11 per cent fewer hospital admissions, spent 21 per cent fewer days in hospital, and had lower hospitalization costs, which averaged about $550 CAD less per patient.

Antimalarial medications, mainly hydroxychloroquine and less frequently chloroquine, are known to reduce SLE symptoms and flares, and the development of complications in patients with RA and SLE.

“Adhering to antimalarial therapy early in the course of rheumatoid arthritis or lupus treatment would reduce the need for hospital care,” said Dr. Rashedul Hoque.

No population-based studies previously examined the effects of antimalarial adherence on future acute care costs in patients with newly diagnosed RA and SLE, despite the evidence of a lack of adherence to antimalarial medications among these patients. By linking antimalarial medication adherence to fewer hospitalizations and lower healthcare costs, the study emphasized the importance of supporting patients in maintaining their prescribed treatments.

“Our findings highlight how taking medication as prescribed can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on the health care system,” explained Hoque.

Read the full study here.

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ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:

Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people impacted by arthritis through patient-centred research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada is home to a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose life-changing research is creating a future where people with arthritis have the knowledge and tools to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research from coast to coast with centres in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia and scientists affiliated with 10 major Canadian universities.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Bernice Rahman
Marketing and Communications Officer
Arthritis Research Canada
brahman@arthritisresearch.ca