"According to the American College of Rheumatology, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), is a "disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD)," meaning that it helps reduce the pain and swelling that come with arthritis.It can also reduce the incidence of joint damage, thus lessening the risk of developing a long-term disability from complications "
https://www.rheumatoidarthritis.org/treatment/hydroxychloroquine/