Mepacrine (older Ani-malarial)

[WendyWoo50]

Thank you for the information posted Re Plaquinil.

I cannot take Plaquinil due to a genetic, electrical heart condition (Long QT Syndrome) therefore I am on Mepacrine (an older much less used anti-malarial). Do you know if the properties of Mepacrine are effective (or thought to be) against COVID too.

The way I understand it is there are three siblings one called Plaquinil, one Chloroquinine and the much older one Mepacrine.

The two younger ones are looking positive in Trials but I wonder if anyone has looked at the older sister?

Is anyone taking Mepacrine? If so do you think it helps you? (With Lupus, Sjogrens Syndrome and/or Antiphospholipid Syndrome)

Thank you, stay safe everyone. 💋 x

[tiredmum]

I take 50mg of Mepacrine 3 times a week along with hydroxychloroquine and MMF. I ran out of Mepacrine once as it has to be prescribed by the hospital not your gp and had a flare while I was not on it.

In my opinion it makes a huge difference.

[WendyWoo50 in reply to tiredmum]

Thank you. That is what happened to me once when a prescription was late keep well 💋

[panda60]

Been on 400 mg weekly since 2001 as allergic to plaquenil. Did try lowering dose once but didn’t feel well. GP can’t prescribe or change dosage without guidance from consultant but since diagnosis I get my prescriptions on repeat from surgery.

But I have been very unwell last two weeks and my GP says most probably Coronavirus. Still not right

[WendyWoo50 in reply to panda60]

I hope u r feeling better.

May I ask how the dose of 400mg came about?

Has your skin changed colour? I was told if I had more than 150mg, my skin would turn yellow.

I always seem to be in a flare and keep trying to find a way out.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. 💋

[Wittycjt]

KellyInTexas maybe you could try this?

[KellyInTexas Administrator]

My Rheumatoligist mentioned this to me a couple of years ago as a possible alternative, but in the same sentence said it’s generally not as well tolerated as Plaquinil. So the sentence just stagnated and we moved on...

Thank you for the thought!

He and I had a telemedicine video consult on Tuesday- day before yesterday.

He had asked me to try again with brand plaquinil. I could not get it! I did get zydos - ( manufacturer) but it’s notorious for excipients causing mast cell flares . And it did. ( GI intolerances.)

He said he’s seriously thinking I just can’t tolerate it- and not to take it.

[Wittycjt in reply to KellyInTexas]

😢

[Wittycjt]

Does any one know if this one causes hair loss?