HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE NAUSEA

[Penelope-Pipin]

Hey there my fellow Lupies,

I’ve just completed my full first week of hydroxychloroquine, but I don’t know if it’s just because I wasn’t well last week (had a migraine that lasted for 2 days).

But I seem to keep getting bouts of nausea followed by headaches (that almost feel like they’re turning into migraines).

Is this a possible side effect of the medication ? I know I’m not really supposed to be feeling any benefits until 12 weeks in but, it’s the only thing I’ve changed.

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

Welcome!

Those symptoms may be related to hydroxychloroquine until your body adjusts. What dose are you taking. Usually, one tablet (200mg) is the start and if necessary, increased.

With good wishes,

Ros

[Penelope-Pipin in reply to lupus-support1]

I’m on 200mg but, my GP did call me tonight and said that the nausea is normal. So feel a little better about that.

[Tanitani]

Make sure you eat before taking this medication

[Penelope-Pipin in reply to Tanitani]

I have been but still get bouts of nausea. Seem to be getting better

[Tanitani in reply to Penelope-Pipin]

Good. Glad you can get used to it. It's a wonderful medication. You can try some non medical nausea treatments such as "nausea bands". They do work. There are cheap mechanical ones and there are fancy electronic ones. If you can afford the fancy one I would suggest to buy. They do work. Cheap ones also work but not as well

[Penelope-Pipin in reply to Tanitani]

Do you find the nausea eases or is it just something I have to deal with ?

[Tanitani in reply to Penelope-Pipin]

Yes it eases. But i didnt have too much issues unless I ride in a car or a bus. That lasted longer.

[milkwoman]

It could very well be the filler ingredients causing your digestive issues. There are several brands of hydroxychloroquine. I’m in the US and can only tolerate the name brand here (Plaquenil). I had tried several generics and they all gave me horrible stomach issues. Once I switched to the name brand, all my issues ceased almost immediately.

I know there are folks who stuck it out and said their body adjusted to the medication after a few weeks time. That wasn’t my experience. I can only take the name brand.