My meds were doubled this week - I had been on one a day and it was doubled to 2 now- I know the loading dose took 6 months to get in system but I presume it’s quicker rate when it’s increased? As per other meds? Anyone know how long it takes to kick in?!? This heat has set me off and it’s horrible!
Also I have a second question!! I’ll put it in a separate question though
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Kazwaz1980
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Not sure I know the answers to your questions, but hbere's my best guess! Steady-state plasma concentration is reached more quickly with higher doses, but how long this takes varies quite a lot from person to person, and is delayed if you are vitamin D deficient. Once you have reached your maximum dose, it would be unusual to continue taking HCQ for more than an additional 6 months if you show no signs of improvement. Other people might know better! x
When I was first prescribed hydroxy it took a few months to suppress the rash & begin feel better, but it was many months to get the full benefit. I was asked to reduce during winter months & it took about 4 week's to realise I was achy & felt like I had a flu, no rash yet. When increased in response to this I was back to two tablets a day it did take me months before I felt the full effect.
I was very disappointed that behind this my sjogren s was 'kicking & I have never quite felt right after reducing it the first time & now stay on 100mg per day plus taking small dose of mycophenolate (plus other meds for various ailments) to combat sjogren s as well as SCLE... Agree whispering that it is individual response, but I better with it then without it...
Hey thanks- yes I too am Sjogrens... clinging on at the moment. Titres are all mild positive but I feel dreadful.
I think it’s different if you increase from a drug that is already in your system but I was looking for confirmation.
I feel 50% better on the drug... and I don’t think that is placebo. It took 6 months to feel good and I had expected it to work in 3 or 4. I now wake up on a morning!!! Haha
I am wondering if this is why I'm feeling so bad. I reduced from 400 to 200 about a month ago and feel like I have Flu with rash. My hips are aching, feet burning, legs aching and very stiff and sore in the morning. Was presuming it was a flare, but maybe reduced dose? My kids have just broken up from school so v bad timing. I now also have awful tummy. It might be a bug, but nobody else has it? Could this be SS/SLE related?
Just like I felt when I was reducing hydroxy, it does make doubt why you feel this way, for me increasing it again made a big difference. As I am if sensitive reducing during the spring / summer would really cause problems.....discuss with your gp if you can... ML
I did the loading dose of 400mg for 6weeks but when they dropped me down my flare ups worsened so they put me back on to 400mg and I have been for 3 years xx
Ive only just been introduced to Hydroxy last week and am on 200mg twice a day. I was told it takes 12 weeks to kick in. I also take two lots of immune suppression, mycophenalate and Tacrolimus which I've been in since transplant in 2006. I can see others saying that it actually takes six months to feel better. I really hope not 😣 Good luck with the mass. X
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