Five months post Hydroxychloroquine allergic reaction....

[Izzy123gym]

It's now 5 months since my first dosage of Hydroxychloroquine and it's finally leaving my body

I'm still being treated with high dosages of antihistamines and steroids but the urticaria and total body itching is abating; the latter has driven me to distraction!

I have no other prescription drugs until I see the Rheumatologist on December 12th.

Interestingly, I bumped into my former Rheumy who was shocked at the body rash etc; he thought the fillers in Quinoric were the likely culprit. I'm now anxious about trying any other drug; GPS, Rheumatologists etc hadn't seen such a violent reaction!

All suggestions welcome, but I am convinced that Sulphasalazine should have been restarted; I took it successfully for ten years!

[Happykins]

Hi Izzy, I'm not sure whether I've ever replied to a previous post of yours.

I'm sorry you've had such a severe reaction.

I had a bad reaction to Quinoric also, lasted for months. I feel strongly that it might have been caused by the fillers in Quinoric but I wasn't allowed to try another brand of hydroxychloroquine.

For the last few years I've been taking mepacrine as an alternative, which has helped.

Have you been offered this?

Hope you find something that helps you soon.

jilly xx

[Izzy123gym in reply to Happykins]

Thank you, Jilly! I've not been offered anything as yet but I'm expecting the Rheumy to suggest a few alternatives; I've not heard of Mepacrine but will research it. Has it been successful for you? Xx

[Happykins in reply to Izzy123gym]

Yes it has Izzy I've got uctd, it hasn't stopped the flares but I am now able to work from home for a few hours each day - I teach.

In some ways, it's given me my life back, I'd really recommend asking about it.

It's unlicensed in UK for connective tissue disease but I get it from Boots - they compound it here, rather than going to local chemist who were going to buy it abroad, at least that way I could check out all the fillers.

Had no real side effects, it has turner my skin slightly golden (the tablets are bright yellow) but that's a small price to pay for feeling better.

I wasn't given much info as my rheumatologist hadn't prescribed it previously. Have a google - it's also called quinacrine in the US xx

[Izzy123gym in reply to Happykins]

Thank you, Happykins! I'll certainly check this drug out.

I hope you continue to keep relatively well. I retired from teaching a few years ago now; I hope you enjoy it! X

[Happykins in reply to Izzy123gym]

I love teaching - can't cope with working in a school anymore but happily have several students who come to me x

[Izzy123gym in reply to Happykins]

Very pleased for you; you 've found a good solution! 😀x