Compromised immunity

[Aurali]

My consultant has just increased my hydroxychloroquine to 400mg, within 2 weeks I have a stinking cold & now a sinus infection. Could this be because my immune system is now compromised more with the higher dosage of meds?

[CarolMcl]

Hi, sorry you are feeling unwell. Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-rheumatic drug and not regarded as an immunosuppressant.

[Aurali in reply to CarolMcl]

Thank you Carol, I was told it was.

Useful to now know 😀

[CarolMcl in reply to Aurali]

There's so many variations from one person to another and you will also learn so much on this site. Hydroxychloroquine was initially used as an anti malarial drug prior to the discovery that it could also help with autoimmune diseases

[miccika1]

Other are correct HQ is not an immunosupressant but an immunomodulator. It should not be the cause of your cold, just make sure not to touch your face especially now that there are lots of viruses going around and that minimizes the infection rate. 400 is the standard dose for an adult (2× 200 mg). Good luck!

[ForPsych73]

I take 400mg to and my immune system has not been compromised. Apart from having a ulcer in my mouth once... I’ve not had an infection since I was diagnosed.

I take a supplement called PHARMATON... it’s a vitamin B complex thing and it really helps with the fatigue.

[Cas70]

Have been on Hydroxychloroquine for over 2 years just 200mg per day. It wouldn’t cause the problems you have. Introduce a small amount of Turmeric into your diet this will help the inflammation/ colds/sinus etc to be kept at bay.

[Lottie8]

Hi. Yes I have been on Hydroxychloroquine for several years. The only problem I had with it was cracking headaches when I first started. Since then everything has been absolutely fine. Maybe someone here has had a diffent experience.

If you are in the UK there have been masses of ‘bugs’ going round. I had bronchitis for a month but thankfully it has now gone. Friends have had bad colds too.

Hope you feel better soon.

[Lisalou19 in reply to Lottie8]

I’m so glad I have just seen your comment. My headaches are awful, started taking this about 5 weeks ago. Mainly wake in the morning with one. I was starting to get abit worried

X

[1sam]

Hi! Sorry to hear you are having bad days.

Tell your GP/rheumy about your cold ... I had awful colds the first year of lupus treatment and my rheumy started me on B and D3 vitamins. Haven't had one in a couple of years.

I hope your Drs can help you.

Sam

[Aurali in reply to 1sam]

Thanks Sam, I have been advised to use vit D as it showed defficient in bloods.

So off I go to get some tomorrow 😀

[Krazykat26]

Hi Aurali

I am on 400mgs hydroxy a day..the main side effect with me was heartburn so now I take it with milk.

For colds u could try a putting some hot water in a bowl..add 3 drops of eucalyptus essential oil..pop a towel over your head n inhale the steam..keep your eyes closed while u do it though..it certainly helps clear any congestion xx