Gastric problems Hydroxychloroquin

[Redmatpinkcat]

Hi, I have been taking Hydroxychloroquin for 18 months and in the very beginning I had a slight upset tummy, the runs. I was on steroids at the time so not sure if this helped but after a few weeks my tummy was ok. Since then I've had a break from Hydroxychloroquin but then after a flare, I started taking them again and my tummy is awful and painful and, bloating, acid reflux as well, no runs this time. My Rhumi has said there are no other meds i can try and said that I just have to try and get used to them.

I have tried to stick with it but its just getting worse, I've lost weight and tried to eat very healthy food but it doesn't make any difference, the pain is awful at night when lying down, after eating k feel bloated and painful. I dont know what to do. I go to GP today as I feel some investigations need to be done. Any advice or experience with this would be very appreciated . Thank you

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Redmatpinkcat ,

Do you know which manufacturer for the tablets is listed on the packet/box? Quite a few people with lupus have difficulty tolerating the Bristol/Quinoric versions of hydroxychloroquine with gastrointestinal disorder being the most commonly reported side effect. If this is the type you have been having, you may find switching to a different version beneficial.

You can read more about this at lupusuk.org.uk/hydroxychlor...

[Redmatpinkcat in reply to Paul_Howard]

Hi and thank you for your reply, yes it's from the Bristol laboratory. I will discuss with my gp for alternative. X

[Bessy01]

Those are the very reasons why I stopped taking Hydroxychloroquin been off them since May and my stomach feels 100% better.