R.A and hydroxychloroquine

[Pmaddie21]

I am 21 yrs old going thru diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and have been put on hydroxychloroquine 200mg. My doctor mentioned I may have problems with fertility after long use. I’ve been on the medicine for about 4 months and I was wondering if anyone has had issues with late periods or if I should be worried. I want children and would like to start within the next yr or two to try conceiving. Any advice or wisdom on here?

[Kirst83]

Hi. I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis at the age of 15 then SLE at 19. I am also on Hydroxychloroquine. I have been on it for 15 years now and the same dose as you, sometimes 400mg if I have a flare up. I was never told that there could be a problem with having kids because of taking Hydroxychloroquine just in relation to the SLE. I have 2 boys now and didn't have my first till I was 31, I had been on treatment a long time by then. I suppose it may depend on the person, how the drug effects you but I wish you well.

[Pmaddie21 in reply to Kirst83]

Thank you a ton for responding! I have high hopes and that’s awesome that you were able to have children. Funny how doctors all say different things. I will have to mention it again when I go back after this covid stuff!

[catherine1712]

my niece have been on plaquanil for years and when she wanted to conceive she had a twin girls.

[Kevin53]

Good morning

You may find our following booklet useful:

lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

There are plenty more available free on the Lupus UK website.

Best wishes Kevin

[NanaFifi]

Hi Pmaddie21,

I have RA and Lupus and have been on Hydroxychloroquine for over 30 years. I have never heard of it causing fertility problems. It has certainly didn’t have any adverse effects regarding my own fertility but I did have to stop taking it when I was pregnant.

Good luck and I hope it works for you. xx

[Pmaddie21 in reply to NanaFifi]

Thank you!!!!

[Northernd]

Hi Maddie, I've taken hydroxychloroquine for over 15 years for Lupus I have 3 beautiful girls.

I wouldn't worry about fertility problems I think you'll be fine, i have had late periods, heavy ones all sorts but I'd put that down to the medications I take.

Try not to worry and try and enjoy yourself, if you are concerned at any time mention it to your gp or consultant, or type here most people here are going through or have gone through similar to what you are.

You are not alone 🙂🙏

[Pmaddie21 in reply to Northernd]

I appreciate it so much, thank you! ☺️

[Lottiebonnie4]

Hi I have taken the same tablets as you for years and was never told it could cause any issues when trying for a family. I have two children so please try not to worry . I understand it’s easier said than done but I’m sure you will be fine 😀

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Pmaddie21 ,

I've never heard of hydroxychloroquine potentially causing fertility problems - I think you may want to ask your doctor to double-check this.