Quinoric changed to Zentiva

[YogiParbatti]

Hi. I started a trial of hydrochloraquine in December, consultant didn’t prescribe a specific brand. Pharmacy game me Quinoric. The first few days I didn’t feel great but side effects seemed to fade. This week I’ve been given the Zentiva brand I have never felt so rough! Chills, Gastric belly, nausea, swollen lips, burning cheeks, insomnia, ringing ears and chest tight. Has anybody else had this experience using this brand?

[Josiah150767]

Hi

Sorry you are feeling poorly. I had a bad reaction to hydroxychloriquine last June due to my dose of hydroxychloriquine being put up to 400mg rather than the brand I was taking. Although I found a lot less issues taking plaquenil than quinoric and zentiva . I felt really unwell and swelling in my face and my skin was red and burning. I can’t say that is happening with you, but it would be worth contacting your gp to make them aware to change you back to the brand that you started on.

[YogiParbatti in reply to Josiah150767]

Thank you. GP and Pharmacy have been really great and changed the prescription - So I’m hopeful that once it passes out my system I won’t feel as I have for the last 20 hours. Thankfully I have a scheduled review with my consultant on Monday - so good timing Thanks for sharing your experience 🙏🏾

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi YogiParbatti ,

I'm sorry to hear that you have experience adverse effects from a particular version of hydroxychloroquine. If you find that a certain version suits you better (Quinoric in your case), then it is worth speaking to your doctor and asking them to specify that version on your prescription from now on. The pharmacy will then have to issue the version specified and you can avoid future issues.

[YogiParbatti in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thank you for your response. Both GP and pharmacy have been very supportive and obliging today, and im very fortunate to have a review with consultant scheduled on Monday.

[happytulip]

Yes, absolutely! Get your GP to prescribe Quinoric or Bristol Brand only on your repeat prescription. They CAN do this. Then get a local pharmacy to order it in for you....it can be done. I've been right where you are. Good luck and keep us posted.

[YogiParbatti in reply to happytulip]

My GP was brilliant and changed the prescription - I really wish I didn’t have to take it at all ☹️

[Partner20]

Zentiva has the same formulation as the old Plaquenil, apparently. However, common side effects of this brand, although well-tolerated by most, are known to be stomach pain and nausea. Check the list in the PIL of the fillers used to see if there are any you know you are sensitive to, and try to obtain a brand that doesn't contain them. Meds are often a case of trial and error, unfortunately. You can make a yellow card report on the Zentiva brand if you wish.

[YogiParbatti in reply to Partner20]

Thank you. I do have some intolerances to gluten and dairy so it’s likely it’s the fillers. Thanks for responding.

[Partner20 in reply to YogiParbatti]

You're very welcome. 🙂

[YogiParbatti]

I don’t think it’s the HC itself - but the fillers in it .... I have several food intolerances. It was so strange how a change in brand but not HCQ disease could make me so rough.