Different generics of hydroxychloroquine causing itching

[Jances13]

Hi everyone need some advice ! Been on plaquenil for almost 12 years . Started out with the brand no issues . Then the generics . Have taken generic Watson , Ranbaxy and just recently Prasco Labs . In between theses tried Zydus and Dr. Reddy caused itching no rash . For the past 5 years I have stuck to prasco labs. Prasco stopped making the generic . So I tried Dr . Reddy same thing felted itchy. So then I was able to get a few of the brand made by Concordia . Took one pill Same thing happened . So I had reserved some of the prasco so when I take it am fine no itching . So i am really confused as to why this is happening . Someone suggested to take the pill and divide into 1/4 and take one everyday to see what happens . I haven’t tried that as of yet . Could you become allergic after so many years ? But then since I can take the ones from prasco without any issues I just can’t figure this out . Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated . Thanks

[Ingrid1234]

Hi,

Yes.

Numerous brand name manufacturers for HCQ with I suspect not a complete, honest list of ingredients as stated in the patient info leaflet?

The first thing one needs to do with all these different brands of HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE is to check the ingredients list or ring the manufacturer lab itself.

You must also find out which ingredient (s) are causing the itching ie Prasco vs the rest!

Identifying allergens can be tricky but big Pharma has to listen and learn from us patients. There are websites that document side effects, adverse reactions to drugs etc.

Check these out!

I strongly suspect in your case there is an undisclosed hidden ingredient in the pill?

Check the batch numbers on the packet, sell by dates, shelf life etc

Regards

[Jances13 in reply to Ingrid1234]

Thank you so much Ingrid . I was thinking of going to an independent pharmacy to see if they could narrow it down for me because regular pharmacies don’t have the time .

[baba]

You might find something useful in this blog by Lupus UK.

(I am aware you are US based.)

lupusuk.org.uk/hydroxychlor...

[Jances13 in reply to baba]

Baba , wow what an interesting article . I don’t know if I can get the Zentiva here in the states . Maybe through a pharmacy in Canada . What’s interesting is that 12 years ago I was on the brand without any problems not sure what the manufacturer was at the time and supposedly the Concordia is considered the brand here now but that also caused the itchy mess . So not sure where to turn . I am going to talk to my rheumatologist to see what they suggest . Plaquenil has been very good to me so I am quite disappointed that prasco stopped making hydroxychloroquine .

[daisyd]

Zentiva are the sister company to the company who used to make placqunil you will need to get the Doctor to write this on your prescription as it is more expensive, it is something to do with the fillers that make them different

[Jances13 in reply to daisyd]

Thank you ! Do you know if it is possible to get Zentiva hydroxychloroquine here in the States ? Or a pharmacy that you can order from in UK ? I know that some people get there meds from a Canadian pharmacies . Thank you !

[daisyd in reply to Jances13]

I live in the U.K. but I think they still make placqunil in the USA good luck, you may be able to look Zentiva on the web and email them

[PositiveT]

Hi. My rheumatologist prescribed Hydroxychlorquine and I had a very severe allergic reaction itchy and face swelling. Ended up being referred to dermatology expert who said he had not seen a case that bad for a while. Subsequently, I have stopped Hydroxychlorquine and the rash has gone. I asked why I was now allergic to various drugs when I had not been previously and he advised it's because your immune system can't cope and he said you may find that you become allergic to things that you were not. He also said 20 percent of people who take Hydroxychlorquine end up with a bad allergic rash. Which is a very high proportion. I am now on Azathriprone.Hope the info helps. Take care you are one great warrior. Fingers crossed they will be able to put you onto a drug that agrees with you.🤩🌻

[Jances13 in reply to PositiveT]

Thank you , Positive T. It is in the back of my mind that maybe I’ve become allergic but I hope not because all the other drugs are more powerful and also come with more side effects. Even though I have to say that the Azathriprone helped my son greatly with a different autoimmune . So I do wish you the best ! I have an appt with my rheumatologist today so will see what they suggest .

[MorIlse]

I just started taking plaquenil,The brand and around day 25 I started itching.

I had to fight for

My insurance to cover most

Of the cost but now I’m wondering if they really gave me the brand and no another generic.

I also noticed my dry eye and mouth started around the same time…I’m

Angry that one pill that is supposed to help you with one thing will mess up a whole

Bunch of others.

Should I question the pharmacy?