Hydroxychloroquine side affects

[pattypatchwork]

Hi, I've been on hydroxychloroquine for 2 years now and my weight is slowly creeping up and I'm struggling to lose it.I've also lost more than 50% of the volume of my hair.

Has anyone else experienced these?

My most recent one is suddenly feeling extreme tiredness. It's like hitting a brick wall and if I fight it, I start to see double!

Should I mention this latest one to my specialist on Monday? I currently take 200mg a day.

[Olive12345]

I’m not sure any of those things are a side effect of hydroxychloroquine? Does it say they are on the leaflet? You should definitely mention them all to your dr! Hair loss and extreme tiredness can be a symptom of vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Weight gain can be caused by inflammation, you could look up autoimmune diets and anti inflammatory diets to see if they help? You might also need a different type of medicine if hydroxychloroquine isn’t doing enough.

[WinterSwimmer]

Hydroxchloroquine can make you lose your hair - or make it very fine and wispy. Mine is extremely thin at the moment, with my scalp showing through - but I'd rather be bald than have a bad flare, so I wear hats.

Don't know about the weight gain and the tiredness. They can both be symptoms of lupus itself though.

[MonicaT in reply to WinterSwimmer]

Awww I get this. "Id rather be bald than have a bad flare". Lots of love to you today. I bet you look lovely in a hat! Xxx

[MonicaT]

Mention it because the meds may not be helping. They certainly should not make you feel tired. So you may need different meds or your inflammation levels are up! Good luck

[Purplebox]

Hi there. Sorry to hear about your struggles. It may be an idea to ask your GP or specialist to test your thyroid. I have an underactive thyroid which has caused me to lose hair, gain weight and feel very tired. A simple blood test will show if there is a problem and if you will need a medication such as Levothyroxine. It has made all the difference to me and I have not experienced any side effects from taking this particular medication although sadly the hair loss is something I have had to live with. Hope this helps. Good luck and all the best.

[pattypatchwork in reply to Purplebox]

Excellent idea, I shall mention it on Monday and see if I can be tested for an under active thyroid

[markb677]

Try swimming. I don't have lupus but I find it more easy to lose weight if I go swimming instead of walking or going to the gym