I’ve been suffering with a sinus infection for 2 weeks now. My GP has just prescribed me some Doxycycline. Having taken some this morning, I just read the package leaflet which says that it can cause SLE to worsen. I’m taking Hydroxychloroquine and Nifedipine and the dr told me it should be fine to take because it doesn’t interact with my medication but I’m worried that she might not have been aware of the link to SLE symptoms worsening. Does anyone have experience of taking Doxycycline?
Thanks so much in advance.
Written by
CharlotteGB
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi, I had this issue a few years back. Was informed there was no interaction with meds but like you I read the leaflet when I got home. After phoning GP back, she advised not to take it and to pick up another prescription, she wasn't aware of not taking it either up to that point. Since then whenever I'm in hospital I'm always informed that I'm allergic to Doxycycline, I've actually given up trying to explain the reason why I don' t take it.
hi Charlotte I’m given this every time I have a chest infection as there doesn’t seem to be many antibiotics I can take. The only problem I’ve ever had is the joints tend to ache a bit more and the ache resolves after finishing the course. For me, I’m prepared to take it as the chest infections are worse than the temporary joint aches.
my advice would be to stop taking them. I was prescribed these 15 years ago and after 3 days I was admitted to hospital with the worst flare. Every part of my was inflamed even my brain, couldn’t even move with pain and even when not moving I was screaming. I was in hospital for a month and given morphine by IV as they didn’t know what was happening to me and I didn’t even know it was a flare as never experienced anything like it in all of my 35 years of having Lupus. I asked for steroids and they gave me 60mg but took 2 months for swelling to ease. Was the worst pain I had ever experienced
Hi.I had to take doxycycline recently for an infection and it was brilliant and didn’t cause my lupus any problems. Of course it doesn’t mean that you won’t react to it so perhaps ask your doctor’s advice?
I have been taking Doxycycline for three months due to Bullous Lupus. I take Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine for SLE. Duloxetine and Gabapentin for Peripheral Neuropathy. Losartan for blood pressure. Metformin for type II diabetes. Statins and Tramadol. Since Taking Doxycycline I have had marginally lower energy and developed in the last week a sore throat. Other than those symptoms I have felt fine. I hope that helps. 😀
Sorry you’re not well at the moment; sinus infections can feel like such a slog. Everyone can respond differently to medications (as other people's replies suggest!), so we’d definitely advise speaking to your doctor about your concerns. If it’s difficult to get hold of them, especially with it being the weekend, pharmacists can also be really helpful with medication questions, so you could speak to one in your local Boots/Superdrug/etc in the meantime to see if they can offer any advice.
I was prescribed this 3 weeks ago for Cellulitis in my leg, I read the leaflet and saw the same, rang my Gp and refused to take it, he agreed and gave me a different one. I do not need a huge flare on top of what I have xx
Hi Charlotte. I was just going to post about my experience with DOXYCYCLINE when I noticed your post.
I have been suffering with a Sinus infection since December , tried sprays , Clarithromycin , the dose the Doctor put me on was far too high, only managed 4 days, made me so Nauseas , Doctor then referred me to ENT , they gave me the onceover with a camera in clinic then ,had a X ray , radiology so busy for report, then didnt send report to Doctors , so had to ring up and ask to do that .
Am due to see GP this week for results. but in the meantime the Consultant prescribed DOXYCYCLINE 100mg daily for a month .
I was undecided to take them as I am very sensitive to meds, and like you I read the Contra indications of the meds.
However this Thursday I decided to start them , I took one at 11-30, by 12 I was feeling so sick and unwell . it got a little better , but at 3pm I experienced rapid heartrate and was a little breathless, rang GP no appts advised to go Hospital / rang 111 / booked me in at A&E was there 4 hours.
Had bloods they were ok / ECG taken at that time was ok for my age so Doctor said . my pulse rate had come down , but was not what my readings were at home normally.
Never experienced anything like this before , the Doctor did not think it could be the meds , but needless to say I am not taking them, I should have stuck to my own judgement instead of taking them before I see Consultant in March.
The Doctor at A&E was thorough , knew I was anxious and so took my pulse whilst checking over my hands, without me knowing, and then because I asked he did them on the monitor and they read 77, he said he would only be concerned if it was over 190, however it did give me a bit of a shock.
He did suggest as he really couldnt find any reason for this , it might just be a one off , and suggested also that my GP might want to do a 24 hour monitor to get a fuller picture .
Also to record if I suffer any more episodes , but if more severe pain etc to go back to A&E.
As for the sinus its still here on and off, I did suffer as a child but nothing for the las 60 years , it was the fact my cheek was red , slightly swollen ,and my right nostril blocked , and painfull that I went to my GP .
All I can say everyone is different with meds, I hope this helps you a little.
I have Lupus and had Doxycycline for a chest infection that wouldn't shift in 2019. Within a day of starting the medication my blood pressure had dropped and pulse rate had risen. I felt nauseous and had a bad headache. I felt weak and so ill that I felt I might die. My husband pointed out the contraindications and side effects in the information leaflet and I stopped taking them. I felt better after about 24 hours. Nobody has taken me seriously when I reported this at the hospital (despite me being a qualified nurse!). I now have it recorded in my medical notes as an adverse reaction. Hope this helps, although individual responses to all medications can be variable.
Hi Charlotte I was prescribed doxycycline for an infection once it made me feel ill ,really bad headache nausea and vomiting . I won't be taking it again sending you my love xxx
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.