Hydroxychloroquine increase.

[JCZW]

Morning fellow LupiesHope you are keeping as well as you possibly can.

I saw my rheumatologist this week and she has increased my hydroxychloroquine from 200mg to 400mg.

My stomach tolerates 200mg but I'm struggling with the increase.

Any advice would be grateful.

[Lizard28]

My stomach didn’t tolerate it at the beginning, my doc told me to gradually take it, I would take the extra tablet very second day till you think it’s ok to see how you get on. Make sure you take it with food as well. I’ve been on it for years now and I’m ok with it now, also on 400mg

[JCZW in reply to Lizard28]

Thank you so much for your response. I will definitely try that . X

[dg70 in reply to JCZW]

I'm on a 400mg one day and 200mg the next. It works well with me so far although I am on a brand of hydroxy that I can tolerate at any dose it seems. When I started I was on quinoric (Bristol labs) and I felt sick all the time for weeks. I changed to Zentiva and no problems since. I know that hydroxy has to be carefully managed as to what your body weight is and they can't exceed that or you do get problems. It was deemed 300mg is the most for me but as 300mg is hard to get I do the alternating 400/200 method. Hopefully they have taken your height, weight etc. into consideration before doubling your dose.

[JCZW in reply to dg70]

Thank you for your response. Unfortunately I can only take the quinoric brand as I'm lactose intolerant and the quinoric brand is the only one the pharmacist has found that doesn't contain lactose .

The rheumatologist did weigh me etc so assume she took that into consideration.

I think it's going to be trial and error for me until I can get it right.

Once again thank you for your response.

[marypw]

Do split the dose so you have 200 mg after breakfast and 200 mg after your evening meal.

I’ve been on it 13 years with no problem. The most important thing is to get your eyes tested every year, with an OCT scan, especially if you are on the higher dose for any length of time.

[JCZW in reply to marypw]

Thank you for your response. I do get my eyes tested every year. The rheumatologist has organised an OCT scan.I had one 3 years ago when I started on hydroxychloroquine.

Thanks again for your response it really helps.

[KnitSewPurl]

Try alternating your dose 200 one day and 400 another then gradually increase your frequency of your 400mg throughout over a phase of 2weeks then then again another 2 more weeks hopefully it should get u adjusted.

[JCZW in reply to KnitSewPurl]

Thank you for your response. I have decided to do exactly what you have said. Hopefully it will help my stomach.

Thank you again.

[KnitSewPurl in reply to JCZW]

Also when you take them make sure you take those with milk any form of milk. As I have dairy intolerance I take mine with soya milk or coconut milk. It works well and doesn't upset your tummy

[JCZW in reply to KnitSewPurl]

Thank you that's very helpful.

[KnitSewPurl]

Btw I am on 400/200

[MusicalFurbaby]

Hi JCZW, I also increased from 200mg to 400mg (taking 200mg mane and nocte with food). I must admit, I have not had any stomach issues, but I always take it with food, so that’s what I would recommend. I know you said you’re lactose intolerant, so try to eat something substantial in the absence of dairy so your stomach is suitably fortified before throwing the pills at it! All the best

[JCZW in reply to MusicalFurbaby]

Thank you so much for your response. It helps very much to know how other people cope with hydroxychloroquine.