My Rheumy Doc has put me on Hydroxychloroquine will it help with my inflammation.

[mattcass]

Will this RA drug help to prevent flare ups and has anyone suffered any bad reaction to this, I am not sure about this for the last two months all I was told any RA meds could and would do my lungs harm, my rheumy has assured me this is a very mild and safe drug to take is it just me being cautious. Mattcass

[allanah]

Eh Matty, I suspect they will be exceptionally careful with you, and so they should. Hope it helps you ASAP , good luck , xxxx

[Hidden]

it is considered the mildest dmard and the least likely to cause side effects x

[Josie2]

Hi Matt

Im currently taking hydroxy on its own and have no side effects whatsoever.

Started on mtx but couldnt tollerate, leflunomide just didnt work but am fine on hydroxy. It may be a mild dmard but its working for me. Still have aches & pains in knees and elbows but no huge flares. Took about 8 weeks to kick in.

Jo

Xx

[mattcass in reply to Josie2]

Hi Jo thanks for your reply, This is to try and get some lung space back he reckons taking hydroxy cutting steroids from 60 mgs down to 30mgs some physio along with me dieting should help, I got the impression that it should kick in over the next two weeks I will give it a try Mattcass

[Josie2]

Good Luck Matt

Let me know if the hydroxy works.

Jo

Xxx

[Hidden]

Hi Mattcass - I think Hydroxy may be a bit of an underrated dmard - for some it seems really effective. I'm off it for now because of all the sickness -the GP feels it would just confuse matters further to reintroduce it. I think injectable MTX was what really sorted my RA out but I've noticed that since I've come off the Hydroxy the stiffness and ache have got a bit more noticeable. However I'm pretty sure it takes longer than a few weeks to really work so don't despair if it doesn't make much difference straight away. Coming ff steroids lowly will probably be a bit hard so don't expect too much of the Hydroxy too fast and you won't be disappointed if it doesn't work. Tilda xx

[marmaduke]

I'm now on injectable MTX (swapped because of nausea) and Hydroxy. When I'd been on them for several weeks, my rheumy nurse said that the Hydroxy would take longer than the MTX to kick in; up to 3 months. xx

[mistymeana]

Hi Mattcass. I've been on Hydroxy for several years. It took a few weeks to kick in so was kept on steroids for a while (I was told up to 12 weeks to feel the full benefits). Have to say for me it was a wonder drug at the time as I felt so much better. Still got the odd flare but nothing like before and I could retire the much-hated walking sticks for much of the time. Hope it gives you relief x

[Hidden]

Hi,

I take this alongside Sulfa and I was told it's more gentle than most of the other Dmards.

I have had no side effects with this drug.

All the best

Carolyn x

[Dogrose]

I tried it and after just three days of taking half the dose prescribed (I had a weird bad feeling about it so didn't take the full dose) I had such a sudden severe asthma type attack I thought I was going to die, was just about to go to A&E but it subsided to a manageable level but never took it again. It also made me feel like everything was looking at me (ornaments, the house over the street etc.). Apparently I have a very very rare reaction to it, no one on here has reported anything like it but you did ask about bad reactions I'm just some sort of mutant who doesn't seem to be able to take most drugs without weird side effects! xxx

[avjh]

Hi Mattcass I think it was originally a treatment for malaria but was found to help people with RA.It is considered the soft option for RA treatment.

I've read your last few blogs and send you all good thoughts and wishes for the difficult times ahead.xxx

[Craw]

Hi, I hope the Hydroxy works for you.

I take it,but I also take MTX and Sulpha but I have never had any bad reaction when they added it on.

I am sure the docs will keep a good eye on you with your lung problems.

Mary x