meds not kicked in yet

[flowers89]

i started on Hydroxychloroquine 4wks ago still no signs of any improvement still very stiff and painful hands in the morning and wrists very weak struggled to turn tap on this morning will it get better soon?

[nomoreheels]

Hiya flowers. The only answer really is hopefully but it could take up to 12 weeks because It's no quick fix & so a waiting game I'm afraid. You're not alone feeling frustrated & wanting them to free you from the pain & swelling but at the start of treatment you really need a little extra help. I think you could well feel better than you do if you had something to tide you over this inbetween period, whilst the HCQ is building up. I'd see if your GP would prescribe something for you, please don't suffer waiting. I had an NSAID, a short course of steroids & pain relief when I started on 400mg HCQ daily & it certainly helped me walk properly again in no time, it was wonderful.

[flowers89 in reply to nomoreheels]

thanks for reply yes will have to see if i can make a appointment,,its just getting me down now,

[nomoreheels in reply to flowers89]

I know flowers, it will & do feel for you. I just think it's worth asking for something, if only for a short while rather than it getting you down. You've enough to cope with without feeling rubbish as it doesn't appear to be doing anything but it is, it's just you can't see it or feel the benefit just yet. It'll start to have a knock on effect & that's not good.

[chamonix]

Yes I keep being told tablets take ages to work too, I been in loads pain & got to take a higher steroid dose again, I was also told I should of phoned the helpline. Good luck.

[mary53]

Hi I too have been on hydroxychloroquine and have found it hard to explain my symptoms. I have found keeping a diary very helpful.. It allows my to explain everything which I am going through..... Maybe an idea?

[Suebouncer]

I to are on those tablets and yes it will take longer than four weeks, it can take a while, they are not brilliant but i have found a small effect my feet dont swell as much since they have kicked in, so every little helps.