Newly diagnosed. Hydroxychloroquine query.

[chrisb4]

Hi everyone, recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis after suffering with it for some time. Was started on sulphasalazine, but had to stop after feeling terrible on it. Now on hydroxychloroquine and, after three weeks, have a rash on my neck and stomach. My doctor is aware of this, but I was wondering if anyone else has had this and, if so, did the rash disappear. x

[Sweetheart0377]

Hi Chrisb4 , I was recently started on the same tablets your on , does the rheumatologist know you have this rash ? ( asking as gps don't tell rheumatologist till few days later ) I got told if a rash appears to call rheumatologist directly

[chrisb4 in reply to Sweetheart0377]

Hi Sweetheart, thanks for your reply. Have a phone appointment with my rheumatologist at the end of the month, but was not told to inform him of any rash. Think my gp is waiting for results of blood test, which is booked for Friday.

[Sweetheart0377 in reply to chrisb4]

I'd phone the rheumatologists receptionist up and just ask her if she could tell him these about these reactions your getting , just to be in the safe side

[Sweetheart0377 in reply to Sweetheart0377]

The pharmacist and rheumatologist told me to call them if a rash appears x

[chrisb4 in reply to Sweetheart0377]

Yes, might do that. The gp that I saw did say to go back if it gets worse.

[Sweetheart0377 in reply to chrisb4]

If your based in the uk the gps don't inform the rheumatologist as quick as they should , it has to wait for an email to be sent over then sits there waiting for someone to actually read it ( that takes time ) if your having a reaction to a drug you need it sorted asap ! Rather be safe than sorry !

[JodiGonzalez]

Yes I did have a rash. It lasted about 1.5months after discontinuing..I'm on methotrexate now.. Rash free..but losing my hair...think I might prefer the rash all these meds have stuffed effects, they're have duty but definitely help tremendously. Finding I've that works well and if the side effects aren't deal breakers, I'd stick with it BUT always make sure to advise your RA doc of all issues that arise of course. Good luck!❤

[chrisb4 in reply to JodiGonzalez]

Thank you, a rash is on the list of side effects. x

[Birthdaygirl]

Hiya

I was told by a rheumatology nurse that sulphasalazine can cause a rash and if I did get a rash to stop tablets immediately and phone the rheumatology department. That advice applied to Hydroxychloroquine as well.

Always best to contact the hospital team for your peace of mind if nothing else.

BG

[wishbone in reply to Birthdaygirl]

I had a rash from taking sulfa and was told by rheumy to stop taking it immediately. If I thought I had a rash from whatever meds I would phone rheumy straight away, irrelevant to what my GP might say. It's just not worth the risk of not doing so.

[Mandalou]

Wouldn't be surprised if it's the Sulfasalazine causing the rash not the Hydroxychloroquine.

I'm allergic to both but the Sulfa allergy nearly finished me off. The Hydroxy I still take 200mg morning and evening but take antihistamine tablets alongside it.

Is the rash raised and red? Hive like weals?

Mx

[chrisb4 in reply to Mandalou]

I stopped taking sulfasalazine about 6 weeks ago, so think it can only be hydroxychloroquine. And yes, the rash is raised and red. xx

[chrisb4]

Thank you all for your replies. Have stopped taking the tablets on doctors advice. He has e-mailed my rheumatologist as I cannot contact him directly. Had blood tests done this morning and the nurse has asked for this rash to be investigated.

[Sweetheart0377 in reply to chrisb4]

Nice one , glad you got it sorted

[Daisy70]

General comment here, folks. I’ve been on Sulpha for 10-12 yrs now (luckily with no side effects)The Rheumy is now suggesting it’s time for biologics. As I travel a lot (abroad most winters for 3-4 months to visit daughter and be in the warm) there would be some logistical problems if I started a biologic.

I’m reading your posts about Hydroxych…. and wondering if this would be a good choice to add to my Sulpha.

What is Hydrox….? How does it work?