New meds

[Grant10]

Hi lve just been diagnosed with arthritis and lupus and my consultant has put me on hydroxychloroquine medication is their anyone in this group on this medication and how have you got on with it thankyou

[KittyJ]

Welcome to the group Grant. I hope you find it useful. If you haven’t had a look already, NRAS have a good website with information about all the medications used in RA plus information for those newly diagnosed nras.org.uk/

Hydroxychloroquine was one of the early drugs I was on and had no problems with it. It is one of the milder drugs used. Feel free to ask any questions you have, there are lots of us here to support you, nothing is too silly to ask, we have all been where you are now.

[Madmusiclover]

Hi! I tried it but it didn’t suit me. Just made me tearful and depressed but it might work for you. It was the first drug I tried. It took 6 until I got to my wonder drug. Where I live funding dictates you have to go through the cheaper ones and if not effective you can qualify for the pricier ones!

[Boxerlady]

I have RA and started on this along with Methotrexate and had no issues with it. I've since had Sulphasalzine added and my Hydroxychloroquin has been reduced with a view to possibly stopping it next year. I think that it's quite normal to try various medications until you find what works for you and that can change over time.

[Prunes]

I have RA and lupus for over 30 years. I have been taking hydroxychloroquine for more than 10 years with no problems. I have yearly retinal screening as I have been on it so long. I also take azathioprine. This combination works well for me but everyone is different. Prior to this combination just like madmusiclover I have tried countless other drugs. Thankfully there are many drugs available and hopefully you will find the right one/s that suit you.

[JessicaEccles6]

I have also been on hydroxychloroquine for over ten years. I get regualrly screened at my opticians as it can effect the eyes.When I first started I got terrible stomach cramps, and ahem 'gas' but that's now settled down. It does seem to be one of the more benign drugs to start on

[Fra22-57]

Been on hydroxychloroquine few years now. It has really helped me with my RA joints.I have sticky blood(APS)disease so helps too as told it slightly thins your blood

[Lizard28]

When I first started taking hydroxy, it did upset my stomach a lot, my doc told me to take one with food then slowly build up till I could tolerate two. I’ve been on it for years now, no side effects at all, not sure if it’s helping now as I think I’m getting worse, especially my skin with lupus and my joints are defo flaring just now. It also takes months to get into your system and start helping, you will have to be patient.

[oldtimer2]

I was on it for years with fairly good control. Then they decided the disease was burnt out and stopped it - I wasn't and it flared up again much worse than before and then I developed an allergic reaction to the hydroxychloroquine.

Don't forget get get your eyes checked from time to time.

Lots more posts if you put the name of the medication in the search box.

[Hannah-NRAS]

Hi Grant10,

You can find out more about Hydroxychloroquine on our website here: nras.org.uk/resource/hydrox...

I hope you find this information useful and wish you all the best. Should you require any additional information or support please contact our helpline on 0800 298 7650 (Mon-Fri, 9.30am-4.30pm) or email us at [e-mail]

Best wishes,

Hannah - NRAS

[Montysmum1]

Hi I have been on hydroxychloroquine for 2 years after my lupus profundus started to flare up. I had a bit of a hard time getting a brand that didn't make me feel sick and had a conversation with the pharmacist and found one that I can just take with no side effects. Large pharmacy's like Boots Just hand over the cheapest version and I had to work my way through 3 brands to get the one that I am happy with. It cleared my flare up really quickly......

Good luck

Montysmum