I take methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine and have b... - NRAS

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I take methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine and have bloods 2 monthly. I've stopped taking the methotrexate- do I still need regular bloods?

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helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

Didn't your doc give you some advice on this when you stopped the MTX? Probably best to check with him/her, but the manufacturer's info says that periodic blood counts are a good idea because Hydroxy can have an effect on your blood cells so I guess that you will have to have some testing. I find it useful to have the other blood tests anyway as it gives me an idea of how I'm getting on more generally.

And I do have eye tests every so often cos of the hydroxy.

Polly

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elrose

Agree with Polly, probably the tests not required with the same regularity but they are often useful to check progress. Ditto the eye test as this seems to be the primary cause for concern with Hydroxy. Linda

I know when I stopped MTX and was only on Hydroxy my consultant told me it wasn't necessary to have regular blood tests, but the eye tests were essential.

Carolyn

My rheumy and optician both said additional eye tests only necessary if you are on 600mg of Hydroxy - otherwise it's business as normal re nhs tests - if over 50 then it's once every two years I think with a peripheral vision test being added in for the Hydroxy. The toxicity builds up over time and is relative to your body weight so if you are really small and skinny then that might mean you should get your eyes checked more often depending on your dose and how long you've taken it for. He said the five year mark changed things and if you've been on it for that long or longer the vision tests should be increased. I was told that regular blood tests only apply to the other DMARDs and weren't necessary for Hydoxy alone but I think Polly is right - if you've dropped MTX you should have blood tests to see how it's affecting disease activity. Tilda

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suzy_b

you will need to have regular blood tests as hydroxychloroquine can affect some levels in the blood, it is also recommended a eye tests every year as hydroxychloroquine can affect your vision as i have recently found out, so i have stopped taking this until seen by the eye consultant to see if this is the cause os my problems

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