Has anyone else had problems with the generic versions of Hydroxychloroquine? At first I had problems with the more vividly coloured versions, (rashes, fat lips, bumps appearing on my forehead, stomach related problems and so on) so went back to Plaquenil. Gradually, I was told that my pharmacist had to order Plaquenil especially until the last repeat prescription 2 weeks ago, when I was told it was no longer available from suppliers. I was given another generic, Quinoric. I had hopes that as this was white coloured, I would have no problems with it. Wrong! I became chronically tired (falling asleep at the drop of a hat, tired), breathless and difficulty expanding my lungs, over come with general malais, nerve pain in my teeth of all things and bad mood swings ( one day, panicky, irritable and ready to clonk someone to down in the depths cry buckets depression the next day. I am not an excitable individual but I didn't feel in control at all.
I queried this and my Pharmacist told me that the only option open to me was to get a letter of request for Plaquenil from my GP, he would then have the authority to order a supply of Plaquenil for me. It did not make any difference that this request was already stated on my repeat prescription form, it had to be a letter. Anyway I have followed his advice and my GP is providing a letter.
I know that the active ingredient of Hydroxychloroquine is the same in Plaquenil and its generic equivalents but on research there is a vast difference in the packing agents.
I have been on Hydroxychloroquine, Plaquenil, for 21+ years with no problems, why change something that ain't broken? When people's well being and quality of life is at stake surely economics should take a back seat from both the drug companies and the NHS points of view. Either that or the NHS should up their negotiating skills.
Told you I'm having mood swings!
