hydroxychloroquine help

madness1985
madness1985 Member Posts: 293
edited 13. Oct 2009, 15:26 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi All,

I saw my rhmer today and as i have a needle phobie he has started me on medication without new bloods being taken. I was wondering if ne one has any experience of hydroxychloroquine? I was told it can cause problems with the retainer.

Any advise greatly recieved

xx

Comments

  • page35
    page35 Member Posts: 1,081
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    this is one of the mildist Dmards so try not to worry too much.
    the problem with the eyes is something that can build up with time, so you must get your eye checked at least once a year.
    i hope it works for you i had no side effects from it but it didnt work for me so now on mxt.
    i also have a problem with needles so understand well.
    think hydroxy can upset your tummy a bit at the start so make sure you eat with it.
    all the best
    page
  • ironic
    ironic Member Posts: 2,361
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    [ Hi, I have only just joined myself but i have been taking Hydrox for over ten weeks without any probs. I was due for an eye test anyway and was given the all clear. You will be tested every 12 mths just to make sure all's ok. It is one of the mild meds so you should be ok. Good Luck :D

    Hope it works for you. I hate needles too.
  • scattered
    scattered Member Posts: 326
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    As everyone has said, it's one of the mildest of the DMARDs. The side-effects to the eye are very rare and your opthamologist can check for any changes during a standard eye examination.

    I've been on hydroxy. for 2 and a half years now and have no problems with it. I take it to augment other meds (Humira, prednisolone and azathioprine) though, never on it's own.

    It will be worth getting some help for your needle phobia as chances are you'll need stronger meds in the future.
  • tkachev
    tkachev Member Posts: 8,332
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I am on Hydroxy.It doesnt seem to give me any benefits but I am still told to take it in combination with other things.But I do have problems with my eyes.They used to feel all scratchy,really painful like a piece of glass was caught in my eye and although that has stopped now my vision is not so clear.I was due an eyetest in August...thankyou for reminding me.I will definately get that checked out.
    I will let you know if there are any signs of damage.
    Tkachev
    Never be bullied into silence.
    Never allow yourself to be made a victim.
    Accept no ones definition of your life

    Define yourself........

    Harvey Fierstein
  • mazzacats50
    mazzacats50 Member Posts: 2
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    madness1985 wrote:
    Hi All,

    I saw my rhmer today and as i have a needle phobie he has started me on medication without new bloods being taken. I was wondering if ne one has any experience of hydroxychloroquine? I was told it can cause problems with the retainer.

    Any advise greatly recieved

    xx
    hi I am a newbie , but i have been on this for the past 12 years.I have to have a blood test every 3 months( I am frightend of needles but my consultant alway tricks me lol saying he just wants to look and does it quick so i don't see or have time to think) ,also you need a eye check up every year so far its been ok .hope this helps you .
  • suziev
    suziev Member Posts: 252
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi

    i've been on it over a year now and it has helped, i would say go every 6 months for eye tests, as i was warned to do so by a lady on this site. my only problem is that am more likely to get sun burnt. not an issue at this time of year but if your still on it in the summer just be carefull.
    good luck
    suzie
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,785
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Madness
    I've been on it for about 18 months I reckon with no ill-effects. I ahve regular eye tests to check no damage but other than that (and the two bob bits when I satred taking it - EVERYTHING does that to me!) it's been v good.
    Be bbrave and give it a go
    Toni x
  • breane
    breane Member Posts: 392
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,I've been on Hydroxy for several months now and so far havn't had any problems.I was made aware to have a yearly eye test because crystals can build up on the back of the eye,although I was told it is very rare.I have to have bloods done once a month just to check all is well with taking Hydroxy.As others have said,it is one of the safest DMARDS so I would definately give it atry. Breane. :)
  • madness1985
    madness1985 Member Posts: 293
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi All,

    Thank you for your msg. I last had bloods done in jan and basically there was just enough to confirm my levels were too high .. no other tests could be done because of lack of blood. MY gp/consultant will not take blood from me any more cuz i get myself in a really big state, sweating, crying ect .. im actually going to see a phyc over the needle phobia! The main fear i have with this drugs is im currently haaving heart palpertrations too (seeing cardi next week). Im hoping this plus steroids will help but steroids have done nothing .. mind im onli on 12.5mg
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