NEW TABLETS

snowball

Hi I was just wondering if anyone has or is taking Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine) I've just been prescribed it for my RA and have read that I should have my eyes tested before starting it.

Jules

salamander

hi Jules, yes, that is correct because there is a remote possibility of damage to the retina. They test it so they can compare it after a year. I started on it a few weeks ago but developed an allergy unfortunately! Hope you get on better with it.

snowball

Thank's, sorry about the allergy I was on leflunomide for years but then started with high bp so had to come off them.

Jules

ironic

Hi Julie,
I have been Hydrox for over 12 months now without any problems. It did take a long time to work for me but I think most people find it helps after 8 to 12 weeks.
I had my eyes tested within a couple of months of starting as a base line reading. I was told to have them tested every 12 months. However, I was told by the optician that the formulation had been slightly altered and it is now even rarer for people to have any problems with their eyes.
Hope this helps,
Lv, Ix

snowball

Thank you, will ring and make an appointment on Monday.

Jules

skezier

Hi Jules,

I am not on it and if it can damage the retinas I probably wont get it as an add in..... I think Toni said something about 6 monthly eye tests but do make the appointment flower and I am sure it will be fine... and hopefully work for you as well. ((((( ))))) an still thinking of you flower. Cris xx

tjt6768

Hi Jules, I was started on it in March this year, I had been told to expect the eye tests but when I asked them about it they told me they don't have to do that now..? Maybe it's now as Ironic says and the formula has changed. I really don't think I've had much improvement since starting it though to be honest, main thing I have noticed is lack of appetite and weight loss.. Must stress that this may not be the case for you, as is often said on here, we're all individuals..

Let us know how you go on though..

Tony

julie47

Hi Jules

I too am on hydroxy and was on it for about 10 months before the doc gave me a colour blind test. :?

I will be having a eye test shortly but this is my own doing not their advice.
The hydroxy has helped me, I am also on metx leflunomide and celecoxib (celebrex).

hope it gives you relief too
good luck

juliepf x

Starburst

I have tried hydroxycholorquine twice. Before I started, I was referred to an opthamologist (sp?). It gave me nasty side-effects, so I came off it but some people say it really helps.

Good luck!

frogmorton

Hiya

It's been fine for me.

Been on it a good while and I swear it has prevented many a flare taking a hold.

The test is called the amsler grid and you can google it for yor eyes. My optician has given me my own to keep.

I thought it upset my belly at first but sorted that by taking it part way through meals.

I have another med added since then, but overall am fine.

tjt Tony - RA can cause loss of appetite on it's own. I think I had that at first too, but really been ok

lOve

toni xx

tjt6768

tjt Tony - RA can cause loss of appetite on it's own. I think I had that at first too, but really been ok

lOve

toni xx[/quote]

Thanks Toni, it was just the timing that made me think it was the hydroxy, appetite went down hill not that long after starting them..
I could do with losing a few pounds though
Since about April I've lost just under 10lbs..

Tony

frogmorton

Love it Tony!!!!

Well i only lost mine for a bit and am back to normal now!!

I expect they are monitoring?

Love

toni xx

tjt6768

Not as such, I was prescriped them in March, he dint give me any info on what they were for even, and since then I've been back every three months but mainly to have steroid injection in mi bum! He's a bit of a strange fellow to be honest, but not grumbling too much, at least I am being seen. Should be due to go back soon actually, don't think the hydroxy is doing too much as my wrists and hands have been really bad lately..

Tony

frogmorton

oH POoR YOU (caps lock sorry)

Tony

have left you a message in the cafe.....

Toni xx

snowball

Thanks for the reply's, I am putting it on hold for a while as I now have a cold (Thanks Mark) As soon as I am well enough will get em tested.

Been at the hospital with my mum today for her pre-op she goes in next Tuesday and will be in for 5-10 days.

Jules xx

julie47

Hi jules

Give my best wishes to your mum

and hope your cold goes soon so hat you can start the new tabs

Juliepf x

caprica

Hi there I've been on hydroxy since july and have had no ill effects whatsoever so try not to worry!
had to get an eye test but that's it.

Not sure if they're helping or not, my arthritis is mild so it's hard to say. Good luck with them!

valval

hi been on it for over a year and it works great for me was on naproxen as well to start with but stopped that now not had major flare since starting on it and much more energy hope it helps you as well good luck.
hope it goes well for your mum val