urghh - is this a normal side effect

resusjan

Hi everyone,

I have RA and am currently on Methotrexate, sulfasalazine, folic acid, planequil and thyroxine (for hypothyroid). I only started taking the sulfa 3 weeks ago after a review with the rheumatologist and am gradually increasing the dose as directed.

Today - someone told me my eye was bleeding - checked it in the mirror and I do appear to have a fair sized haemorrhage just in one eye - its also quite sore. Not sure if this is a normal side effect of all these tablets. Should I just keep an eye on it (no pun intended) for a couple of days to see if it disperses on its own or do you think I should ring my GP in the morning? Any advise would be appreciated.

Thanks for reading this
Jan

Turbogran

I don't take any of these meds Jan i'm sure someone on here will able to tell you more. but if you are worried I would just have a chat with your doctor hope it soon gets sorted

resusjan

Thanks Carol,

I'll see how it is in the morning - my eyes are hurting a bit at the moment so may just go to sleep - don't suppose the computer screen is helping much!

Thanks for your reply xx

CJHunter

Hi,
Have been on both of these and what you mention is Not a side effect i had.
Its been a while since i was on these, does it mention anything in the leaflet? I would see doc if same in morning though, best to get it checked i would say.

Take care n let us know how u get on.
Clare x

valval

sorry not on these meds either but phone docs will not hurt just to put mind at ease val

salamander

Definitely call the doctor. Plaquenil can cause side effects with the eye.Might not be the cause but should check it out.

PatriciaH

Hi Jan

I had this eye problem a number of times whilst taking plaquenil, amongst other things. My eyes didn't hurt when it happened though but as time went on I got a sort of 'pulsing' feeling in my eyes. Talked to the rheumatologist about it and he said to stop taking it. The drug just didn't suit me. I was on it a good three months before I started getting any side effects though.

Hope this helps. I would contact your rheumatology nurse and discuss it with them if I were you

Patricia x

suzygirl

Hi, I would get this checked out asap. With arthritis you can get certain inflammatory eye conditions such as iritis, scleritis etc which need treating by an eye doc. You could ask the optician to take a look, your gp, pharmacist or just go to A & E. Don't leave it.

resusjan

Thanks everyone for your advise.

Eye still looks the same this morning - it felt achy and full (if that makes sense) this morning.

Rang the GP - can't see them for 2 weeks, rang rheumatology helpline number the hospital gave me and there was a prerecorded message saying to leave details and they will ring back in 2 days, I'm guessing thats Monday! Ahhhhh! I'm quite reluctant to go to A & E as my experiences there in the past tell me there's little they can do about it. I think I'll stay off the meds over the weekend just in case it is them and walk into the rheumatology department on Monday morning on the offchance that I can see someone.

ANyway, thanks again everyone, hope you all have a good weekend

Jan xx

tiggernut

Hi, How is the eye now? Did it improve not taking the meds.
I'm on some of those meds but have never had anything like that.
If it hasn't improved I would insist on seeing a doc.

CJHunter

Hi,
Your drs must have emergency appointments ??
This is important and needs looking at, get down the gps and demand you see one. If the rotweiler receptionists say no tell them it could be a med allergy, so is imperitive u see a doc now not 2 weeks.

Will be with you when you call to give you the push in the right direction

Take care hun.
C xx

resusjan

Hi folks
Just to update you all re my eyes.
I stayed of the meds for the weekend and nothing seemed to get any better.
I have now developed bruises on my legs for no apparent reason so there's definately something going on.
Saw the GP this week - they didn't really know which of the many medications could be causing it but took some routine blood tests to check I'm not becoming anaemic.
I've got an appointment with the rheumatologist on wednesday so will discuss it there and see what usggestions they have.

Thanks for everyones advise.
Jan xx

lindalegs

Hi Jan,

I had the eye problem you talk about a couple of years ago. It didn't hurt it just looked as though I was going to cry blood tears. I was on Mtx at the time and Etodolac. Mine was nothing to do with the meds and just went away on it's own by gradually fading.

You could always ask an optician to have a look if the doc can't help.

tillytop

Hi Jan

I think Lindalegs's idea of the optician is a good one. I have ongoing eye probs due to my RA and the optician has been brilliant. They also have more specialised equipment than the GP so can sometimes get a better idea of what's going on and advise you of the appropriate course of action. In my area (Oxford) there is a specialist eye emergency department - you can ring and speak to someone and they will make you an appt the same day if necessary. Don't know if you have anything like that in your area? If so, may be worth investigating. Good luck with it.

Thinking of you.

Tilly xxx