Nausea & Stomach Cramps - Hydroxychloroquine

soph

Hello all,

Sorry, I'm sure there's already lots of posts about this. Started on Hydroxychloroquine (Quinoric) a week ago and I'm really suffering with nausea & stomach cramps. Has anyone else had this problem and if so, how long did it last?

My usual trick of mint essential oil in hot water (worked with methotrexate) doesn't seem to be cutting it. Any tips other nausea tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

tillytop

Hello Soph

I am so sorry you are feeling rough on the Hydroxy. I used to take Hydroxy many years ago and don't remember any particular side effects but with some meds it has taken my body a while to adjust so maybe that is what is happening with you. I know there are other forum members on Hydroxy, so hopefully they will see your post and reply.

As for anti-nausea tips, I have never found anything to help with med related nausea although some people suggest that ginger nut biscuits help. I never found they did anything for the nausea but I did enjoy eating them Peppermint tea is supposed to be soothing for the stomach too and I don't know if you have tried that?

Having said all that, it might be worth mentioning to your rheumatology nurse to see if they have any suggestions and/or if that is par for the course when starting Hydroxy.

Thinking of you and really hoping things settle down for you soon.

Tillyxxx

lynnmick

Hi Soph,
Nice to talk to you, i've been on Plaquenil which is the same for around 18 months now, i was told to take 2 a day together and i take them after my tea every night, i think having a decent meal when you take them reduces the risk of the stomach side effects. I must admit when i first started on them i did have slight diahorrea and stomach cramps but they did disappear in just over a week so with a bit of luck these should subside soon.
Hope that you are okay on them , can i just be cheeky and ask have you been took off meth and started on the hydroxy or do you take the 2 together, the reason i ask is because i dont think that my joints are doing well at the moment has i am only prescribed hydroxy, i think that i need something to go along side it and i was going to mention it to my rheumy when i see him next month.

Lynn x

stickywicket

I've never had any stomach problems due to hydroxy but I've always been on a stomach protector while taking them and I never take any meds without food. If you don't, that's the first thing I'd suggest: if you do, try asking your GP for a stomach protecting med.

Lynnmick, I take both hydroxy and meth. It's a very common combination and might be worth your having a go at it. It many, many years since I did hydroxy on its own.

suzygirl

Hi, I take mine after dinner in the evening as the others do to minimise side effects. I started on one daily and built up to 2 daily.

I hope it settles for you.

diamond

I have also been on these meds i used to take them with meals and had no side effects,alas they did nothing for me.Hope things will settle down.x

soph

Thanks very much for all your replies. I do like the ginger nut biscuit idea. Sadly after three weeks (I take one with breakfast and one with dinner) I'm still feeling just as queasy so off to the GPs next week. I'm on Quinoric and might try swapping to Plaquenil, it seems that might to the trick?!

Stickywicket, I've never heard of the stomach protectors though so thanks very much for the suggestion.

Lynnmick, I'm just on hydroxy as methotrexate and sulfa keep dropping my WBC far too low but I hope you get something at the rheumys.

Take care,

stickywicket

I'm sorry you're still feeling queasy, soph. I think it's a good plan to get it checked out. The stomach protecting meds are (usually) omeprazole or lansoprazole. It might be worth asking your GP about them.

Plaquenil and quinoric are just two different brand names for hydroxychloroquine. I've had whatever the pharmacist currently gives me for years and not noticed any difference.

suzygirl

Hi, did you start out takeone twice daily? Usually they say one daily and then when tolerated go to one twice a day. I would try cutting back to one and see if that helps.

frogmorton

I take two have been for years except...

Last time I went to the rheumy the registrar reduced them to one and the rheumatologist was cross so back up to two :?

They give ME wind I think :? best taken bang in the middle of a meal and preferably the evening one Mine are called plaquenil too

Good luck

Love

Toni xx

Wonkylegs

I had terrible problems when I first started with hydroxy in Feb.

Before that time I was having to take fairly hefty doses of prescribed laxatives as the amitriptyline, codeine and tramadol were seriously bunging me up :oops: :oops:

in the 3 weeks after I started (one tablet daily) I had terrible cramps, wind, and well let's just say that the laxatives were never as effective as the hydroxy was :shock: :shock: :shock: and I haven't had to take a single dose of laxatives since

However, the explosive first few weeks did die down, so I assume that my body got used to the drug. Hopefully yours will too. I did try asking the rheumy nurses for advice, but they didn't get back to me before I went on holiday, and after I came back things had already begun to settle.

I really do hope that you soon feel much better than currently.

wonky xx

Loubie12

Hi,

I had some problems with nausea when I first started taking meds but I now take lansoprazole and it has really done the trick. Can't believe your GP hasn't already done it for you. I am sure they will help you.

Really hope you feel better soon!