Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) & Pregnancy

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chez86
chez86 Member Posts: 37
edited 8. Jul 2013, 12:17 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi,

I know there are other threads on pregnancy and various medication, however there is very little mention of Hydroxychloroquine, as it seems the popular one is Sulfasalazine...

I'm 26 and have been taking MTX for over 6 years since my diagnosis and have never had a flair-up whilst on them, they have been amazing. After wanting to come off them in preparation for when I choose to start planning a family, I have now had a Rheummy appointment today. Annoyingly my usual consultant was off sick and i really wanted to have this particular discussion with her. The man I saw seemed very nice though so I went ahead with what he proposed.

He never even suggested trying to make do with steroids or painkillers. And didn't mention a choice between Plaquenil and Sulfa. He has put me straight onto Plaquenil. Now, all I see people saying is how they have tried to make do without the DMARDs whilst ttc, or having Sulfa.

The possible loss of vision is now getting to me, as well as hating the thought of putting a different drug into my system, and i'm considering putting it all off yet again and making another appointment..

But then again, am I just worrying too much? I don't know!! :(

Is anyone else ttc and taking Plaquenil? Or conceived on it successfully?

Thank you,
Cheryl.

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  • DebbieT
    DebbieT Member Posts: 1,033
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Hi Cheryl,

    I have no knowledge of ure meds etc but did some research. It seems it's a more concentrated med that can cause the eye problems.

    Here's wot seems could be a useful link;
    http://ramamma.blogspot.co.uk/2010/02/plaquenil-and-pregnancy.html?m=1

    I hope it's of some help. Take care.x
    Healing Hugs
    Debbie.x
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    Plaquenil is a drug that accumulates in the system, so the risk to eye damage increases the more years you take it. This is why eye tests are advised annually. The damage is usually reversed once the med is stopped however, the percentages of damage actually occurring is really low. LUpus Uk would be happy to advise as it is a first line drug used in SLE and considered safe in pregnancy.

    Your best bet is an ob/gyn experienced in high risk pregnancies. I wish you well.
  • chez86
    chez86 Member Posts: 37
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
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    I've wussed out and told the Receptionist at the Drs that i've put a prescription request in for my MTX...The Dr is now going to have to try to ring me at work to discuss it...

    This is the second time i've not gone ahead with what a rheummy has tried to say. I feel like I can only trust my usual Lady Rheummy specialist as she always explains everything so well and will hopefully understand my concerns of ttc on Plaquenil.

    Feel like such a pain in the ****...
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