Just started with Hydroxychloroquine
anne49
Member Posts: 39
I have just been prescribed hydroxychloroquine. I have only taken four tablets so far, but I am getting stomach pain and feeling sick. I have also noticed that the tops of my legs feel heavy. Has anyone else had these side effects? Should I contact my rheumy nurse and let them know about them. I am unsure how long to leave it until I tell anyone.
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Comments
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The first thing that springs to mind is are you taking them with food? If not, try it. It doesn't have to be much. Just a very plain biscuit or piece of fruit might make all the difference to your stomach. I have a very dodgy tum but have never had problems with hydroxy. As for the 'heavy legs' - no, I can't say I've ever experienced that with anything.If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
Steven Wright0 -
Hi Stickywicket
Thank you for your reply. Yes I do take them after breakfast with a glass of milk, and again after tea. I have tried taking them halfway through my meal and at the end, but still get a queasy feeling and stomach pains. I too have a funny tummy as I also suffer from IBS.0 -
You certainly sound to be taking the right precautions with food. It might be worth having a word with your GP. A stomach protecting med eg lansoprazole or omeprazole might help. I already take it as my dodgy tum is my stomach itself not my bowel. If the GP can't help I guess you'll have to sort it out with your consultant.If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
Steven Wright0 -
I used to get a slightly sicky feeling after taking Hydroxy and I do still sometimes but it isn't anything I would stop it for and it has lessened over time. I was on Methotrexate when I first started it and thought it was probably a combination of the two for me as I was suffered from severe nausea on the MTX. Some of these drugs just give side effects for a few weeks and then you adjust to them - that's how it is for me with Hydroxy. I too have a very sensitive gut and use Ranitidine/ Omaprazole sometims when things get a bit iffy. Hopefully it will settle down for you too. MatIf you get lemons, make lemonade0
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When I 1st started the Hydroxychloroquine I was sick, I put it down to a side effect from starting the drug. The pamphlet I was given with information about Hydro listed near enough a page of possible side effects! I never got the heavy legs. My advice call your Rhumatology Nurse.0
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Hi All
Thank you so much for all your advice, I called my rheumy nurse today and she has advised me to drop it to one tablet a day, for the next two weeks and then try upping it back to two a day. She said if I get the side effects again once I have upped it then she will see me in clinic. I am all new to this as I only had OA in my knee, and have since developed a low grade inflammatory arthritis, hence my tablets.
Once again thank you very much0 -
She did give you a high dose of Hydro to start with, I was on one tablet 2x a day and non at weekends to start with and then after a few months when I was still having high inflammatory markers and pain they upped it to 2 tablets 2x a day everyday. Hope everything settles down for you.0
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Hi bubbadog
Yes she did give me a high dose of Hydro as it takes such a long time to work. I had been given a Depomedrone injection before Christmas but it only worked for about a week. She did say something about looking at adding in Methotrexate at some point. Since I have been taking one a day of Hydro most of the side effects have dyed down. The only thing is I have more pain now than ever Oh well perseverance I suppose. Thanks for your support.0 -
No need to thank me this is what we do on this forum! It does take a while to get the right doses and meds to suit your pain! It's all about trial and error I'm afraid. :?0
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According to my rheumatologist 2 hydroxy daily is the normal starting dose. It's then usually dropped to one after 6 months. I was on 2 for about 6 years :shock: as my previous rheumatologist forgot to tell me to drop one.
I take mine with 15 mgs methotrexate a week and it's been a great combo for me. I hope yours will be sorted soon, Anne.If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
Steven Wright0 -
I've been taking 2 hydroxy a day for 7 years but have never been told to reduce it- I take it in combination with sulfasalazine and methotrexate- and it's adding in the meth that has had the most dramatic results for me. I have to admit that sometimes I wonder what effect it would have if I took out one of the layers, but I haven't the courage to upset the apple cart yet :shock: .
Deb x0 -
I take the hydrochloroquine too with methotrexate . I've been on 2 tablets a day since about October . I'm now beginning to get crampy colic type pains and quite windy :oops: ! :shock: I take it with food but I do have fizzy drinks during the day ( but not at the same time ) and I'm wondering if that isn't a good mix ! Oh the joys ! I've not had the actual feeling sick or heavy legs though .
Good luck getting the correct balance0 -
Deb - it might be worth asking a your next visit. I do understand the 'don't rock the boat' feeling but my previous rheumatologist had just forgotten, I think.
Mormodook - it could be the hydroxy but I'd personally try cutting out the fizzy stuff first as it serves no useful purpose and isn't good for the bones anyway.If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
Steven Wright0
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