Hydroxchloriquine

Micky

Hi,

ive been taking Hydroxychloriquine for around 3 weeks and have found pain level is extreme, my joints, in my hands, wrists, shoulders and ankles in particular. In the last few days I've had sore to touch sternum where it meets my ribs and throbbing painful legs, especially at night.

has anyone experienced this and Will this settle or should i be reporting it?

Anna

Hi @Micky and welcome to the online community,

You’ve been taking hydroxychloroquine for three weeks and your pain level has become extreme, particularly in your wrists, hands, shoulders and ankles. You are wondering if others have experienced this and if it will settle down.

Hydroxychloroquine is taken by many of our members, with largely positive experiences of it, and some may come along to tell you of how they find it.

There’s a useful page on the Versus Arthritis website that talks about the treatment - I’ve linked to it below. It says that it can take up to 12 weeks for the treatment to become effective, so you’re probably not feeling the benefits just yet. . You can take painkillers, including NSAIDs ( non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, or others on prescription, so it might be worth talking about this to your Consultant or GP:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/hydroxychloroquine/

Do have a look round the forum and post anymore questions you may have.

Anna ( Mod)

stickywicket

I've been taking hydroxy for many years without problems but, as Anna says, all DMARDS can take up to 12 weeks to work. If in doubt ring your rheumatology helpline.

Bertie_brace2022

Hi there,

I have been taking it since February, my consultant says that it takes a good 6 months to start working. Can I ask - what is your condition and reason for taking it?

xxxx