Hydroxychloroquine for RA

Nuthatch
Nuthatch Member Posts: 8
in Living with arthritis

Hello, I am about 6 weeks into a 3 month trial of Hydroxychloroquine (alongside Mtx which I've been injecting for about 17 years). I wonder if anyone has experience of this combination of drugs. I've had nearly a year of what feels like a flare, most recently affecting my neck and arms. I'm not sure the Hydroxy is helping but I'm told I need to wait the full 3 months for a review. Also I've been getting sore spots on my bottom lip, a bit like ulcers I suppose. I have never had a cold sore but from what I've seen I don't think it's that. I was wondering if it's a known side effect and if it is just something you have to live with if you stay on this drug. Thanks so much in advance.

Comments

  • Welsh1
    Welsh1 Member Posts: 89

    Hi I take that combination it has side effects but I don't think that cold sores in are listed s it may not be working yet for you as you have pain and I presume they added it as you needed it in addition to methotrexate it works for me touch wood. They will try you on Hydroxychloroquine before considering something else.

  • JenHB
    JenHB Member Posts: 147

    In the booklet I was given when I started on MTX it mentioned that if I was getting mouth ulcers/cold sores to speak to a nurse/gp/pharmacist for advice

  • Naomi33
    Naomi33 Moderator Posts: 462

    Morning @Nuthatch

    I was prescribed Hydroxychloroquine initially when diagnosed with RA and have been on for over 12 months.

    The consultant put me on to MTX injections 3 months ago but have stopped due to liver problem identified on my blood tests.

    Anyway I did read cold sores and ulcers where side effect of MTX but Hydro seems to suit me better 🤷‍♂️

    Good luck and hope the above helps.

    @Naomi33

    Need more help? - call our Helpline on 0800 5200 520 Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm


  • Nuthatch
    Nuthatch Member Posts: 8

    Thank you for your comments Welsh1, JenHB and Naomi33. I'm glad to hear encouraging stories. I have been lucky not to have side effects on Mtx and the reason I had to stay on 15mg was due to a high liver count so Hydroxy has been added in. The white spots/sores on my lip only started since added Hyroxy so I am wondering if it is the cause, or if it's just one of those things. O well, I will persevere and hope with a little more time I will feel the benefit. A sore lip is a small price to pay for pain relief! It's great to be able to ask questions and get a feel for others' experiences so thank you again and hope you all stay well.

  • Woofy
    Woofy Member Posts: 360
    https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/63043/hydroxychloroquine-for-ra

    hi Nuthatch.

    I wasn’t on that combo you are on, but had similar experience with Hydroxychloraquine. Horrible mouth ulcer. And pain in my arms.

    I took it for 9 weeks, so gave it a fair go, the rheumatologist stopped it when I rang up for advice.

    I am now on metoject (methotrexate) and Leflunomide. Like you trialing 3 months. Doing ok at the moment, eight weeks in.

  • mosborn11
    mosborn11 Member Posts: 49

    Hi 👋 I'm on Methotrextate and Hydroxychloroquine. I've been on HX since February, and just started MX.

    In terms of the mouth ulcers, I had them at the beginning but they went away. It's something I've experienced when starting any DMARD, I think it's the way that it affects your immune system. You should try Corsodyl 0.2% mouthwash as it's the best thing to get rid of mouth ulcers in my opinion.

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