Hydroxychloroquine side effects, talk to me

[Justonedayatatime11]

I've been prescribed this for mixed connective tissue disease, but I'm too scared to take it, although I know I should. But the side effects sound awful. Has anyone got any advice, or had a good experience on it? I'm really stressed about it

Kitty do let me know how it goes.

I am still undecided...one day I think I'd better start it, the next day I think I don't need it. I think part of the problem is that I don't know how ill I am, or what it is like to feel normal. Feeling tired and sore IS normal for me!

fuzzy yes that, exactly. I don't know what's 'normal' anymore. I can't remember what it's like to feel healthy and not hurt or be shattered!

I suppose if I try it and don't like it I can always stop, but I feel that the Drs won't take me seriously if I do.

I shall see what my latest bloods have shown up. I've got another month to think about it.

@FuzzyPuffling Did you start taking it? How did you get on?

I started taking it and had very few side effects. It has worked very slightly for me, so the rheumatologist has suggested that I up the dose by taking 2 tablets every other day. So now I am gearing myself up to start that. still a massive wimp

No, I am still stalling.

My bloods have shown one (out of three) marker for antiphospholipid syndrome. Rheumy suggested aspirin and I had to point out that as I have "dodgy" kidneys that wouldn't do. She doesn't have much of an answer.

I did discuss it with my optician this week and got a much more sensible discussion out of him!

My bottom line is - find out exactly what is wrong with me and then we'll talk therapies.

But I'm glad it's having some good effects for you!

I have RA too. I took it for three months but it gave me terrible indigestion and weird side effects with my eyes! They lost all moisture and became sore and dry, I now take sulfasalazine instead.

@FuzzyPuffling My rheumy nurse mentioned the possibility of APS (history of recurrent miscarriages) but at the last appointment, nothing was mentioned, and the hydroxy had only had a very slight effect on inflammation markers.

Of course, I have now convinced myself that the dull ache in my right calf is DVT.

I've been on Hydroxychloroquine for 4 months now. I'm just starting to see the benefit. It gives me an upset stomach if I don't take it with a big meal and I've had a lot of mouth ulcers. My joints are improving and I'm less tired than I was.