27 weeks pregnant and starting Hydroxychloroquine after positive SSA60 test

[Stephgebs]

I’m 27 weeks pregnant and tested positive for ssa60 and starting Hydroxychloroquine
is anyone else on this? I’m really worried about taking it. Thanks in advance

Hi! I took this throughout pregnancy and it wasn't a problem at all! It's an anti-malarial drug that doesn't affect the baby and has been taken by pregnant women with autoimmune illness for decades. The benefits greatly outweigh the risks. I started it before pregnancy and didn't have any side effects. If you're very worried, you can also do a tapered start by taking 1/2 dose for a few days before going up to the full one.

To be honest, 27weeks is already quite late in the pregnancy for autoimmune antibodies to post any risk to the baby. The drug is designed to reduce antibody levels but also takes a few weeks to work so it will be almost delivery time before there's a real effect. It seems more like a precautionary step and they will probably want you to stay on HCQ for a while after the birth for your own health. You can take HCQ for year or even decades without problems. Just be sure to get regular eye tests as it can affect colour perception in a tiny proportion of people.

Thank you so much that’s so helpful and reassuring to hear. They’ve had me on clexane since 18 weeks pregnant but couldn’t get me in to see a rheumatologist until now which has been ridiculous! I have mild symptoms of lupus and rheumatoid but it’s early days. Thanks for responding ☺️