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Effectiveness of Hydroxchloroquine

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sarah_12627
sarah_12627

Ive been prescribed Hydroxochloroquine for Psoriatic Arthritis if anyone has experience of taking this do they find it helps? Have used Methotrexate and Sulphsalzine but had to stop due to side effects?

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • lucynewas
    lucynewas sarah_12627

    Posted

    The effectiveness is so down to individual - I'm sure in the future they'll be able to map our DNA as they are starting to do in cancer treatment.  In the meantime keep an accurate symptom diary (I used the one from arthritis care) which will help your consultant to monitor the effectiveness for you and plan any add in drugs.  Big hugs.
  • natalie03251
    natalie03251 sarah_12627

    Posted

    Hi Sarah

    I wondered if you could tell me the side effects you encountered whilst on sertraline?

    I've been on them for just over three months now and have been feeling really awful!! Headaches,aching tired eyes,dark circles under my eyes,heartburn,tummy aches etc etc...not tried anything else as yet as I was only diagnosed with PA last July so this is all new to me. Specialist did say when I last saw him mid December that he would have expected to see an improvement in my joint pain by now and if there is no improvement when he sees me in feb then he will try me on methotrexate. Worth mentioning that he upped my dose from 4 to 6 per day but I only did this for a few days as I felt even worse!! Also had a sore throat!! I hope your new meds help!!!

    Any advice would be much appreciated😊

    Take care Nat x

    • sarah_12627
      sarah_12627 natalie03251

      Posted

      It is Hydroxychloroquine I've been taking not Sertraline is that what you meant re side effects? I have headaches nausea and unpleasant stomach cramps with it.Its the 3rd different drug prescribed ,sulphasalazine and Methotrexate both caused low white blood count.I have stopped the tablets for now as can't cope with the side effects.Its very individual what suits one person doesn't the next,but at least there are alternatives.Hope this helps and good luck with whatever you take.
    • natalie03251
      natalie03251 sarah_12627

      Posted

      Hi Sarah

      Sorry It was Sulfasalazine I meant as I noticed you have taken it previously.

      Just trying to find out other peoples experiences on it as I don't think it's doing me any favours! See consultant in February anyway,if no improvement then he will try me on the methotrexate.

      Thank you for your reply and best of luck to you!

      Natalie x

    • sarah_12627
      sarah_12627 natalie03251

      Posted

      Hi again,I took Sulphasalazine first after initial diagnosis and whilst on it didn't notice any difference in joint problems,it caused diarrhoea mainly and headaches then I developed a rash which they immediately told me to stop taking it,I was very wary about taking Methotrexate but was persuaded to try it and increasd the dose gradually over 6months coping with the side effects but then the White blood count kept dropping too low.Hope whatever you take eventually suits you and helps ,it seems to be a lot of trial and error in getting there.
  • carenj
    carenj sarah_12627

    Posted

    ​=12.0ptMy mum has been taking this for past 6 months for her PsA and it has helped her to great extent in terms of fatigue. If you decide to take it, always take it with food. Get your eye examination regularly, as blurred vision is common side effect of hydroxyl.
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