Date: 21.03.2013
From: Jo
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Subject: New member
Hi everyone, my name is Jo and I've just joined this forum. I'm 45 years old and was diagnosed with RA about 18 months ago. I've been on Methotrexate for 15 months now (I'm on 25mg p/w) which has helped a lot, but my consultant said yesterday he would like me to start taking Hydroxychloroquine as well, because the RA was still 'too active'. I would really appreciate it if others who are on this could warn me of what side-effects to expect. I find genuine experiences are always a lot truer than the lists on the leaflets. Thanks very much. Jo :-)
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Date: 21.03.2013
From: Tara
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Subject: Re: New member
Hi Jo Well come the forum , A year ago I too was diagnosed with ra and like you I am on 25 mg of mtx but not the other one you mentioned so not too much help there but I'm sure some one else will jump in and give you some feed back I am 41 and was very shocked with the diagnosis but I am coming to terms with it now I was very active running my home and looking after my little ones still doing it lol but just slower I get very frustrated at times but I just try to be positive and look forward Well I just wanted to say hello Keep posting hun :-) Tara
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Date: 21.03.2013
From: bsk
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Subject: Re: New member
Hi Jo, I've got RA too, diagnosed 3 years ago. I take enbrel - an anti tnf enbrel as Mtx and hydroxy didn't work for me. I was told the latter has the least side effects of any of the drugs but do remember getting headaches on it and a rash, which made them stop it. They might be putting you on hydroxy with a view to moving you onto next level of drugs as you have to have tried two dmards before you can do that.
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Date: 21.03.2013
From: rhona
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Subject: Re: New member
Hi Jo, I take hydroxychlorquine (plaquenil) and have had no problems at all with it. I found it very effective. I have been on it for around 6 or 7 years. I also take mtx, sulphasalazine and now the infusion rituximab. When i first started hyroxychloroquine i felt it made a huge difference. You have to get your eyes checked once a year while on it but it is quite rare to get problems with the drug. When i first started it i was a smoker and i did notice i would feel sick when i took a cigarette after having the hydrox. so i managed to give up smoking without any bother and i can thank the hydrox for that. As bsk says it is one of the safer arthritis drugs so i would give it a go.
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Date: 21.03.2013
From: Jo
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Subject: Re: New member
Hi all - nice to 'meet' you. Thanks so much for your comments and info. I will definately be giving the hydroxy a go. I go for my 'counseling' appointment next Tuesday, so I'll probably be given the prescription then. My RA is not bad at the min, but I have had a few flare-ups since Xmas so anything that will help reduce them has got to be worth a try! I will keep watch for the headaches and rash. I did get a bit of a rash with the mtx, but it cleared after a couple of months. Thanks again all. I hope to speak again soon.
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Date: 21.03.2013
From: Heather
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Subject: Re: New member
Hi Jo I was diagnosed with RA when I was 28. I'm 35 now and have been on hydroxychloaquine for the past 5 years. It's been good and I had no side effects from it (get my eyes checked every year), unlike when they tried me on sulphasalazine which turned me into a Tango Man! It seems to have kept things at bay until recently so we're now exploring the next treatment options. Definitely worth a go, I'd say! Good luck.
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