Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine

Methotrexate did not help me to lower my prednisone rate so my doctor now added hydroxychloroquine to my meds. I am slowly dropping and currently am at 7mg. Now a new problem has developed since starting hydroxychloroquine. On mornings when I have cereal, I end up going to the pot 2 to 3 times with almost diarrhea and have a lot of gas, almost like one of the Rx causes me to be lactose intolerant. I even tried taking the pills for Lactose Intolerance and still have the problem. Anyone else on here have that happen?

@chzuck, I moved your post to this existing discussion to help you connect with others:
- Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/methotrexate-and-hydroxychloroquine/

Are the bowel movements diarrhea? Have you tried having something other than cereal for breakfast?

I was on predisone first for swelling in hands and joints. It worked great but my doc gradually took me off it. He put me on methetrxate and plaquenil and folic acid. I have blood test every ⁵ weeks to make sure my kidneys and liver are good. They are and swelling gone. I hate taking pills too but I have to take methetrxate for the swelling and plaquenil with it. No prednisone anymore. I will have to go on a biologic if methetrixate and plaquinel stop working.

I was on biologics for 30 years successfully. Now they are not working Sounds like you're doing fine. Go on Biologics if you need them. I did not have 1 side effect

I will take embrel if my methetrexate and plaquenel stops working or if my liver is effected by metetrexate and plaquenel.

Chzuck: I have lupus and was first put on generic hydroxychloroquine, and it gave me bowel problems similar to those you describe. My rheumatologist switched me to the brand version of the drug -- Plaquenil -- because it causes fewer side effects. I've been taking Plaquenil for several months now with no ill effects. You might want to ask your doc to switch you to the brand. It's far more expensive, but might be worth it.

"Are the bowel movements diarrhea? Have you tried having something other than cereal for breakfast?"
Not diarrhea, but close. Lots of gas. Only happens with cereal, no problems with ice cream. No issues when having a muffin or bagel for breakfast.

I am still not positive that the hydroxy is causing it. I may stop it for a few days and see what my body does. I did not take it yesterday morning and still had the issues, but just missing one dose may not do anything. I am getting tests to determine whether my leg pain is PMR or something else, like poor circulation. Who knows, maybe I am in PMR remission and the leg muscle pain is something else. This growing old is a challenge!

Hi, chzuck: I believe you'd have to be off the hydroxy for at least a week to see if the bowel symptoms subside. But would be a good idea to check with your doc about that; I can't remember how long it stays in the system and could be wrong.

And yes, I agree, growing old is a tremendous challenge! But better that than the alternative... 🙂

It seems your Drs suggestion is a good one as it takes 2-3 months for the hydroxychloroquine to have noticeable effects. Once that drug is controlling your symptoms you will more likely be able to taper off the MTX.
Do you mind sharing what autoimmune disease you have and why you want to go off the MT X?