RA meds hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate (injection)

Posted by shirleydm @shirleydm, Dec 13, 2024

I have RA and Sjögren’s and due to chronic and debilitating back & neck pain for 24 months, I finally agreed to start hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate after two MRI’s confirmed spine damage from RA. I’m on my 4th month of taking the meds. I am a 67 year old female and have been using natural remedies for pain management for years, but they stopped working for the spine pain. I was resistant to taking these meds due to side effects but they seem to be helping with keeping the pain at a more manageable level. My issue is I now have 24/7 eye pain and blurry vision. I see an eye specialist every month and he’s treating the conditions, ie, tear duc plugs, 3 different eyes drop medications, etc, but no relief yet. Is anyone else having chronic eye problems with these meds? Thank you!

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lkirnbauer | @lkirnbauer | Dec 26, 2024

In reply to @shirleydm "Thank you!!!" + (show)

You’re very welcome~! I hope they help!

dkelban | @dkelban | Dec 26, 2024

In reply to @catartist "Eye exams are highly encouraged with Hydroxicloroquine generally -" + (show)

ABSOLUTELY!! Every 6 months at least. More frequent dental exams too.

dkelban | @dkelban | Dec 26, 2024

In reply to @shirleydm "That is really good to know! I am afraid of the side effects of the RA..." + (show)

Plaquanil is usually very well tolerated. You'll just go to your eye doctor more often to make sure all is ok. Side effects are only possibilities, not certainties, and bad ones are usually pretty rare. I've been on plaquanil for a year and all I can say is"thank God".

joanthompson | @joanthompson | Jan 20, 2025

I have those same side effects with my eyes, but I never thought it was from theHydroxy, which I also take, I use Systane COmplete no preservatives and fine it helps a lot, I always suspect my dry eye was from my autoimmune disease. How can you determine that the symptoms are from the meds and not the disease?

victoria7 | @victoria7 | Jan 22 11:36am

At 34 diagnosed w Sjogrens, RA and Raynaud’s. Now 69, still taking HCQ and as needed Methotrexate w folic asid. In 2018, an Ascending Aortic Aneurysm showed 3.7. Now, 4.0. I feel good, movement is key, yoga too and light weights.
But, I work as organic and homeopathic as possible and sad, BP is not low, but 135 or higher over 70. Mayo Florida saw me 2 yrs ago… before BP.
Sadly, I have few if any medical for this slow growing Aneurysm but I suppose BP meds may be in order. We waffle to move to better medical than Charleston. Love my Rheumatologist.
I think that you are planning a move is wise. We just finished caring for parents before they passed. My art business taunts me as it’s a great release. I have little time. I’m grateful for this forum as few know… and for purpose - I am healthy. Yes, permanent punctual plus, Restasis and the South humidity helps. And FVision and test for Retna safety.
Thoughts on any word of top Ascending A Aneurysm . Some DOC’s in Charleston go to NY Langone. Not for our issues. Need a plan. And my personal faith is critical. Mayo is closest… Fl.

victoria7 | @victoria7 | Jan 22 11:39am

In reply to @joanthompson "I have those same side effects with my eyes, but I never thought it was from..." + (show)

@joanthompson once Corneal abrasion started, My eye doc put me on RESTAISIS DROPS. There are others… prescription and they work. Also permanent puntal plugs.
Just had Cataract surgery and no real issue but add Systane PF.