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Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine

Posted by mcc @mcc, Jun 10, 2024

I have been trying to taper off Methotrexate but I keep getting flare ups after a couple weeks on the drop so my rheumatologist feels I should add Hydroxychloroquine to the mix for 8-12 weeks then try tapering off the methotrexate again with the goal of being completely off the methotrexate but stay on the hydroxychloroquine. I hate having to be on any medication let alone having to add more to the mix and was wondering if anyone on here has had experience with this and if so , your results? Thank you

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beverlyjenen | @beverlyjenen | Aug 13 6:32am

I have been on methotraxate for 5 months with prednisone. I have improved but hair falling out and fatigue but still not able yo stand long or walk very far. I just saw new RA doctor abd he wants be to stop Methrotrexate completely and take hydroxychloroquine. I am happy it has worked for you . My fear is the eye problem since i have had a victrocmy in bith eyes and that by stopping i sill be set back

I am encouraged that after 10-12 weeks it has worked for you if my eye doctor oks this new drug i will try

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sunnygardens | @sunnygardens | 3 days ago
In reply to @marye2 "I was on both Methotrexate and Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquin) for about fifteen years. The MTX on Fridays..." + (show)
Profile picture for marye2 @marye2

I was on both Methotrexate and Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquin) for about fifteen years. The MTX on Fridays seemed to relieve swelling and other stress related effects. Twenty years in, I retired and did not need the MTX and reduced Hydroxychloroquine to 1 x/day. I also had to stop taking NSAIDs but have found that a non-processed diet (moderate nightshades, eliminate sugars) and staying hydrated help alot, in addition to PT and keeping up basic exercise. In my 70s, I have some kidney issues, but no other effects that the great life I was able to have with the help of the drugs. Inactive ingredients can affect how they do for you; try a name brand if the generic gives you side effects, for instance.

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@marye2 67 year old just diagnosed with lupus and the health care in Canada is Crap. If I’d seen a rheumatologist eight months ago (that’s the wait time to see almost any specialist), my dsDNA butter would’ve been half what it is today. So, got the diagnosis, told the rheumatologist had no further responsibility except to give a standing order for blood tests every six months, and prescribed Plaquenil. Gov’t only pays for generic, I’m grateful, but pharmacists have been no help so far in distinguishing lupus symptoms from drug side effects. My NP ignited to zero experience with lupus so I literally have no support medically. I’m paying for an ND who is treating symptoms relatively successfully so far.
You’re message is very encouraging because you found the hydroxychloroquine helpful and you say you’ve lived successfully decades managing the disease and drugs. Rather that just SURVIVING.
Since I’ve always been a vet outdoorsy person, lupus has suddenly changed my lifestyle, which is horribly difficult but certainly much less than others have to deal with.
I came on this forum hoping to hear answers related to which are lupus symptoms and which are drug side effects because no medical person here will find those answers for me.
I’ll pose the questions in a different message.
For now, I just wanted you to know that your message encouraged me. May your life continue long and happy!

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