What Are The Side Effects Of Hydroxychloroquine (Top voted first)

If using this med for long term treatment, what are the long term effects? Does it affect your eye sight?

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Re: Dee (# 3)

I have been on Hydroxychloroquine 200mg per day for an autoimmune disease and my hand swelling was reduced. I had been getting frequent foot spasms and calf cramps prior to taking this drug. After originally taking 200mg per day for about 3 months the spasms and cramps completely disappeared. I have now been increased to 300mg per day and have been on this drug for 2 years in December 2017. Not sure if the spasms were a part of the autoimmune problems but was glad they disappeared after using the drug. My diagnosis was negative for RA and lupus.

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Re: Mystery (# 4)

You need to have your eyes checked annually by an ophthalmologist who will give you a eyesight filed test and now new to me a laser test. It requires two separate visits. So far I have not had eye damage and my eyesight has not changed since I have been on this medication going on 3 years now. It was a big concern for me as damage to the optic nerve is one of the potential side effects. I was told if anything started to come up on these tests to stop the medication immediately.

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Hi marge,

From what I could gather, this medication can affect your eye sight. Whether or not it's based on long term or short term use is not stated, as these drugs can affect everyone differently.

You can view the list of side effects posted below:

headache
dizziness
loss of appetite
nausea
diarrhea
stomach pain
vomiting
skin rash

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

reading or seeing difficulties (words, letters, or parts of objects missing)
sensitivity to light
blurred distance vision
seeing light flashes or streaks
difficulty hearing
ringing in ears
muscle weakness
bleeding or bruising of the skin
bleaching or loss of hair
mood or mental changes
irregular heartbeat
drowsiness
convulsions

This list of side effects is referenced from:
http:/­/­www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/­pubmedhealth/­PMH0000171/­#a601240-sideEffects

I hope this helps!

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David, thank you for your reply. You have answered my question. Have a good day.

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What are the side effects of Hydroxychloroquine? I've been suffering from very bad muscle cramps in my legs at night when sleeping. Will this med increase or decrease those cramps?

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I've been on Hydroxychloroquine (HCQS) 200mg BD for 8 months. Suddenly, I developed itchy rashes and platelets. I am a bit scared. Is this a known side effect?

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Hi, are you still on the drug? Is it helping still, because I have been ask to take it?

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This is what I am scared of - damage to my eyes, because I do want to get better but it’s scary.

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Re: Diva (# 7)

Yes, I am still on the drug Hydroxychloroquine 300 mg a day. It still makes me a bit sick to my stomach even if I take it with food which I always do. I still feel it makes me a little off balance for a while after I take a dose and some fatigue. I've been taking it 3 years now and I started taking 200 mg a day for 2 year 1st. My 1st two fingers are no longer fat and swollen but the joints to those two fingers are still swollen just not sore much anymore unless I have used my hand doing yard work. My left ankle gets a bit stiff now and then, but moves fine. I try to walk daily about 1 mile. I am scheduled for my annual eye checkup in May 2018 at which time I will get the field and laser evaluation. The laser diagnostic is new this year. If there is any indication of damage to my eyes I will stop this drug immediately. I still feel that this drug is considered a preventive drug and it is not a biologic which is why I am less fearful of taking it than a biologic drug which has side effects that I feel are more intrusive to one's health.

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