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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Mushroom supplements and interactions with hydroxychloroquine

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Richmond, VA

I have read that powdered mushroom especially Rieshi should not be used if your on hydroxychloroquine. Rieshi is a immune booster and will interfere with lupus medication. Now I'm concerned because I been taking my hydroxychloroquine for 6 months now and been using my powdered mushroom in my coffee every morning for years. This leads me to believe this is the reason why my face continues to break out. Anybody use powdered mushroom?

September 12
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Medicinal Mushrooms and Lupus: Are They Safe? Read Article...
A MyLupusTeam Member

I'm glad you discovered this, Joanne, so you can stop using it. I hope you feel better soon!

September 12
MyLupusTeam

That's a really valid concern, and it's great that you're paying attention to what might be affecting how your medication works. Reishi mushroom is known for its immune-boosting properties, and since hydroxychloroquine works by *calming* the immune system to reduce lupus inflammation, taking an immune stimulant alongside it Show Full Answer

That's a really valid concern, and it's great that you're paying attention to what might be affecting how your medication works. Reishi mushroom is known for its immune-boosting properties, and since hydroxychloroquine works by *calming* the immune system to reduce lupus inflammation, taking an immune stimulant alongside it could potentially work against the medication's effects.

Here's what's worth knowing:

- Hydroxychloroquine works by reducing immune system activity to prevent it from attacking healthy tissue
- Reishi and similar mushroom supplements are often marketed as immune *boosters*, which could counteract this
- The face breakouts you're experiencing could be related to lupus activity that isn't being fully controlled

The concern about the interaction is legitimate enough to bring up with your rheumatologist right away. They can assess whether the mushroom supplement is interfering with your treatment. It would be a good idea to pause the mushroom supplement until you've spoken with your doctor, rather than continuing something that may be reducing how well your hydroxychloroquine works. Don't stop your hydroxychloroquine though — stopping it suddenly can trigger flares.

Many MyLupusTeam members have shared similar experiences with supplements interfering with their lupus management, so you're definitely not alone in navigating this!

September 12

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