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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.
September 12
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a question about managing diarrhea while taking hydroxychloroquine, with the most consistent advice being to speak with... Read more

Members rallied around a question about managing diarrhea while taking hydroxychloroquine, with the most consistent advice being to speak with a rheumatologist right away, as some shared that a dosage reduction brought relief. Several members also suggested taking the medication with food, and one mentioned that switching to chloroquine helped their GI system, though others noted it carries a higher risk of eye toxicity and requires frequent eye exams. A recurring theme was the importance of knowing your body, communicating openly with your doctor through portals or appointments, and not ignoring persistent side effects.

A MyLupusTeam Member

Are you taking it after eating, Sandy? That may help if not. It should improve, and chloroquine carries a higher risk of eye /retinal injury than HCQ, @A MyLupusTeam Member. I'm sorry to hear you couldn't tolerate HCQ, and I hope you're having frequent eye exams.

The background to this is interesting, and I learned about it in medical school. Missionaries in Africa were given chloroquine to prevent malaria, and those with rheumatoid arthritis started improving dramatically. Later, HCQ was developed and found to be less eye-toxic and effective, too.

September 13
A MyLupusTeam Member

I don’t know if this is good advice or bad advice but different strokes for different folks. I don’t always sometimes take my medicine. I may skip a day or two and take my herbal things that I get from the Healthfood Store.

Here they are you can use at your own discretion… ALL ARE FROM A HERBAL STORE
except the pills BOSWELLIA wish is a capsule I BOUGHT from Amazon

But i’m no doctor so to each its own 🙏🏾

Hopefully you find something that works for you 💜

September 17
A MyLupusTeam Member
September 13
A MyLupusTeam Member

@A MyLupusTeam Member I agree with the others about taking the medication with food. I spoke with my rheumatologist and he reduced my dosage and that worked for me.
I take advantage of the communication portal for things like extra/unusual symptoms by sending my doctor messages of what’s pressing and they’ll either send a brief message back or schedule an appointment.
Praying you get relief! 💜

September 13
A MyLupusTeam Member

Hello! Yes, I get my eyes checked every 6 months. I forgot to mention that prior to switching to chloroquine, my rheumatologist recommended coating the HDQ in butter before taking it to help with reflux and tummy troubles. I never found that helpful, but maybe there is some benefit for others.

September 13

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