Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
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.

Has anyone developed retinal visculitis from hydroxychloroquine? How was this treated? Thank you

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭
Montgomery, AL
September 28
 · 
Reactions
A MyLupusTeam Member

Lupus can cause retinal vasculitis, and I was misdiagnosed initially as having it several years ago. My rheumatologist told me that other conditions are often misdiagnosed and sent me to a specialist. I had uveitis, which resolved with treatment. Per my rheumatologist, retinal vasculitis requires chemotherapy with Cytoxan, so I suggest you get a second opinion from a university ophthalmologist.

September 30
A MyLupusTeam Member

Thank you !!

October 5
MyLupusTeam

Retinal vasculitis specifically isn't well-documented in the available information about hydroxychloroquine side effects. However, hydroxychloroquine is known to potentially cause a related eye issue called retinopathy (damage to the retina), which is worth understanding.

The eye-related risks are more likely if you:

- Take Show Full Answer

Retinal vasculitis specifically isn't well-documented in the available information about hydroxychloroquine side effects. However, hydroxychloroquine is known to potentially cause a related eye issue called retinopathy (damage to the retina), which is worth understanding.

The eye-related risks are more likely if you:

- Take more than 400mg per day
- Have been on hydroxychloroquine for longer than five years
- Are over 60
- Have reduced kidney function
- Have a history of retinal disease
- Take other medications that can affect the retina The most important step is to get a baseline eye exam before or when starting hydroxychloroquine, and then annual exams after five years of use. If retinal damage is detected, the medication may need to be stopped.

If there's a concern about retinal vasculitis specifically, it's really important to raise this with a rheumatologist and an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, as early detection makes a big difference in protecting vision.

September 28

Related Questions

View All
What Happens If You Suddenly Stop Taking Hydroxychloroquine?
Can You Smoke Weed While Taking Hydroxychloroquine?
Can You Take Tylenol With Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus?
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In