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Real members of myRAteam 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.

Plaquenil/Hydoxcholoquine

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Lansdale, PA

If anyone in this group is taking this med, can you tell me how long it takes to get through the horrible stomach issues that it causes?

May 7
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Reactions
A myRAteam Member

I've been on 200 MG of hydroxchloroquine 2X a day along with 15 MG of methotrexate once a week for 6 years now and haven't had any issues. I'm still working 3 to 4 days a week.

May 11
A myRAteam Member

I have been taking this for 4 years and had no stomach issues.

May 7
A myRAteam Member

That's the problem I'm having now. Both shoulders and upper arms. Can't clean, fix my hair, lift anything. Very discouraging. I also was just diagnosed with fibromyalgia besides RA, osteoarthritis. Any thing that would help give some relief?

May 9
A myRAteam Member

Hello Pattie317, I took hydoxcholoquine for about 20 years never had any stomach problems, I had to get my vision checked every 6 months, then in November my rheumatologists stopped it and didn't proscribe anything to help the pain,, I think I went though detox afterwards, every joint in my body started to hurt, had to go to othropedic doctor for injections in both shoulders

May 8
myRAteam

Stomach issues with hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) are really common, and many myRAteam members have found ways to manage them. The duration varies from person to person, but there are several strategies that may help ease the discomfort.

Here are some tips that have worked for others:

- Take it with food — this is one of Show Full Answer

Stomach issues with hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) are really common, and many myRAteam members have found ways to manage them. The duration varies from person to person, but there are several strategies that may help ease the discomfort.

Here are some tips that have worked for others:

- Take it with food — this is one of the most commonly recommended ways to reduce stomach upset
- Split the dose — some members take half in the morning and half at night to reduce GI issues
- Try antacids — one myRAteam member swears by famotidine before meals, while others find Tums helpful throughout the day
- Switch to injections — some members found switching from pills to injections reduced their stomach problems
- Eat bland foods — avoiding caffeine, spicy, greasy foods, and alcohol for a period can help settle things down

It's also worth knowing that name-brand Plaquenil and generic hydroxychloroquine can sometimes cause different levels of stomach upset, so let your doctor know if symptoms change. If the stomach issues are persistent or severe, definitely talk to your rheumatologist. They may suggest a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to protect your stomach lining, though long-term use of those should be monitored. Never adjust your dosage on your own without checking with your doctor first.

May 7

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