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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.

How long did it take anyone that is taken hydroxychloroquine to help with the symptoms?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
New Orleans, LA

I have a positive ra and a positive Ana and after a five-month wait I finally got into the rheumatologist this week. All of my x-rays were normal and all of the blood work was normal for the most part. Minus the original positive tests from February. My doctor put me on hydroxychloroquine and a dose of prednisone to get me through.

July 4
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myRAteam

First off, congrats on finally getting in to see your rheumatologist — a five-month wait is no joke, and that takes real patience!

Hydroxychloroquine is a DMARD (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug), and like most DMARDs, it's not a quick fix. It typically takes anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks to start showing effects, with Show Full Answer

First off, congrats on finally getting in to see your rheumatologist — a five-month wait is no joke, and that takes real patience!

Hydroxychloroquine is a DMARD (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug), and like most DMARDs, it's not a quick fix. It typically takes anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks to start showing effects, with maximum effectiveness reached around 12 weeks.

Some myRAteam members have shared their experiences:

- Some noticed improvements within a few weeks
- Others found it took several months to feel a meaningful difference

Everyone's response is a little different, so try not to get discouraged if relief feels slow at first. That's exactly why your doctor also prescribed prednisone — it works much faster, typically within 1 to 4 days, sometimes even within hours. It's commonly used as a bridge to help manage pain and inflammation while the hydroxychloroquine builds up in your system.

Just keep in mind that prednisone is generally recommended for short-term use only, as long-term use can carry risks. Your rheumatologist will guide you on tapering off it safely when the time comes.

Hang in there — you're on the right path! 💪

July 4
A myRAteam Member

Originally I was put on Methotrexate but after 2 infections within 6 months Rheumatologist change to Hydroxychloroquine- it took nearly 3 months, then did well for 3 years until this February when a huge flare popped up and never tamed- even with prednisone- so now doc has added 20 mg of Leflunomide , been taking 6 weeks no relief yet

July 6
A myRAteam Member

I could feel the difference with painful joints within 2 weeks of starting hydroxychloroquine and was on it, with no side effects, for 15 years. Then I developed severe psoriasis in 2025 and my rheumatologist stopped the hydroxychloroquine immediately as it can aggravate psoriasis. I hope she knows what she's doing as painful joints and muscles have reared their ugly heads again. But psoriasis is improved.

July 4 (edited)
A myRAteam Member

Im on metatraxate hydroxychloroquine it wasn't working at 6 mts went back on prednisolone for a while and got it under control changed my diet cut 98%sugar and nightshaes fried foods and dropped prednisolone. Have lost 22kg and now under control. If l eat too much sugar or nightshades l will start to get a flare . One dose of prednisolone of 20mg and no sugar fixes it. I don't want to use prednisolone so l have to try my hardest to eat clean. All up 12mths before the metatraxate and hydroxychloroquine worked and got it under control 2 tablets a night of hydroxychloroquine and 2 metatraxate once a week . And 1 knee replacement I have my life back. Horse riding and hiking . It was a long two years to get here.

August 27
A myRAteam Member

*I'm sorry wasn't working*

July 4

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