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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.

New to hydroxychloroquine finishing up a 56 day prednisone taper

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
New Orleans, LA

While I was on the prednisone my pain and body aches and low-grade fever went away all together. I have seven more days left of the prednisone and slowly but surely my hands are stiff my joints are hurting, body aches low grade fever is all back. Now I have been on hydroxychloroquine since July I was hoping this bridge therapy of Prednisone would help me but so far it's not a magic drug for me. I'm newly diagnosed as of July 1st but I've had symptoms over 30 years

August 19
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A myRAteam Member

I was on methotrexate along with Prednisone and I tapered the Prednisone each week for one month. By that one month mark, my MTX had kicked in. I'm so sorry for your pain!

August 26
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member who is your pain mgnt dr in Dallas? Are you happy with them? My rheumatologist suggested I start seeing one, but I really can't take narcotics because of my job. I need someone who can think outside the box a little. I'm in Fort Worth, but I go to my rheumatologist at UT Southwestern in Dallas.

August 22
A myRAteam Member

I mean I've been having low-grade fevers and body aches intermittently since the 90s. But they started to get closer together the past year or so and now I finally show positive in the blood tests for ra and Ana but I'm not super positive in any of the markers. I have low-grade fever and body aches just about every day bilateral shoulder pain and bilateral hand stiffness, and three fingers on my right hand are painful and warm. I just don't know how severe it actually is considered because I've lived like this for so long.

August 21
A myRAteam Member

Yeah your rheumatologist is taking it step by step. There are more treatments that are better than that. It depends on how severe your RA is.

August 20
myRAteam

It's completely understandable to feel frustrated — especially when something was working so well and now those familiar symptoms are creeping back. That's a really tough spot to be in, particularly after living with this for so long before finally getting a diagnosis.

Here's something important to know about Show Full Answer

It's completely understandable to feel frustrated — especially when something was working so well and now those familiar symptoms are creeping back. That's a really tough spot to be in, particularly after living with this for so long before finally getting a diagnosis.

Here's something important to know about hydroxychloroquine: it is a slow-acting medication. It can take 3 to 6 months (sometimes longer) to reach its full effect in the body. Since you started in July, you may still be in that waiting window. The return of symptoms as prednisone tapers down is actually very common with RA — the prednisone was doing a lot of heavy lifting to control inflammation, and as it reduces, the hydroxychloroquine may not be fully "online" yet to take over.

A few things worth discussing with your rheumatologist soon:

- Whether hydroxychloroquine alone is enough for your level of disease activity
- Adding or switching to another DMARD, such as methotrexate, which is often used alongside hydroxychloroquine
- Whether a treatment adjustment is needed given your returning symptoms
- Your long history of symptoms, which your rheumatologist should factor into treatment decisions The goal of RA treatment is to reach low disease activity or remission — meaning minimal symptoms and reduced joint damage. If a treatment isn't getting you there within 3 to 6 months, guidelines suggest it may be time to adjust the plan.

Don't wait until your next scheduled appointment to reach out. Let your rheumatologist know what's happening now — they can only advocate for you and adjust your care if they know what you're experiencing.

August 19

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