myRAteam

That sounds really miserable — itching so intense you need an ice pack is no joke, and it makes complete sense that stopping hydroxychloroquine was the right call with your rheumatologist's guidance.

Other myRAteam members have shared similar experiences with RA medication-related itching. One member wrote that since their Show Full Answer

That sounds really miserable — itching so intense you need an ice pack is no joke, and it makes complete sense that stopping hydroxychloroquine was the right call with your rheumatologist's guidance.

Other myRAteam members have shared similar experiences with RA medication-related itching. One member wrote that since their first drug infusion, the itching was "unbearable," with hands and feet being the worst areas. Another had itching and a rash from their RA medication so severe it ended up on their allergy list.

While everyone's timeline is different, itching from a medication can linger for a few weeks after stopping as the drug clears your system. Staying consistent with any relief strategies your doctor recommends can help during that waiting period. Some things members have found helpful include:

- Cool or warm wet compresses on itchy areas
- Non-drowsy antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or loratadine (Claritin) during the day
- Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) at night if itching disrupts sleep As for switching medications, both methotrexate and Humira (adalimumab) are well-established options for RA. Methotrexate is a DMARD that helps slow disease progression, while Humira is a biologic that targets specific parts of the immune system.

It's worth knowing that methotrexate can also cause itching as a side effect in some people, so that's something to flag with your rheumatologist when weighing your options.

Your rheumatologist knows your full history best, so leaning on them to help navigate which option suits your situation — especially given your steroid sensitivity — is really the most important next step.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Itching Skin: Why Do Arthritic Joints Itch?