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Hydroxychloroquine

Hey all, after many failed attempts to be put on hydroxy I'm going to give it another go as my Rheumatologist said it can help with fatigue. Has anyone found this to be the case? Also, is there a particular brand which you have found to be more tolerable in terms of side effects? Thanks x

Hi there! 😊

Firstly, apologies for the late reply — we’ve had a few teething problems with notifications on the site, so some posts slipped through. Thanks so much for your patience, and for sharing your experience with us!

It’s brilliant that you’re giving Hydroxy another try — many people with Lupus have found it helps with fatigue, though of course, everyone reacts differently. Fingers crossed it works well for you this time.

Just wanted to share a few things that might help as you restart:

Are you taking it with food or milk? Some people find that helps a lot with stomach issues — might be worth trying if you’ve struggled before.

Is your dose based on your height and weight? There’s actually a dosing chart doctors use to work this out. It might be worth double-checking with your rheumatologist to make sure it’s spot-on for you.

Do you know if your tablets are film-coated?
Film-coated tablets often:
• Help mask any bad taste or smell
• Can be gentler on the stomach
• May improve absorption
• Are easier to swallow

Some people find one brand easier to tolerate than another, so it’s definitely worth asking your pharmacist if you have options.

Here’s a little brand summary for you:

🔹 Plaquenil (Sanofi) – Original branded version. Some people say it’s a bit kinder on the stomach and eyes, but it can be pricier depending on your prescription.

🔹 Teva Hydroxychloroquine – A common generic. Mixed feedback — some tolerate it well, others notice more tummy upset or headaches.

🔹 Accord Hydroxychloroquine – Another generic. Some say it’s fine, others report nausea or skin sensitivity — really varies person to person.

Pros & Cons at a Glance:
✔️ Plaquenil – Trusted quality, fewer reported side effects, but can be more costly
✔️ Teva – Affordable, widely available, some experience side effects, others don’t
✔️ Accord – Budget-friendly, mixed reviews on tolerability

Everyone’s body reacts differently, so it can take a bit of trial and error to find what suits you best.

Really hope some of these tips help — and fingers crossed it makes a difference for your fatigue this time around! Feel free to keep us posted on how you get on 💜