Hydroxychloroquine and Rash: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Lar...
• September 14, 2019

For Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease "I was diagnosed with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) in December 2018 and put on hydroxychloroquine. Within a couple of weeks, I started getting a rash; it quickly spread down my body, and within a few days, it started to blister and slough off. I went to a local ER; they immediately transferred me to a burn unit where I was diagnosed with acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). A biopsy confirmed that it was the result of an allergic reaction to the hydroxychloroquine. When all was said and done, the skin on over 90% of my body had blistered up and sloughed off. I was put on 60 mg a day of prednisone to help my skin heal. Eight months later, my skin is healed, but I'm still dealing with the effects of Cushing's syndrome from being on a heavy dosage of prednisone for so long. My new rheumatologist said that hydroxychloroquine wouldn't likely have been effective in relieving joint pain as severe as mine anyway; he said he would have never prescribed it to me in the first place."

• Mct...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 10, 2022

For Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease "Prescribed for mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD). Was on it for 10 days and amazingly felt a return of energy and general improvement by day 7 or 8. However, around the same time, I noticed I was developing a new rash over my upper body, especially neck and face. By day 10, it felt like the worst sunburn ever. I had noticed itching much earlier and some rashing but initially thought it was the increased sensitivity to sun I'd been warned about. However, it continued to worsen even with no sun exposure. When I called the doctor about it, they had me stop for 2 weeks and start again at a lower dose. It took several days after stopping for those symptoms to clear. Increased energy lasted 1-2 days after final dose. Started back - that time I was itching terribly within hours of the second dose. Called again, and they had me stop completely. Itching continued for two days and also developed a feeling of numbness in my throat."

• Bab...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 2, 2020

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I used this drug hydroxychloroquine for several years for rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, it did nothing to stop the progression of my illness and eventually gave me a very bad rash. Of course, I had to stop taking it, and the Dr. prescribed something else, which did work like a miracle - my inflammation completely disappeared!"

• dar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2023

For Sjogren's Syndrome "My rheumatologist put me on hydroxychloroquine to help with Sjögren's syndrome and other autoimmune disorders. He said it would probably kick in about 2 weeks. My husband and I left for a vacation, and sure enough, it did kick in. I started with a huge rash around my entire torso. After a few days, it itched so badly that I could hardly stand it. The welts got larger and itchier. Strangely enough, I also had redness and itchiness on the tops of my feet. (I do not wear sandals). I had no idea what was causing all this, as we were in another state. I went to an emergency clinic and was diagnosed with an allergy, but we did not know what caused it. The doctor gave me a shot of steroids to calm everything down. While driving home the next day, I said to my husband, 'I know what it is!' It had been two weeks to the day since the rheumatologist prescribed the hydroxy--etc. I will never take that again. Pure allergy misery!"

• Sta...
• February 10, 2017

Hydroxychloroquine for Sjogren's Syndrome "This was not the answer for me. I developed a bad rash and itching over my entire body, and now my ears ring, and that will never go away. Just from taking it for under a month."

• mam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2018

Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Used Plaquenil for 6 weeks until I developed a terrible full-body rash. It was working for the inflammation and pain very well until the rash."

• new...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 19, 2014

Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus "I experienced a rash over my entire body about 2-3 weeks after starting to take this medicine. I don't really know if it would have worked for me or not."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 14, 2020

Hydroxychloroquine for Dermatomyositis "I took Plaquenil for dermatomyositis, and it caused me to have pain and rash all over my body. Other than that, it didn’t help me."