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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Is Taking HCQS Recommended To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?

I am suffering from rheumatoid arthritis since 2000...After a specific diagnosis (that is when I came to know about my condition) in 2008 ,the doctor adviced me to take HCQS 200mg ...Since then I have consumed it...But my question is that how long do i have to take them? I once stopped for a few months, but the doctor reprimanded me for such an action...so do i consume them for my entire years or should i stop ,if so then when?
Mon, 2 Nov 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.
I can understand your concern.
Since rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which results in production of auto antibodies (against self) that damage the articular surfaces of the joints, the treatment in most of the cases is life long.

Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate (HCQS) is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), because it can decrease the pain and swelling of arthritis, and it may prevent joint damage and reduce the risk of long-term disability.
Symptoms start to improve in 1-2 months, but it may take up to 6 months before the maximum benefits of this medication are experienced.

Generally it is a safe drug, however the most important toxicities are on the eyes like corneal deposits, weakness of the eye muscles, loss of accommodation (and sensitivity to light), & a retinopathy that may progress to irreversible visual loss can occur.

As a matter of fact before starting long-term treatment with HCQS, a patient should be given a careful eye exam. Eye exams should be conducted annually during the period of treatment.

Hope this answers your query.
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How Long Is Taking HCQS Recommended To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Hi & Welcome. I can understand your concern. Since rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease which results in production of auto antibodies (against self) that damage the articular surfaces of the joints, the treatment in most of the cases is life long. Hydroxychloroquine Sulfate (HCQS) is a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD), because it can decrease the pain and swelling of arthritis, and it may prevent joint damage and reduce the risk of long-term disability. Symptoms start to improve in 1-2 months, but it may take up to 6 months before the maximum benefits of this medication are experienced. Generally it is a safe drug, however the most important toxicities are on the eyes like corneal deposits, weakness of the eye muscles, loss of accommodation (and sensitivity to light), & a retinopathy that may progress to irreversible visual loss can occur. As a matter of fact before starting long-term treatment with HCQS, a patient should be given a careful eye exam. Eye exams should be conducted annually during the period of treatment. Hope this answers your query.