Does hydroxychloroquine make you gain weight?

Abnormal weight gain is a side effect of long-term doxycycline and hydroxychloroquine treatment.

Does hydroxychloroquine cause weight gain or weight loss?

No, weight gain hasn't been reported as a side effect of Plaquenil. But weight loss has been reported as a side effect. Two conditions Plaquenil is prescribed to treat, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and lupus, can cause symptoms that contribute to weight gain.

Can you lose weight while taking hydroxychloroquine?

Weight gain isn't a known side effect of this drug. In fact, it may have the opposite effect. Loss of appetite and weight loss have been reported in some people taking Plaquenil.

What are the most common side effects of hydroxychloroquine?

What is the downside of taking hydroxychloroquine?

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dizziness, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects.

Medications That Make You Gain Weight

What are the benefits of taking hydroxychloroquine?

Over the long term hydroxychloroquine can reduce pain, swelling and joint stiffness. If you have lupus, it may also improve the rash. It may be as long as 12 weeks before you notice the benefits. Hydroxychloroquine is often taken in combination with other drugs such as methotrexate.

Can you be in the sun while taking hydroxychloroquine?

Our results have shown that photosensitivity during medication with chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine is uncommon and that there is no need to stop this treatment due to sun exposure.

Does hydroxychloroquine cause fluid retention?

Some people taking Plaquenil may experience weight gain from fluid retention, but weight gain is generally not a common side effect of Plaquenil. Severe weight changes requiring medical attention would include evidence of rapid weight loss or gain, which is the loss or gain of 10 or more pounds in one month.

What are the long term effects of taking hydroxychloroquine?

Long-term use and high doses of hydroxychloroquine are risk factors for the development of cardiomyopathy. Cardiac failure, conduction disorders (including QT prolongation and Torsades de Pointes) and sudden cardiac death are consequences of the cardiomyopathy.

How does hydroxychloroquine make you feel?

Hydroxychloroquine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies, or to become more depressed. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.

Does hydroxychloroquine give you energy?

Over time, Plaquenil helps reduce inflammation around the heart and lungs and improves symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and cognitive dysfunction. And patients report more energy because it's a mild stimulant.

Does RA cause weight gain?

RA can result in weight loss or gain, depending on a person's symptoms, medications, and overall health. While maintaining a moderate weight can be challenging, being underweight can potentially cause harm.

Does lupus cause weight gain?

Muscle pain — Muscle pain or tenderness is common in people with lupus; rarely, some people also notice muscle weakness. Weight changes — Lupus can sometimes cause weight loss or weight gain.

Can you take vitamin D with hydroxychloroquine?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between hydroxychloroquine and Vitamin D3.

Does hydroxychloroquine fight inflammation?

Hydroxychloroquine is used in the treatment of arthritis to help relieve inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain and also to help control the symptoms of lupus erythematosus (lupus; SLE).

Does hydroxychloroquine cause swelling?

A very serious allergic reaction is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), dizziness, trouble breathing.

How long can you be on hydroxychloroquine?

You may continue to get better for up to 1 year. Most people who take Plaquenil also take other medicines for pain and stiffness.

How long can you take hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis?

Hydroxychloroquine does not seem to confer increased risk when used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis without contraindications in the short term (up to 30 days) compared with sulfasalazine, but confers an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality when used long term.

What foods should I avoid while taking hydroxychloroquine?

hydroxychloroquine food

You may want to limit your consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with hydroxychloroquine. Grapefruit juice can significantly increase the blood levels and effects of hydroxychloroquine, which may result in an irregular heart rate or other conduction disturbances.

Does hydroxychloroquine darken your skin?

The development of hydroxychloroquine-associated cutaneous dyschromia is not so rare and can present as black, blue-gray or blue discoloration in photodistributed areas or skin sites protected from the sun [6].

What does hydroxychloroquine do to your eyes?

One of the most significant side effects of the drug is its possibility of causing eye problems resulting in blurred or decreased vision. The most common issue is damage to the retina. It can impair your color vision or damage the retinal cells, particularly in the area right around the central vision.

Can you stop taking hydroxychloroquine suddenly?

Do not stop taking it without talking with your doctor, especially if you are taking it for malaria. It is important to continue taking this for the length of time prescribed. Stopping prevention or treatment too soon may lead to infection or a return of the infection.

Does hydroxychloroquine cause anxiety?

Hydroxychloroquine may potentially result in adverse effects on the central nervous system, mainly irritability, nervousness, emotional changes, nightmares, and even true psychoses [3, 4].

Does taking hydroxychloroquine make you immunocompromised?

Please note that hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) does NOT suppress your immune system and does not increase any risk for a more serious illness from COVID-19.

What autoimmune diseases cause weight gain?

Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA and similar joint diseases cause fatigue and stiffness in the joints, which can make it hard to do daily activities, Dr. Apovian says. This can lead many people to avoid physical activity, resulting in weight gain.