I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 8 years and currently take HCQS 200 (on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), Folvite 5mg daily, and Salcal 500 mg daily; do I need any changes to my treatment, and are there any blood or lab tests I should get to check for side effects from these medicines? | Apollo Pharmacy

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I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 8 years and currently take HCQS 200 (on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), Folvite 5mg daily, and Salcal 500 mg daily; do I need any changes to my treatment, and are there any blood or lab tests I should get to check for side effects from these medicines?

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I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 8 years and currently take HCQS 200 (on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), Folvite 5mg daily, and Salcal 500 mg daily; do I need any changes to my treatment, and are there any blood or lab tests I should get to check for side effects from these medicines?

Asked by Male, 64 · 15 days ago

Vikas Singh

M Pharmacy

15 days ago

At 64, keeping your rheumatoid arthritis stable is key. Regarding your medications?HCQS (hydroxychloroquine), Folvite (folic acid), and Salcal (calcium)?any treatment changes depend on your current symptoms and joint stiffness. To monitor for side effects, I recommend routine blood tests, including a complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests. Most importantly, since you have taken hydroxychloroquine for 8 years, an annual specialized eye exam is highly recommended to protect your vision. Please discuss these tests with your rheumatologist at your next visit to ensure your plan remains safe and effective for you.

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I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 8 years and currently take HCQS 200 (on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays), Folvite 5mg daily, and Salcal 500 mg daily; do I need any changes to my treatment, and are there any blood or lab tests I should get to check for side effects from these medicines?

Answered 15 days ago

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Is it safe to have one alcoholic drink or a glass of wine daily with dinner while taking HCQS 200 for a skin condition, especially with my history of alcohol addiction?

While a single drink doesn't have a severe direct interaction with hydroxychloroquine (HCQS), both are processed by your liver, so caution is advised. More importantly, because of your history with addiction, even one daily drink can carry a high risk of triggering a relapse. Your health and recovery are incredibly valuable. I gently encourage you to discuss this with your doctor or support network to keep you safely on your wellness journey.

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Why is my right wrist arthritis pain not improving after taking SAZO 1000 and HCQS 200 twice a day for a month, and what should I do?

Please be reassured that medications like SAZO (sulfasalazine) and HCQS (hydroxychloroquine) are slow-acting treatments. It typically takes about 6 to 12 weeks of consistent use to start feeling their full benefits, so one month is often not quite enough time. Please continue taking them as prescribed. I highly recommend reaching out to your doctor to discuss temporary pain-relief options to help keep you comfortable while these medications build up in your system.

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