Has anyone developed high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation
after taking hydroxychloroquine?
Hello Cloch,
I have been wondering about the connection with high blood pressure and SS for awhile. My blood pressure shot up out of nowhere before I was diagnosed and started on the Hydroxychloroquine. So I have been wondering if high blood pressure is just another part of SS. I haven't seen any info to confirm that. I have experienced palpatations a couple of times since starting the meds. But is it because of the meds. I am not sure. I wonder if we look at research on other Autoimmune conditions if it might mention high blood pressure so little research has been done on SS specifically
Sally
Hi Sally, I'm just not sure whether it's coincidence or not. My
blood pressure was borderline high for some time. I was
diagnosed with cutaneous lupus and sjojren's in Jan. and
started on Plaquenil. I was taken by ambulance to hospital
from doctor's surgery with tachycardia in March. Iwas started on medication for BP and just got results of heart monitor
I wore for 5 days and I now have Atrial Fibrillation which will
hav to be treated. The thing is when I looked at the leaflet
with Plaquenil among lots of other things it said "tell Dr. If
you experience high BP or rapid hear rate. Well I showed both
my GP and rheumatologist the leaflet and they both said
they didn't think Plaquenil was the cause my AF. So who
knows.
Hiya Cloch, I've just cut and pasted this from the website, hope it helps..
Can hydroxychloroquine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
Common hydroxychloroquine side-effects What can I do if I experience this?
Feeling sick, stomach pain, loss of appetite, diarrhoea Remember to take the tablets after food or with a drink of milk. Stick to simple foods - avoid spicy or rich meals
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller
Eye problems (for example, blurred vision or sensitivity to light) Let your doctor know about this as soon as possible
Skin rash or itching If this becomes troublesome, speak with your doctor
Thanks Christine for the info. Did it mention BP or rapid
heart rate?
No it didn't Cloch, but if I was you I would research further, not that I would keep looking till I found what I wanted to hear...but I would ask a pharmacist/chemist.too..they are so very helpful here in Oz..have a lovely day..be blessed:-) xxxx
Thanks Christine I will do that. I'm just looking for reassurance
that it's not the medication that's causing it.