Patient questions and answers
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I have been taking 200 mg of hydroxychoroquine for ten years for the mixed connective tissue disease and have been arranged for eye test annually. I am not diabetes or hypertension. Am I at risk of retinol toxi? Can retinol toxicity be reversed if I am initially or early diagnosed?
Long history of taking hydroxychloroquine is one of the risk factors of developing retinal toxicity. Therefore, patient who is put on hydroxychloroquine for more than 5 years is recommended to referred to Eye doctor for regular screening of any retinal side effect. Moreover, it is recommended to keep the dose of hydroxychloroquine not more than 5mg/kg/day if long term use is needed.
The side effect of retinal toxicity may be reversible if it is detected early especially during diagnosis by regular screening. You are recommended to continue the regular eye test and consult your doctor in-charge for your concerns. It is not advisable to stop the drug without any medical consultation.
I am a SLE with skin being the presenting problem. Can Aspirin prevent the heart disease arising from vasculitis ?
Aspirin may have a role in the prevention of coronary heart disease in patients with SLE. Its effect is mainly on the anti-platelet function i.e. prevention of blood clot formation on main blood vessels in the heart.
However, it is only recommended to use aspirin in patients with underlying high cardiovascular risk profile such as smoker, high lipid level, Diabetes Mellitus, poorly controlled SLE, long term use of steroid etc. It is essential to consult your doctor for assessment before making the decision of the use of aspirin.
My son at age 24 is diagnosed Behchets' Syndrome and his symtom has been lasting for some years. Currently he is residing in Canada and receiving Colcichine for 1 year. Doctors currently is not changing medication but Colchichine is fairly mild for treatment. Is there any other alternative medication/treatment, or my son returns to HK for treatment. Thank You.
Patient suffers from Behcet's disease may have a different kind of symptoms. The choice of medication depends on what kind of symptoms the patient is having.
Colchicine is usually given for patient with oral ulcer or some kind of skin problems. If it is not helpful, other medications are available such as steroid treatment but side effect is one of the concern. Your son is more appropiate to be seen by a specialist for further assessment. I am sure that specialist would be available both in Canada and Hong Kong.