Divya Prakash Divya Prakash Asked 5 months ago

Does hydroxychloroquine cause weight loss?

On hydroxychloroquine for a while now, and actually noticed losing a few kilos without really trying. Not complaining, but curious. Is weight loss a known side effect of taking hydroxychloroquine?

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6 answers

Deepak Mehta Deepak Mehta Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago
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Man, I wish my weight loss was due to this medicine, but honestly, it only gave me a bit of mild nausea in the beginning. Some people do lose weight because of stomach irritation or loss of appetite initially. Talk to your doc if you're dropping kilos too quickly without trying.

Ritu Phogat Ritu Phogat Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago

I recently recovered from a major lupus flare-up and was on HCQS for a while. I did notice a small drop in my weight, but my doctor said it was because my body's inflammation was finally coming down. If the weight loss is sudden or high, definitely get it checked.

Vikram Sen Vikram Sen Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago

Yes, hydroxychloroquine can cause decreased appetite and mild gastrointestinal issues, which might lead to weight loss in some patients. It is not meant to be a weight-loss drug, so if the drop is significant, you should consult your rheumatologist to adjust the dose.

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Consult a dietary specialist

Sarla Devi Sarla Devi Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago

Dawaai khane se thoda pet me garmi ho jaati hai aur khane ka man nahi karta, isiliye wazan kam ho sakta hai. Aap doodh aur halke phal khate rahiye taaki kamzori na aaye. Doctor babu ko ek baar dikha lenge toh achha rahega.

Ramesh Kulkarni Ramesh Kulkarni Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

With all these joint pains, I wouldn't mind losing a couple of kilograms, but HCQS shouldn't cause drastic weight loss. It usually just messes with your taste buds or causes mild acidity early on. If you're shedding weight like a teenager on a diet, go ask your doc why.

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Sheryl Fernandes Sheryl Fernandes Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

It can cause mild weight loss, mostly because of side effects like nausea or diarrhea when you first start the therapy. Try taking the tablet after a full meal to minimize stomach upset. If the weight loss continues past a few weeks, let your prescribing physician know.

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