Are you taking hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) to treat lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE)? If so, you may occasionally need an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever to treat joint pain or fever.

Tylenol (acetaminophen) is one of the most popular OTC pain relievers out there. Fortunately, it’s generally believed to be safe to take alongside hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and there aren’t any listed drug interactions. To date, no articles detailing serious side effects or adverse effects from combining the drugs have been published.

Many members of MyLupusTeam have taken HCQ and Tylenol together without problems. While advice from someone else’s doctor may not apply to you, it may be helpful to hear their experiences. “I take Plaquenil and Tylenol for pain when needed. My doctors prescribed it to me,” wrote one.

“My pharmacist also let me know that it was OK,” said another. “I also have prescription Tylenol 500 [milligrams] and take Plaquenil. I’ve been taking both for the past five years.”

If you’re concerned about taking Tylenol with HCQ, talk to your health care professional for personalized drug information with your condition in mind. They’ll help you decide what’s safe to take and what you should try to avoid. They may also be able to alleviate any anxiety you have about your medications.

What Is Hydroxychloroquine?

HCQ was originally prescribed as an antimalarial drug. Over time, doctors found that it could also be used to treat lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It can help lower inflammation in your body and, therefore, help reduce common symptoms of lupus like joint pain, stiffness, and swelling seen in these autoimmune diseases.

Some people find that HCQ alone is enough to keep their lupus under control. Others take it alongside additional medications to treat lupus and avoid lupus flares.

Other Over-the-Counter Pain Medications and Hydroxychloroquine

HCQ is safe to take with most OTC pain medications. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as aspirin.

If you ever need pain medication and are not sure what you can take, your health care provider’s office should be able to help you out. In fact, if your current treatment isn’t working, they may have the option to prescribe something different.

You can also ask your pharmacist, who should be able to tell you what you need to know about your prescriptions so you can stay safe.

Tylenol Risks

Tylenol is a very safe drug to take at recommended dosages. However, Tylenol overdose is a common cause of liver damage and even liver failure. It’s worth noting that acetaminophen may be present in combination drugs including cold remedies or opioids like Percocet or Vicodin, which may result in accidentally taking high doses.

If you have liver problems or another health condition along with lupus, consult with your doctor regarding the most suitable method of pain relief, such as Tylenol. They will also make sure that you are taking safe dosages.

Lupus nephritis develops when inflammation associated with lupus affects the kidneys. It can lead to kidney damage or kidney failure. If you are living with lupus nephritis and know you have impaired kidney function, remember that drugs that are safe for others may not be safe for you. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in the drug with the brand name Tylenol, is commonly recommended for people with kidney disease, including lupus nephritis. However, if you’re living with lupus nephritis, it’s important to get tailored medical advice from your rheumatology provider before you take any additional medications.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 223,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Do you take Tylenol and hydroxychloroquine? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.