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Posted 1/9/2011 5:35 AM (GMT -8)
My RA just started me on Plaquenil this past week. I've heard so many great things about it so kind of excited. But... Wow am I having side affects. Incredible joint pain, diarrhea, gas. I can definitely survive it now if it will help in the long run!! Has anyone else had many side affects from it and how well has it helped you? Thanks for any advice!!
Stacy
Posted 1/9/2011 6:43 AM (GMT -8)
Hello, I was on plaquenil for 5 years, apparently way too long, you must be careful for your eyesight because plaquenil can make the retina of the eye detach, I had my glasses changed 3 times in the same year and i had to see and ophtamologist every 6 months, I was also on prednisone, 3 different types of antidressants, nexium, flonase, and more....I do not take any more medication i could not handle anymore the side effects, i had such bad ulcers from the medications i could not eat anymore, with the help of a doctor i quit all medications and now i only use medical marijuana, which i am studying very much, I hope this info is helpful to you and I wish you the best of luck, take care all .
mercure
Posted 1/9/2011 10:12 AM (GMT -8)
Hi Stacy,

Plaquenil is one of the meds used in Lupus that has the least side effects. The eye problems that can occur are very rare and are usually seen in higher doses (more than the typical 400mg a day) but it is recommended that you get your eyes checked every 6 months. The good thing is, the damage will be reversed once you stop the meds. As always, if you notice a difference in your vision, see your eye doctor asap.

Be sure to take the plaquenil with food, the GI symptoms should get better over time. I have so many GI problems that my rheumy started me off slowly, 1/2 tab every other day and I slowly worked my way up to a full dose with no problems. I have also heard some people don't tolerate the generic pills, some people need the brand, so just keep an eye on your symptoms and let your doctor know if you don't see an improvement.

Best of luck to you!
Posted 1/9/2011 12:03 PM (GMT -8)
Ditto for what jhmom said. I had problems with the generic and switched to the name brand. I have no had GI symptoms from the name brand. Also, you might want to start off slowly and work your way up making sure you take it with meals. They tell me plaquenil doesn't work overnight. I've been on for 2 weeks and starting to feel less fatigue. I have an appt with a new rheumy tomorrow and suspect I'll be put on prednisone. But, if you need relief from pain, what are you gonna do? I also hope he can clarify my diagnosis. I have a positive ANA, speckled pattern with high sed rate. Don't know for sure what it is. So far, they just said mixed connective tissue disease. Good luck to you.
Posted 1/9/2011 4:18 PM (GMT -8)
I really appreciate the advice. I can definitely see where starting out slow would be to my advantage. I also take Medrol and Keppra. It's probably more than my body (or my digestive track) would like.

Jean I hope you come back with some good news tomorrow. I was on prednisone too. It did well for a while but I couldn't sleep at all. Even with Ambien. Hopefully you have better luck!!

Mercure I'm sorry you had such bad luck with your medicine. I'm hoping I will never have to make the choice you've had to. I've heard a lot of good things about medical marijuana but am very leery of it. Your brought up programmed that is such a bad thing even though it can have a positive effect on some. Good luck to you and thanks for the advice.
Posted 3/10/2011 8:58 PM (GMT -8)
I'm going to start this medication. I will be giving feedback on how it reacts on me. May it take the pain away and the fatigue. God Speed.
Posted 3/11/2011 8:04 PM (GMT -8)
http://www.drugs.com/pro/plaquenil.html
Posted 3/13/2011 6:12 AM (GMT -8)
I'm going on my third month of Plaquenil.. The GI problems are gone. (turns out I've become lactose intolerant) No releif on the symptoms yet. I've heard it takes a while to take affect for some. I've been uping my dosage of Medrol so won't be too sure when it does work.

Good luck Littlesrebel. I hope it does wonders for both of us!
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