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Urinary tract infections and Lupus

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Posted 12/18/2019 6:37 PM (GMT -7)
Dx in 2017, I was put on Imuran. In 2018 I had one UTI. January 2019 added Plaquenil. Since then I've had 6 urinary tract infections.. Have just completed a thorough urological exam including CT, bladder scope & pelvic exam., all unremarkable. My labs have all been good. Urologist agrees with me that maybe introduction of Plaquenil contributed to this situation reducing my body's ability to fight off infection. Anyone else experienced frequent UTIs under combined treatment of Imuran & Plaquenil?
Posted 12/19/2019 4:06 AM (GMT -7)
I was on a combination of Imuran and Plaquenil for about a year and never had a UTI.

Unfortunately, Lupus can choose anywhere to attack and it sounds like yours is targeting the urinary tract. Unless the Imuran is really helping with other symptoms, you might want to move along to trying another treatment.

Plaquenil is used to inhibit disease progression - most of us are started on it immediately and need to remain on it long-term. Takes 2-3 months to build up in your system.

Generally a rheumy will then choose one of these three; Imuran, Cellcept, or MTX to inhibit the over-active autoimmune system that is Lupus. There are no clear guidelines that recommend starting with one of these over the others -- and it's hit-and-miss which one will work best for any individual patient. It's simply trial and error!!

For me, Imuran did nothing. No positive results, and no side effects. So my Dr moved on to Cellcept, which was a miracle medication for me. Others here have gotten great results from either Imuran or MTX. It may be time for you to try Cellcept or MTX and see if your symptoms are improved without those pesky UTIs.

(The third set of meds are Benylsta and IVIG for the extremely bad situations.)

Best wishes,
Posted 12/19/2019 5:04 AM (GMT -7)
My rheumatologist started me on Imuran. After 16 months he asked why he never gave me Paquenil. Duh? Game plan is to try 1/2 dose of Plaquenil for 3 months & see if any more UTIs. It was only after the introduction of Plaquenil the UTIs began. It was my suggestion & he ok'd. Wondering now why he didn't suggest 1/2 dose of Imuran instead. Urologist started me on cranberry & vitamin C in hopes it would retard UTI. Hasn't seemed to help.
Posted 12/19/2019 7:08 AM (GMT -7)
I found this article on Lupus & UTIs https://ard.bmj.com/content/63/4/431

I was unable to find anything relating Plaquenil and UTIs.

All I can suggest are the usual UTI precautions - unsweetened cranberry(or in pill form), vitamin C, diet low in sugars and white carbs, drink lots of water.

Let us know how it goes.
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