Question/Comment:

I was prescribed Plaquenil by my Rheumatologist for my Lupus. Within 1 week I could already feel a difference (much less joint/muscle pain). HOWEVER, after being on the med for only 1 month I developed a very dangerous allergic reaction (swollen face and severe skin rash). I was one of the unlucky few who have this kind of reaction to this med. In fact, my Rheu told me that he had never seen such a sever reaction to this med. I was heartbroken that I had to be pulled off the med. I was then put on Prednisone for 3 weeks to clear up the swelling and rash. I have now been on Cymbalta for 3 months and it has done wonders. I feel like I've got my life back.

Question/Comment:

I was put on this medication for joint pain associated with Sjorgren's and Fibromyalgia. I was told it usually takes up to 2 months before you notice any improvement. My new Rheumatologist was very informative about the side effects, especially the potential vision problems. She told me to get my eyes examined 90 days after the start of the medication and if that checks out okay, than yearly exams will do fine. Is anyone taking this for the Sjogren's joint pain, if so, how is it working for you?

Question/Comment:

I am new here. I am a 38 yr old female, and did not have any joint, muscle, pain issues until the birth of my daughter in April of 2006. It has been 2 1/2 yrs, and many dr.'s later, and I am still going to my 3rd Rheumatologist on Oct. 29th, 08. My last Rheum. told me, when she kept telling me "take plaquenil for your disease" "this will help your disease" after I saw her on 3 occassions, and she never gave me a clear indication of what was going on with me. When I finally said "what disease? what do I have?" she stated to me "well, it's a mixed bag of tricks"!!! I was appalled. I have 3 children, and I would guess I am not the first story like this here. I pulled all my records from my dr's from the last 2 1/2 yrs and I see this lady said I have an overlap of Lupus/Rhem Arth/Sjogrens. She did not tell me to my face, just to my PCP. It is extremely frustrating. However, I am also, since 17 yrs old., on Phenobarbital and Topamax for seizure control. (I was 17 when I had my first seizure) I am not sure how plaquenil would "mix" with my meds. that I already take.

Question/Comment:

I have an agressive Osteoarthritis. I have widespread invovement. Have two total knee replacements (done at age 2) and now need a revision on one of them. The plastic inserts in the knees have flaked off and the bone in my knees has become different that than the regular bone. I also have cavities in the knee.

Plaquenil is the only thing that has slowed down my arthritis. Have tried going off it -- but there is nothing else so I start it again. My rheumatologist has quite a few people with my kind of disease on Placquenil. They have all responded. Think I was the guinea pig in trying it for osteoarthritis. Others have been started since I had good results.

I have the thin peeling and chipping nail problems, with thickened cuticles. I have blackening of some of my skin, especially if it has been damaged. Also have had thinning of my hair. Guess these are all "minor" problems since I wouldn't be moving without the Placquenil. It is very expensive (interesting since it is an old drug). I can't take the generic because it doesn't have the coating and it sticks in my throat. Am on 300 mg day (1 1/2 pills) which seems to do the job. Only have had flares of the arthritis when I have gone off the Placquenil for a while.

Question/Comment:

How much hair loss may be expected in the avaerage patient? Does Plaquenil really do much to help with the fatigue associated with lupus and APS?

Answer/Reply from iGuard:

Although about 10% of iGuard patients experience hair thinning/loss on plaquenil, less than 3% report significant side effects.

Plaquenil may also cause drowsiness/grogginess - about 5% of iGuard patients reported this. However, 81% of people think the benefits outweigh the risks of the medication.