Starting plaquenil, what to expect

Finally, after much drama and 2 trips to the ER, I've been started on hydroxychloroquinine (generic plaquenil).

As I'm leaving for vacation on Sunday, I think I'm going to hold off on starting it until I arrive. Kind of curious as to what I could expect. My primary symptoms have been extremely dry eyes, mouth, throat and lungs, joint pain in pretty much every joint, hands and shoulders worst, low grade fevers and edema (hands, face, stomach, legs).

Usually the first thing you notice is a bit more energy and then lessening of pain but, this usually takes several months so the sooner you start the sooner the relief.


I hope this medication brings you the relief you need. Take care and keep us posted

If you use one of those pharmacies that can transfer your perscription to the closest store near you it should be no trouble.

Some people have problems with it at first. Try drinking some milk with it and see if you feel better.