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Plaquenil (anti malarials) are they immuno suppresants?

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Posted 6/23/2009 10:42 PM (GMT 0)
hi all ... just wanted to start a thread to debunk something i've seen on many lupus boards ... please understand that i am *just* a patient and get my information from doctors and not off random websites

are anti malarials immuno suppresants?

i've copied a very insightful response someone made on another board

In his hardcover, Dr. Daniel Wallace devotes a whole section to Plaquenil. He actually says it's NOT an immune suppressant, unlike the other 2 categoreis of DMARD's (= steroids & flat-out immunosuppressants). He describes how it alters the acid/base ratio in our cells, which somehow discourages production of unwanted autoantibodies. Something like that, anyway...

please feel free to add your comments
Ang
Posted 6/23/2009 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
That's correct, it is NOT an immumosuppressant, but it is known to inhibit the progression and flares of lupus.

It is well documented in Dr Wallaces's book, which is well-known as "THE lupus bible" across the world. That is why it is almost always prescribed at the first visit if lupus is suspected, even before tests are run.

Cheers,
Posted 6/24/2009 4:38 PM (GMT 0)
It was originally used as an antimalarial drug. It has an antiflamitory agent which originally was used to decrease fever in those with malaria. Im not sure how they figured it would work with lupus or RA, trial and error maybe. Thank God for it though
Posted 6/25/2009 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
I agree, thank God for it. I have RA and plaq gave me my life back.
It is not an immune suppressent but it does suppress the immune system and leave people somewhat more vulnerable to infections.
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