Plaquenil = explosive diarrhea

Did that title get your attention? LOL.

 

Oh you guys. I took my 3rd dose of Plaquenil at supper tonight and 90 minutes later I was rushing to the bathroom.  The cramping, cold sweats, and explosive diarrhea was unimaginable. I thought I was going to pass out the pain was so bad.  I did give myself a much needed cleanse though.....

 

So is this a side effect that will go away SOON?  Like, one time's a charm and then it's done?  I can't go through that again.  Maybe I didn't eat enough?  Would that have helped? 

 

Now I have a headache and a bit of nausea.  Supper and the med was 4 hours ago.  This stinks (literally).

Ginny,
I'm sorry you had that experience! Yuck! What is your dosage? I've never had side effects with Plaquenil either. Of course, we all process meds to differently! I hope it was a one time thing! Otherwise, how are you doing? Love ya, Judy

Ginny, I had some very minor diarrhea, nausea, cramping for about a week when I started Plaquenil.  Everyone is different, but for me, taking the med about 15 min. after eating, rather than before or with a meal, makes things much easier on my stomach, even for just Advil.  I do think you should let your rheumy know.  It seems to me in Dr. Wallace's book and from other folks on this forum, that when there was trouble when first starting Plaq, they were taken off for a few days and then restarted at half the dose for awhile, building up to the full dose.  It seems to work for many.  I know you are sensitive to meds - just my two cents - but I wouldn't give up.  Maybe try another dose and if trouble persists - call the doc.  Hopefully, it's like Lynwood said - a one time anomaly.

Good luck - hope it works out!

Lucy

Ah - yes, the joys of starting plaq. I had that problem also for about the first 2-3 weeks of taking it, I also started at only 200mg/day and then after about 6-8 weeks went up to 400mg/day after I adjusted I was fine.

You may want to ask your Dr. if you can just start with 200mg/day for a little while then go up to the higher dose after your body gets used to it.

Hey!  Thanks for all prayers!  They're workin'.  I took my dose at supper with a big bowl of spaghetti.  I had mild indigestion but no poop.  None.  I'm so relieved. I just have to make sure I eat a good meal with it.

Yeah I agree with the above posts, I had to cut down from 400 to 200 because it felt like my kidneys weren't doing well. I can occasionally bump up to 400 for a while, but then usually have to go back down again.

I thought that plaquenil was more processed by the kidneys than the liver and the problem you describe is what my gi doc calls "dumping" when the liver can't handle the med and acts like its poison and you get explosive diarrhea as your body tries to get rid of it.

It can be that the total drug burden on your liver is too high, or that your liver is irritated for other reasons and the plaq is the cherry on the top.  I really have to shift the burden off my liver whenever I can.  If you started any other drugs, this can happen too. Its my classic reaction to all new psych drugs and new antiseizure drugs, including neurontin. My liver can't deal.

I hope you are doing okay. I've had some steroids lately so life is groovy.   Love, Marji

I am going on week three with the plaq and I have worked out a little routine. I get up extra eaelt, eat, take plaq and then wait for the explosive diarhea before I leave my house. It is a pain in the you kno what, but I have to do what I have to do!

I wasn't too bad with Plaquenil until I doubled the dose a few weeks ago to 400mg. Then I had explosive diarrhea I've settled down a bit but about once a week I have a really bad blow out. It's a bit grim really. But I'm starting to feel a lot better with my other symptoms, so a little digestive discomfort is worth it I suppose.

Hello AdvoK8:

Just wanted to welcome you to the forum, sorry that you need to be here but welcome. I just wanted to mention to you this post is really old and the folks who posted on this thread are no longer coming to HW.

If you would like to start a new post about yourself I'm sure there will be many more to stop by and welcome you. The folks here are very knowledgeable and kind. They are more than willing to listen and lend a shoulder when needed.

As for the the tummy issues with Plaquenil that is probably the most common side effect with this drug. Normally, most patients get used to this drug and the tummy issues go away. Glad to hear that you're feeling some of the good side effects from the drug. It can take up to the full six months before Plaquenil to fully kick in.

Good luck with everything and looking forward to getting to know you better.

Hugs,
Barbara

I started plaquenil at the end of January 2018 and the diarrhea has been horrendous and non stop. I take 200 mg's once a day after dinner and within an hour my tush is literally exploding. No cramping or nausea just pure liquid that's ready to fly!! I take Imodium when I go grocery shopping or have to go out but I have the fear that something ugly will happen. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten in my front door, toes curling and I'm running for the bathroom not even able to get my coat off. NO ACCIDENTS TO DATE THANK GOD!! There's just no warning for when this is going to hit. Does anyone have any tried and true remedies? Thanks so much!!