First time on Plaquenil

I've been on 400mg per day since June 8th. I just went for my first evaluation with my optomalogist (that's an MD eye doctor). He said it is rare to have problems, but it's important to be preventive and see him regularly for evaluations. If you're careful and watch for any vision changes you'll be fine.

You'll feel even better in three months on that dosage. I'm at six months and 95% of my pains are gone. I still get tired but it's not as bad. This week is a flare week for me, though. Energy is gone for now...

I have been on Plaquenil 200mg (sometimes 400mg when Lupus flares up) since 2006 and never had any problem with it. I get my eyes checked once a year to make sure everything is ok.

Ooops! Sorry I have trouble sometimes remembering how to spell. Stupid fog! Always sneaking in on me and embarassing me. *_*

Thanks to everyone who replied. I am supposed to see an eye doctor on the 15th of this month and I'm sure I will get my eyes checked when needed. I hope I am able to stay on this medicine because it seems to be helping so far. Thanks again to everyone.

sylviarose

Mittendorf's dot a congenital anomaly manifested as a small gray or white opacity just inferior and nasal to the posterior pole of the lens, representing the remains of the lenticular attachment of the hyaloid artery; it does not affect vision.

Ah -- congenital issue, so can't have anything to do with Plaquenil!

I've been on Plaquinel for so many years that I have to stop to think how long it has been.  Maybe 10 years?... Usually the dose has been 200mg twice a day but sometimes less.  I am very glad I started taking it as I think it has kept my lupus from progressing--I've not had major organ problems.

My eye doctor said that he had worked with hundreds of patients who were taking plaquinel in a research program and in all of his years he has never seen a patient whose eyes were affected. I quit worrying about it.

See your eye doctor regularly out of precaution-- but don't worry about it. I think this is one of the medications with the least side affects to be concerned about.

SIS

I tried to take Plaquenil but it made my tongue swell up and I wanted to claw my face... so my Dr. took me off of it...

I am 21 years old and I have just been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis. I've just started the generic form for Plaquenil (200mg twice a day), does anyone know any long-term effects it might have? I assume I have a long ways to go with this medication and I am only 21..also they are going to do further tests for RA and Lupus but this medication seems to be a good starting point for someone who might have either disease.

Thanks

Plaquenil is used to treat certain auto-immune diseases (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis). It belongs to a class of medications known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). It can reduce skin problems and prevent swelling/pain and flares in Lupus, though it is not known exactly how the drug works.

I have to use the name-brand Plaquenil as I seem to be mildly allergic to the generic (rash). But I've been on it since 2002 without any noticeable side effects. Once in a while, it can start to affect your eyesight, and your doctor should have advised you to see an ophthalmologist at least once a year s a precaution.

There is also an on-line test that you can do at home - Plaquenil and Your Eyes. This page will also give you more information.

Hope you feel better soon,

I have just recently (2 1/2 weeks) started on plaquenil. I don't have lupus but ZI'm being treated for an undiagnosed inflamatory authritis. As of now they are unable to find a name for what I have. Since starting the plaquenil I have experienced servere heartburn and in the last two days servere leg cramps that wake me from sleep. The eye concerns are a top priority for me becaause I have already had a retna detachment in my right eye and have retnopathy (holes in the retne) in my left. (All before begining plaquenil) I guess my question is is anyone else experiencing these side affects and what can I do to improve or stop the problems? I read somewhere about taking the plaquenil with milk. (I''m lactose intolerant, have acid reflux and an ulcer) Any suggestions about the leg cramps? It's like I'm adding to the problems instead of treating them. I'm unable to take prednisone which was helping the swelling and joint pain but I had to be removed from it because of my osteperosis and bone infarct. I'd like to give this medicine a chance to work but I have to manage the side affects. All feedback is appreciated

Thanks

Kookie

Joy

Thanks for responding. I was on a diaretic for about a year but the results didn't justify my continuing to take it. It's so frustrating because the prednisone was really helping but I can't stay on it. Today is like the third day since I've been off the pred...... My hands and feet have already began to swell. Also with the swelling my bp has gone back up. I will make it a point to take the plaquenil with my morning and even meals. It's just been dificult to eat because of the heartburn. I found that applying "Manteca la Ubre" (which is similar to Icy hot but without the icy), helped last night with the muscle cramps.

I have been taking plaquenil, generic also, since 2005. Like others say, rare to affect eyes, but can cause blindness that goes away when med is stopped. I have MCTD. He thinks the plaquenil (200mg) and Vit D (50,000 units RX every two weeks) hopefully will keep me from developing full blown lupus. ANA positive is an alarm for various autoimmune diseases.

Moky