New to this forum

Hi All! I was so happy to come across this site, I felt so alone after my diagnosis as I don't know anyone else with connective tissue disease. I have recently been diagnosed with Undiff. connective tissue disease with symptoms most like lupus per my rheum (muscle aches, dry eyes, dry mouth, leukopaenia, arm rashes, and major insomnia). The only test results to come back positive after my rheum consult were an ANA (1:1260) and a positive anti RNP (6.0). I began treatment on generic Plaquenil 200 mg. the first week and then 400 mg. for the last 2 1/2 weeks. I also began Restasis to help with the eye issues.

Unfortunately, I developed a rash on my face (near mouth) and on neck and the rheum advised me to discontinue the generic Plaquenil for a week and then re-introduce at 200 mg. to see what happens. I was heart broken, this medication was like a wonder drug for me - it was the best I felt in months.

Has anyone had this issue and been able to successfully re-introduce themselves to Plaquenil? I have seen some posts about generic vs. name-brand differences and different anti-malarial drugs but the amount of information is so overwhelming and I am doing good just dealing with the fact of having an autoimmune disease.....

Thank you!

Amber

The first time I used the generic I had a rash reaction, although not as extreme as what you are having. That was in 2002. I've been on the brand Plaquenil since then with great results.

And then last month they accidentally sent me the generic and I've been taking it with no problems this time.

SO I'd say give it another try like the dr suggests -- if that doesn't work then try the brand name. Also note that there are a couple of brands of generic plaquenil, so possibly if you ask at another pharmacy they may have a different generic that might work better!

Thank you for the info - you guys are great! I have been off the Plaquenil for a day and the rash has greatly improved. Hopefully restarting on the lower dose next week will not cause the rash to reappear...if so, I will discuss prescribing the name brand with my rheum. Keeping my fingers crossed that there is enough Plaquenil in my system to keep my pain level in check until I can restart