Plaquenil

I had this prescribed to me by a rheumatologist. At first when he described it as something to keep your immune system from attacking your joints I thought it probably wasn't a good thing to take because I don't want to weaken my immune system. I'm mostly treating lyme with herbs and low doses of doxycycline. But now I've read online that some people use this in treating lyme and I am wondering if anyone has taken it and can tell me how effective it is and if they know anything about the risks or safety of using it.

Sure plaquenil is hydroxchloroquine (chemical compound). It is a mild base and that is primarily what it does in the body. It alkalizes your cells, this is helpful in lyme as lyme makes your cells more acidic. So it can help make lyme patients field better. As you mentioned it may also modulate the way the immune system functions as well. It can make antibiotics, in particular the macrolide class work much better in a more basic environment, these will work as much as 40% better when paired with plaquenil. Some claim that all intracellular antibiotics including tetracyclines (doxy, mino), macrolides, rifampin, quinolones, etc. It was shown in a study in Europe to be a mild cyst buster in lyme but in a US study had shown little effect on lyme cysts so it is not clear if it is for sure a cyst buster but could potentially be a mild one. It may interfere with some enzymes lyme makes.

Side effects are relatively few and it is a fairly mild drug when taken at the prescribed dose and not exceeding 400 mg per day. the only major side effect is possible eye damage as the drug may accumulate on the inside of the eye. This is usually reversible of the drug is discontinued and it is caught early. It is recommended to get eye exams every 6 months when on the drug. But it is actually rare for that to occur and with the dose of 400 mg, as long as that dose isn't exceeded the risk of the eye side effects is very minimal. That is the sweet spot for maximum benefit while minimizing the side effects.

I was given plaquenil and told that it made the azithromycin work better. It gave me diarrhea really bad every time I took it. I definitely felt different. Whatever it did to me made me feel absolutely horrible!

I guess it was herxing? Not sure. But it whooped me. I'm scared to take it again I've been off it for like.... 2 weeks or so?

Hi Green33, I am in the same situation. I can't afford an LLMD. My coworkers sister just went to one and it was $650.00 for the visit and bloodwork. It's not an option for me. I have a pcp who does not believe in chronic lyme and my 2nd picc line was denied by my insurance company. I went on line and spent the last 2 months looking for a regular Dr who specializes in Lyme and I did find one and he will see me on a consult basis. I may have to pay out of pocket for the visit and it's 3 hrs away but he said he would work with my pcp once he starts me on meds. The meds should be covered by insurance-hopefully! My point is don't just look for an LLMD where it's out of pocket, there are great MD's who might help you and work with your pcp or even refer you to a Dr who treats Lyme patients. Good luck!