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Posted 1/19/2020 4:39 PM (GMT 0)
My daughter’s LLMD wants to add a Plaquenil pulse to my daughter’s protocol and thinks it might boost her babesia treatment. I’ve read mixed reviews on this drug and it seems that most lyme drs use it to increase the efficacy of certain Lyme treatments but not as much for babesia. It also is used for certain autoimmune conditions, which concerns me. If Plaquenil suppresses the immune system, why are some Lyme drs using it in their protocols? Most Lyme drs have strong opinions about avoiding anything that may lower the immune system. What makes Plaquenil any different? Nervous to start this medication so I appreciate all your thoughts!
Posted 1/19/2020 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
“Suppresses the immune system” is a very generic statement. It’s know to suppress chronic inflammatory pathways. It won’t suppress NK cell or white blood cell activity, so there’s no risk that it makes her vulnerable to infection. It’s a relatively benign drug that you can stay on indefinitely. Some drs really like it in combination w other antibiotics.

I was prescribed it for an autoimmune issue. It was helping, but then I read that it’s known to exacerbate psoriasis symptoms, and since psoriasis runs in my family I decided not to poke the beast. But I never had any concerns other than that, it’s very benign.
Posted 1/19/2020 4:56 PM (GMT 0)
Dcd, thank you that helps and actually makes sense. I’ve got major trust issues with drs and second guess pretty much every change so it’s nice to bounce questions off of you all that I didn’t know or think to ask during an appointment!

Post Edited (Upatnite) : 1/19/2020 10:15:54 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/19/2020 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
theyre supposed to test eyes prior to treatment as plaq can affect vision . rhuemys luv it but ya though it may be antiprotozoal it has an extremely long half life so if she doesn't like effects it will be a long wait to wear off(22.4 days!) . use kinesiology to see if compatible or check dosage to her body...:
Posted 1/19/2020 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
bluelyme... yes long half life bothers me too. I like to be able to just ship if needed. Don’t have access to kinesiology. Thanks
Posted 1/19/2020 7:11 PM (GMT 0)
Optic nerve should be checked at start of taking Plaquenil and periodically while on it.

Is it going to be dosed daily?

If so, with that long half life it will be in the system a long time.

My LLMD, DrJ doesn’t use it.
But I think Dr H does.
Posted 1/19/2020 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
Girlie
She’s had an eye exam recently but I don’t think her optic nerve was specifically looked at. Is that done by dilating the eye? I need to check into this. It’s to be taken 3 days a week consecutively. The long have life bugs me as well.
Any particular reason you know of that Dr J doesn’t use it?
Posted 1/19/2020 7:45 PM (GMT 0)

Upatnite said...
Girlie
She’s had an eye exam recently but I don’t think her optic nerve was specifically looked at. Is that done by dilating the eye? I need to check into this. It’s to be taken 3 days a week consecutively. The long have life bugs me as well.
Any particular reason you know of that Dr J doesn’t use it?

I think it's called a Visual Fields test. I did have it done...and it was separate from my regular eye exam.

No, I haven't discussed plaquenil with Dr. J.
Posted 1/19/2020 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Ok thanks Girlie
Posted 1/19/2020 8:56 PM (GMT 0)
Yup it’s a visual fields test. I had it, it’s easy. They should check at the start of treatment for a baseline, and then once yearly after that.

But quite frankly if she’s using plaquenil + another antibiotic combo i imagine she won’t be on it that long, at which point it won’t matter. It’s more important for those who are using it as an anti-rheumatic agent and plan to stay on it indefinitely, as plaquenil can deposit proteins on the optic nerve over time I believe. But still probably should get it done
Posted 1/19/2020 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
Dcd good to know... not sure how long he’s planning to try it but maybe short term is ok
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