Plaquenil questions
I started plaquenil recently due to RA. My foot is in pain all the time, and blood work came back with high numbers. This medication makes my arms itch. They say it takes awhile for it to work, but after a couple months, 2x a day, I see no improvement.
Hi,
! I am sorry you are experiencing some side effects with Plaquenil. You are right that it can take some time to reach full efficacy, so, you may want to stick it out a little longer. Itching and skin rashes are some of the more common side effects. I know you probably know this information, but I wanted to share some basic information about Plaquenil -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/hydroxychloroquine.
That said, I would definitely keep communicating with your physician if you aren't feeling comfortable on this medication. Most people do start seeing improvements in 1 to 3 months, so, yes, if you see zero improvement within the next month, maybe it's time to talk to your doctor. Also, if you start experiencing some of the more serious side effects listed in the link I share, let your doctor know immediately, just to be safe.
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
Thank you for the link, Erin! I too am having adverse reactions to plaquenil, so my doctor said I can take less frequently and I'm not saying the benefit yet but will continue for another month or so God bless 🙏
Thank you so much for your response. I'll give it some more time.
I think they had me on it for six months before they finally declared it not working, or maybe it was a year. Either way I remember getting those eye tests every few months to make sure my vision wasn’t deteriorating around the edges. Let us know if there’s anything we can do t help make it easier. Keep on keepin’ on, DPM
Hi, I've been on the generic versions of Plaquenil and Arthrotec, 2x per day, for about the last 20 years. They work very well. I did have a situation where generic provider (based in India, if I recall correctly) the generic hydroxychloroquine did not help me as well as the brand name, Plaquenil. The pharmacist hooked me up with a different supplier, and the pain relief returned. I hope you're taking the Diclofenac-Misoprostol with the Hydroxychloroquine. I was always told these two should be taken together.
On a side note, I started the oral drug Rinvoq, 15mg, about two years ago and it was working like a champ. Unfortunately, I retired, move to Florida and I'm on the Affordable Care Act (thank you, Mr Obama). I've been off my RA meds for over two months and the pain and swelling returned to all my affected joints. I'll see my new Rheumatologist on January 9th.... in the meantime, I'm on Aleve or Tylenol and they're limping me along, literally.
I always know when bad weather is coming, "It's going to rain. I can feel it in my bones!"
oh dear, I hope that you're able to get back on the medication that you need to get relief. I imagine January 9th can't come soon enough for you! We appreciate you sharing your experience about plaquenil for the other community members. Thanks for being a part of the community here. -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
Thanks Christine. Very true... I cannot wait for the new year. 😀 In the meantime, I dream of where I'd rather be.
oh wow, this is gorgeous! I think I'd rather be there also. Is this in Florida near you, or somewhere else? (I might have to add it to my list of places to travel to.) Hopefully the dreaming helps the time pass quickly! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
