Plaquenil

[Guest guest]

,

All patients who take long-term plaquenil require regular

special eye examinations to monitor for signs of a rare, but

potentially serious eye toxicity. The toxicity can affect

the back of the eye, called the retina, and can lead to

visual disturbances, color blindness, and even loss of

vision. The eye doctor can often detect changes that suggest

toxicity before serious damage occurs, so regular eye

checks, even when feeling normal, are mandatory. Steroids

also can affect vision, so anyone on them long term should

have regular eye examinations too. I hope you're not

developing a toxicity to the plaquenil.

a

[ ] planqunal

Hi everyone,

Things are busy as usual here. Just started work again

this week (students will be in school next week). Have to

get back into the swing of things again. I have a question

for you, I was told that planqunal (excuse my spelling) can

cause eye damage. How do you know??? I am seeing the eye

doctor next week, but I have been having problems with my

eyes for awhile - my eyes are sore and I can't see with my

glasses sometimes. Any information would be appreciated.

P

[Guest guest]

Jo,

It sounds like your aunt and mother have Sjogren's syndrome,

which is an autoimmune disease that causes

dry eye and dry mouth.

a

Re: [ ] planqunal

Dear ,

I'm not sure about the placquenil question, but I'm

guessing that seeing an opthamologist regularly would be a

good idea.

However, you should know there is a type of arthritis

of the eyes. My aunt and my mother both have it. Their

eyes are frequently dry, which makes them sore and they have

difficulty seeing sometimes. I don't know if your eye doc

is the right one to ask about that, or your rhemdoc. My

aunt and mom get their eye Rx for the arthritis from their

rheumdoc.

Just wanted to let you know about the possibility.

I hope everything goes well at your visit. Please

keep us informed.

Jo

[ ] planqunal

Hi everyone,

Things are busy as usual here. Just started work again

this week (students will be in school next week). Have to

get back into the swing of things again. I have a question

for you, I was told that planqunal (excuse my spelling) can

cause eye damage. How do you know??? I am seeing the eye

doctor next week, but I have been having problems with my

eyes for awhile - my eyes are sore and I can't see with my

glasses sometimes. Any information would be appreciated.

P

[Guest guest]

,

Plaquenil is the only medicine that has helped

me with no bothersome side effects...I've never

been on methotrexate, that would be if the plaquenil

didn't help me...I did have to take prednisone short term,

only about 6 weeks till the plaquenil kicked in...

Good Luck,

[Guest guest]

Hi,

My name is Theresa. When I was diagnosed with RA 2 years ago, my Rheumy put

me on plaq. It did OK but I would still have flare ups. My insurance co.

dropped my Rummy in Oct. 2003 so I have a new Rummy and today was my first

visit.

After talking with me for 20-30min. and examining me, he drained fluid from my

knee. That was a first for me. He also gave me a shot to relieve pain. I also

am on methotrexate. 6 pills once a week. I don't feel it's working for me. My

old Rheumy put me on metho. in June. My new Rheumy want me to continue taking

metho. but he is giving it to me in a shot form. He say's the shot is better

and works faster. As far as side affects, I didn't have any. Hope plaq. works

for you.

Theresa

[Guest guest]

So why are you changing, ? Is the MTX not working or are the

side-effects bothering you? Were you taking 7.5 mg total once a week?

Sorry you're frustrated.

[ ] Plaquenil

> Well, my new rheumy has decided I should be on plaquenil instead of

> methotrexate. I have been on mtx for 11 weeks now, and am already

> experiencing the joys of having a chronic illness with frequent

> medication changes. Yay. She told me to continue to take the mtx

> for about a month, and slowly taper off of it--instead of three pills

> take two a week for a couple of weeks, and then one pill a week for a

> couple of weeks. However, she warned me that my stomach may not be

> too happy about any of this, so if the diarrhea gets really bad just

> to stop the mtx altogether. Anyone here make the change? Have any

> tomach probs? Anyone here LOVE their plaquenil and want to tell me

> how much better I'll feel??? Please?? Sigh... Just frustrated, as

> usual.

>

>

[Guest guest]

> Hi,

> My name is Theresa. When I was diagnosed with RA 2 years ago, my

Rheumy put

> me on plaq. It did OK but I would still have flare ups. My

insurance co.

> dropped my Rummy in Oct. 2003 so I have a new Rummy and today was

my first visit.

> After talking with me for 20-30min. and examining me, he drained

fluid from my

> knee. That was a first for me. He also gave me a shot to relieve

pain. I also

> am on methotrexate. 6 pills once a week. I don't feel it's working

for me. My

> old Rheumy put me on metho. in June. My new Rheumy want me to

continue taking

> metho. but he is giving it to me in a shot form. He say's the shot

is better

> and works faster. As far as side affects, I didn't have any. Hope

plaq. works

> for you.

>

> Theresa

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Theresa,

The mtx takes up to 3 months to be effective. The injections are more

effective than the pills, so hopefully you will get results soon. Do you

know what was in the shot he gave you for pain? How is your knee today?

Sometimes it gets sore after being drained. I used to get mine drained

before they were replaced. They were drained and then I got a cortisone

injection. It lasted for several months.

a

> Hi,

> My name is Theresa. When I was diagnosed with RA 2 years ago, my Rheumy put

> me on plaq. It did OK but I would still have flare ups. My insurance co.

> dropped my Rummy in Oct. 2003 so I have a new Rummy and today was my first

> visit.

> After talking with me for 20-30min. and examining me, he drained fluid from my

> knee. That was a first for me. He also gave me a shot to relieve pain. I also

> am on methotrexate. 6 pills once a week. I don't feel it's working for me. My

> old Rheumy put me on metho. in June. My new Rheumy want me to continue taking

> metho. but he is giving it to me in a shot form. He say's the shot is better

> and works faster. As far as side affects, I didn't have any. Hope plaq. works

> for you.

>

> Theresa

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Do you have morning stiffness, ? Who made the original RA diagnosis

and on what basis? Without swelling and a positive RF, I wouldn't have

RA at the top of the list of possibilities.

I agree that Plaquenil would be a good choice if you aren't sure what's

going on.

It's possible that you could have some sort of overlap syndrome. Having

a complete diagnosis of RA and full diagnosis of lupus concurrently is

rare.

Maybe it's time for a second opinion.

[ ] Re: Plaquenil

> Mostly because it's not working, I don't feel better and she's not

> convinced what I have is RA. She thinks there's def. something going

> on, but it might not be RA...or it might. I've heard this before.

> On clinic exam I show no signs. I don't have swollen joints, just

> very painful ones. I also have many signs of Lupus, and a positive

> ANA, sed rate, and a negative RA factor. So, while I may have it, I

> also may have Lupus, or something else. So she thinks Plaquenil is a

> btter drug for people who aren't 100% defined as RA. I just don't

> know what to think anymore. I will believe I have RA until someone

> tells me otherwise, but I won't be surprised when they say I actually

> have Lupus, kwim? On my recent hand x-rays it showed some joint

> narrowing and mild bone loss, so I still think it's RA, or at least

> partially RA. She was very suprised at my poor flexibility, since I

> was a gymnast my whole life. (Until 7 years ago) Oh well... One

> day I'll figure it out. I didn't start it yet--I will tomorrow. I

> just wanted to make sure I didn't have major stomach issues at work.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I usually do not post but.....I;m more of a lurker.... here goes

Well went to my Rheumy yesterday. I have had diarrhea for a few months now

on and off. Figured it was from the Plaquenil that I take for my RA since it

started around same time. I was on the generic brand told my doc about the

diarrhea and he switched me to brand name which I did well with for a few

months.

Now it started again (diarrhea) . Well doc took me off it for next 2 weeks

to see if that was it. Since I;m going through a bottle of immodium a week!

I am also on Sulfasaline but we starting with being off Plaquenil first. I

thiink its the Plaquenil personally since it started before I went on the

Sulfasaline. Has anyone else experienced this problem. If it is the Plaquenil

causing it he mentioned he might put me on Methotrexate. I also have

Fibromyalgia. Perhaps Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

thanks,

[Guest guest]

Sorry about the diarrhea, . That can't be any fun.

I can understand why you are wondering about IBS since there is a strong

association between IBS and FMS. Did you ask your rheumatologist if it

could be IBS?

You're in a difficult situation since the diarrhea could be caused by

the Plaquenil, sulfasalazine, and/or IBS.

Here's a good article on IBS from eMedicine.com:

http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1190.htm

I hope you and your physician can figure it out soon.

Re: [ ] Plaquenil

> I usually do not post but.....I;m more of a lurker.... here goes

>

> Well went to my Rheumy yesterday. I have had diarrhea for a few

months now

> on and off. Figured it was from the Plaquenil that I take for my RA

since it

> started around same time. I was on the generic brand told my doc

about the

> diarrhea and he switched me to brand name which I did well with for a

few months.

> Now it started again (diarrhea) . Well doc took me off it for next 2

weeks

> to see if that was it. Since I;m going through a bottle of immodium a

week!

>

> I am also on Sulfasaline but we starting with being off Plaquenil

first. I

> thiink its the Plaquenil personally since it started before I went on

the

> Sulfasaline. Has anyone else experienced this problem. If it is the

Plaquenil

> causing it he mentioned he might put me on Methotrexate. I also have

> Fibromyalgia. Perhaps Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

>

> thanks,

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am also on Plaquenil, and also have irritable bowel syndrome. I

have had a major increase in diarrhea since starting the Plaquenil--2-

3 weeks ago now?) Just wanted to let you know you are not alone...

> I usually do not post but.....I;m more of a lurker.... here goes

>

> Well went to my Rheumy yesterday. I have had diarrhea for a few

months now

> on and off. Figured it was from the Plaquenil that I take for my

RA since it

> started around same time. I was on the generic brand told my doc

about the

> diarrhea and he switched me to brand name which I did well with for

a few months.

> Now it started again (diarrhea) . Well doc took me off it for

next 2 weeks

> to see if that was it. Since I;m going through a bottle of

immodium a week!

>

> I am also on Sulfasaline but we starting with being off Plaquenil

first. I

> thiink its the Plaquenil personally since it started before I went

on the

> Sulfasaline. Has anyone else experienced this problem. If it is

the Plaquenil

> causing it he mentioned he might put me on Methotrexate. I also

have

> Fibromyalgia. Perhaps Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

>

> thanks,

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I had terrible diarrhea from metformin, a diabetes medication, until I

started eating yogurt every day. I wonder if this would help in this

case. It could be worth a try. The yogurt has to have the live culture.

It worked a miracle for me.

Sue

On Tuesday, December 16, 2003, at 03:30 PM, kittycat2u2@... wrote:

> Well went to my Rheumy yesterday. I have had diarrhea for a few

> months now

> on and off. Figured it was from the Plaquenil that I take for my RA

> since it

> started around same time.

>

[Guest guest]

Dear

Many years ago i was on plaquenil, and i had the trots from it also. I have

heard rice pudding is good for slowing down the bowels, but i guess the best

thing is your drs advice, good luck and take care

hugs and smiles

Janet

>From: " " <Matsumura_Clan@...>

>Reply-

>< >

>Subject: Re: [ ] Plaquenil

>Date: Tue, 16 Dec 2003 17:36:14 -0600

>

>Sorry about the diarrhea, . That can't be any fun.

>

>I can understand why you are wondering about IBS since there is a strong

>association between IBS and FMS. Did you ask your rheumatologist if it

>could be IBS?

>

>You're in a difficult situation since the diarrhea could be caused by

>the Plaquenil, sulfasalazine, and/or IBS.

>

>

>Here's a good article on IBS from eMedicine.com:

>http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1190.htm

>

>

>I hope you and your physician can figure it out soon.

>

>

>

>

>

> Re: [ ] Plaquenil

>

>

> > I usually do not post but.....I;m more of a lurker.... here goes

> >

> > Well went to my Rheumy yesterday. I have had diarrhea for a few

>months now

> > on and off. Figured it was from the Plaquenil that I take for my RA

>since it

> > started around same time. I was on the generic brand told my doc

>about the

> > diarrhea and he switched me to brand name which I did well with for a

>few months.

> > Now it started again (diarrhea) . Well doc took me off it for next 2

>weeks

> > to see if that was it. Since I;m going through a bottle of immodium a

>week!

> >

> > I am also on Sulfasaline but we starting with being off Plaquenil

>first. I

> > thiink its the Plaquenil personally since it started before I went on

>the

> > Sulfasaline. Has anyone else experienced this problem. If it is the

>Plaquenil

> > causing it he mentioned he might put me on Methotrexate. I also have

> > Fibromyalgia. Perhaps Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

> >

> > thanks,

> >

> >

_________________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

> Well, my new rheumy has decided I should be on plaquenil instead of

> methotrexate. . . . Anyone here LOVE their plaquenil and want to

tell me how much better I'll feel??? Please?? Sigh... Just

frustrated, as usual.

>

,

Plaquenil is the first medicine I went on for Lupus (with Predinsone

a close second). It took a couple of months, but I did notice a huge

improvement in my energy level. I could go to work all day and still

have energy to cook dinner.

As to the side effects - try a big bowl of Cream of Wheat when you

take your pills- it absorbs the stomach acid and helps alot with the

possible diarria. I also MUST take Prilosec daily (it's over-the-

counter now!!).

Respectfully,

AAS

[Guest guest]

Plaquenil is the only that has worked for me, but it takes a few months to

kick in...I haven't had any really bad side effects yet...Been on it 7

mths....My sister has been on it much longer and swears by it...Hope it brings

some

relief to you...

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 17/12/2003 12:52:35 Central Standard Time,

askehan@... writes:

> As to the side effects - try a big bowl of Cream of Wheat when you

> take your pills- it absorbs the stomach acid and helps alot with the

> possible diarria. I also MUST take Prilosec daily (it's over-the-

> counter now!!).

>

>

You wanna know what helped me? I had a really bad time with the combo of

plaquenil and arava....I had loose stools numerous times every day..it was a

real

bummer at work! Anyways, I bought fiber tablets-the generic form of fiber

con. It helped. It wasn't a cure completely, but it kinds " firmed things up "

if you know what I mean, and fiber is good for you and I just didn't want to

add another med if I could avoid it.

So there you have it! Cary

[Guest guest]

,

My RA doctor put me on Plaquenil back in October and I started having

diarrhea ever since. It has been horrible to say the least. When I saw my

doctor in

December she said to try taking one a day instead of two a day and then try

alternating once a day and then twice a day until I could be back to normal

schedule. I tried doing that and still had diarrhea until this past week it

stopped and know I am experiencing constipation which I would rather have.

Also,

I have IBS too. Don't know if any of this helps and sorry for my reply being

so late but I have been out of town and just got back and I am trying to catch

up on my email.

What other meds does your RA have you taking if you don't mind me asking?

Wanda

In a message dated 12/16/2003 4:46:02 PM Central Standard Time,

kittycat2u2@... writes:

> I usually do not post but.....I;m more of a lurker.... here goes

>

> Well went to my Rheumy yesterday. I have had diarrhea for a few months now

> on and off. Figured it was from the Plaquenil that I take for my RA since

> it

> started around same time. I was on the generic brand told my doc about the

> diarrhea and he switched me to brand name which I did well with for a few

> months.

> Now it started again (diarrhea) . Well doc took me off it for next 2 weeks

> to see if that was it. Since I;m going through a bottle of immodium a week!

>

> I am also on Sulfasaline but we starting with being off Plaquenil first. I

>

> thiink its the Plaquenil personally since it started before I went on the

> Sulfasaline. Has anyone else experienced this problem. If it is the

> Plaquenil

> causing it he mentioned he might put me on Methotrexate. I also have

> Fibromyalgia. Perhaps Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

>

> thanks,

>

>

[Guest guest]

it takes placinil 6 months to start working . my doc told me this . so hang in

there. mike

loutique@... wrote: I am also new to writing here but wanted to respond

about Plaquenil. I

have been on it for almost 3 months---so far no help I can see( or feel). I

also have diarrhea after eating dinner ( when i take it)---very tiring in

itself after awhile. I also have alot of trouble with fatigue---napping at

least an hour every afternoon. I don't believe Plaquenil is known to help with

the fatigue at all. I just read taking acidofolous ( sp?) would help with

the diarrhea---I'm going to look into that. Hope this helps. Louise

[Guest guest]

> it takes placinil 6 months to start working .

From what I've read, Plaquenil usually starts working much sooner,

but if no effects are seen after six months, the doctor should stop

the medication and try another treatment.

Sierra

[Guest guest]

--- eandsspivey <ereese@...> wrote:

> What do they add to Plaquenil? That's all I'm on

> right now and it has

> lost its effectiveness. I go back soon and hope

> they can do something

> else.

>

Hi:

I was on Plaquenil for almost 2-1/2 years when first

dx. It did really well, and then gradually the RA

became more aggressive, and it was less effective. My

doctor tried to add Methotrexate to it, but this did

not help. Then she dropped the Plaq, and added Arava

to the Mtx. This worked for about 6 months until side

effects including peripheral neuropathy made me

discontinue the Arava. Then I was on Mtx alone for

quite a few years, and now I have been on Enbrel too

for the past 6 months and this combo is working well.

There are many meds that the doctor can try to add to

your Plaquenil, or even replace. I hope that some med

or combo of meds is able to help you soon. Best of

luck -

Kathe in CA

Kathe in CA

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

I take Plaquenil and never had the experience of being exhausted. It did

help me, but took many months. I've always been pleased with the results.

Good luck, Dorothy

[ ] plaquenil

I started taking plaquenil yesterday and ever since then I have been totally

exhausted. Does anyone know if this is a side effect of the med? Have any of

you experienced it? I'm not sure if it's the med or the RA or what.

Thanks,

Darlene Ashcraft, 50, RA

[Guest guest]

Plaquenil takes a long time to kick in, give it some time and then

decide. I have been on plaquenil for a year and have alot less

inflammation. Yes I am tired, but I was tired before I took it.

>

> I take Plaquenil and never had the experience of being exhausted.

It did

> help me, but took many months. I've always been pleased with the

results.

>

> Good luck, Dorothy

> [ ] plaquenil

>

>

> I started taking plaquenil yesterday and ever since then I have

been totally

> exhausted. Does anyone know if this is a side effect of the med?

Have any of

> you experienced it? I'm not sure if it's the med or the RA or what.

>

> Thanks,

> Darlene Ashcraft, 50, RA

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Plaquenil takes a long time to kick in, give it some time and then

decide. I have been on plaquenil for a year and have alot less

inflammation. Yes I am tired, but I was tired before I took it.

>

> I take Plaquenil and never had the experience of being exhausted.

It did

> help me, but took many months. I've always been pleased with the

results.

>

> Good luck, Dorothy

> [ ] plaquenil

>

>

> I started taking plaquenil yesterday and ever since then I have

been totally

> exhausted. Does anyone know if this is a side effect of the med?

Have any of

> you experienced it? I'm not sure if it's the med or the RA or what.

>

> Thanks,

> Darlene Ashcraft, 50, RA

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Motown, When my rhuemy wanted to put me on plaquinal he made sure that I saw my

opthamologist first...He wanted to make sure I did not have any problems, Only

after I got the Okay from my optomologist did he write the prescription. The

opthamologist mentioned that plaquinal affects the retina...and one must have a

check up every six months if on plaquinal.....I tried it for two months....Must

say I felt better, but my stomach was way out of whack...Whent off of it and

have been achy ever since...Hugs

motown <motown_4@...> wrote: I went to my opthamologist this week and as

soon as I

sat in her chair, I was asked if I was taking

Plaquenil. There was real concern in her voice. They

are seeing such high evidence of eye related problems

that they even have a diagnosis code on their

paperwork.

I refused the Plaquenil when my rhuemy asked me to

take it and boy, did I get yelled at.

I have eyes that are already hurt and I wasn't willing

to put them on the line, because of my RA.

As far as rheumys go, if they take you off all meds

(in my opinion) it's time to go back to your family

doctor and tell him/her you hurt.

It's a known fact that there are groups of people that

hurt and if the doctor (your GP) can't control the

disease(hense the rheumy) your GP can control the

symptoms.

I am so lucky to have a GP that has records on me that

go back 7 years before I got RA.

If I am in pain, he helps. Whereas my rhuemy says...if

you would just take prednisone, you would feel better.

Since I am one of the group that can't do steroids ie:

birth control, prednisone, etc

My rhuemy says I am on my own with the pain issue.

I am so glaD she is wrong. I am not alone , I have a

GP :-)

Just something to think about.

Mo

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Plaquinl can cause eye problems and you are told to get an eye examine every

year when on it, but i took it for several years and never developed any eye

trouble, in fact my eye doctor tole me it does not happen that often. in

WI

linda yeakel <lindayeakel@...> wrote: Motown, When my rhuemy wanted to

put me on plaquinal he made sure that I saw my opthamologist first...He wanted

to make sure I did not have any problems, Only after I got the Okay from my

optomologist did he write the prescription. The opthamologist mentioned that

plaquinal affects the retina...and one must have a check up every six months if

on plaquinal.....I tried it for two months....Must say I felt better, but my

stomach was way out of whack...Whent off of it and have been achy ever

since...Hugs

motown <motown_4@...> wrote: I went to my opthamologist this week and as

soon as I

sat in her chair, I was asked if I was taking

Plaquenil. There was real concern in her voice. They

are seeing such high evidence of eye related problems

that they even have a diagnosis code on their

paperwork.

I refused the Plaquenil when my rhuemy asked me to

take it and boy, did I get yelled at.

I have eyes that are already hurt and I wasn't willing

to put them on the line, because of my RA.

As far as rheumys go, if they take you off all meds

(in my opinion) it's time to go back to your family

doctor and tell him/her you hurt.

It's a known fact that there are groups of people that

hurt and if the doctor (your GP) can't control the

disease(hense the rheumy) your GP can control the

symptoms.

I am so lucky to have a GP that has records on me that

go back 7 years before I got RA.

If I am in pain, he helps. Whereas my rhuemy says...if

you would just take prednisone, you would feel better.

Since I am one of the group that can't do steroids ie:

birth control, prednisone, etc

My rhuemy says I am on my own with the pain issue.

I am so glaD she is wrong. I am not alone , I have a

GP :-)

Just something to think about.

Mo

__________________________________________________