Guest guest Posted August 30, 2001 Report Share Posted August 30, 2001 , 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 30, 2001 Report Share Posted August 30, 2001 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 19, 2003 Report Share Posted November 19, 2003 , 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, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2003 Report Share Posted November 20, 2003 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2003 Report Share Posted November 20, 2003 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. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 20, 2003 Report Share Posted November 20, 2003 > 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 > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2003 Report Share Posted November 21, 2003 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 > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 22, 2003 Report Share Posted November 22, 2003 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. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 16, 2003 Report Share Posted December 16, 2003 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, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 16, 2003 Report Share Posted December 16, 2003 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, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 16, 2003 Report Share Posted December 16, 2003 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, > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 17, 2003 Report Share Posted December 17, 2003 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. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 17, 2003 Report Share Posted December 17, 2003 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, > > > > _________________________________________________________________ STOP MORE SPAM with the new MSN 8 and get 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=dept/bcomm & pgmarket=en-ca & RU=http%3a%2f%2fjoin.msn.com\ %2f%3fpage%3dmisc%2fspecialoffers%26pgmarket%3den-ca Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 17, 2003 Report Share Posted December 17, 2003 > 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 17, 2003 Report Share Posted December 17, 2003 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... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 18, 2003 Report Share Posted December 18, 2003 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2004 Report Share Posted January 6, 2004 , 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, > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2004 Report Share Posted January 31, 2004 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 31, 2004 Report Share Posted January 31, 2004 > 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 19, 2006 Report Share Posted January 19, 2006 --- 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 __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 28, 2006 Report Share Posted April 28, 2006 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2006 Report Share Posted May 2, 2006 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 > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 2, 2006 Report Share Posted May 2, 2006 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 > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2006 Report Share Posted June 3, 2006 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 __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 3, 2006 Report Share Posted June 3, 2006 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 __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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