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Lupus is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system cannot distinguish between threats (like viruses and bacteria), and healthy cells and tissue. As a result, the body produces antibodies that inflict cell damage, most commonly targeting joints, skin, kidneys and the nervous system. Join the group and find support for coping with lupus.

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Double up on Plaquenil?

kat1d1d
kat1d1d

Hi all! New to the DS support group. Does anyone take their plaquenil in a daily dose? It messes with my stomach so I've been bad about my morning dose. Is it ok to take all of it at once? In my case at night. Thx!

Jonsparky
Jonsparky
I don't think that is a good idea, best to take it as directed. I took it for 2 years, but my Rheumy took me off of it, now I am back to where I was before...
AnnNY
AnnNY
Originally, I was taking 200 mg so I took it once a day. When I was put on 400 I just assumed I should take in once a day as well. And that is what I did. After a while, my rheumatologist asked me about it. She suggest I take the pills separately. That said, since Plaquenil works on a long term basis, I doubt there is a huge difference taking it once a day. My rheumy didn't make a big deal about me taking both pills together.

However, some say that the brand name Plaquenil is easier on the stomach than generic. It may be difficult to get it depending on you insurance. Sometimes it requires an override and a lot of doctors don't really like to go through the hassle. It is something you might want to look into.

I always take it with food as a precaution, but I'm taking so many pills it is hard to know what causes stomach upset. It isn't very bothersome, so I just deal with it. I wouldn't want to stop taking Plaquenil.
kat1d1d
kat1d1d
thanks all! Woke up this AM and took my prescribed dose. Will go back to the 2xs a day even though my stomach just hates the stuff :( Hopefully this is temporary. I had FINALLY gotten my IBD under control, so it's a bummer to have to go backwards on something.
Katelyn
Katelyn
Hey! So I take 200 mg every day and at first I thought I was suppose to take 100 mg in the morning and then 100 mg at night. But my doctor said I could just take it all in the morning if that was easier for me to remember. So I would ask to be sure but I think if you shared your concerns they would be pretty flexible :)