Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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Plaquenil - side effects

Angelpuss
Angelpuss
Has anyone had severe side effects with Plaquenil? My Rheumy added Plaquenil to my Prednisone and Methotextrate almost three weeks ago. MTX was also increased to 20mg (oral) ftom 15mg.
The last day or so, I've felt really ill and wonder if it could be a reaction. I'll ring my doctor after the weekend, but would appreciate any input in the meantime.
Thanks in advance
deleted_user
deleted_user
When you take plaquenil you need to have 6 month check-ups on your eyes. At least I did when I took it many years ago. It never helped me and I wasn't on it for too long.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm guessing the Ill feeling is from the MTX. I noticed a big difference when I switched to injections. That's what I'd suggest if you're OK with needles. The MTX did knock my RA into near remission for over 5 years so it's worth sticking with to see if it works for you!
camba
camba
Hey Angel - I think it might be the increased mtx but then not tried plaquenil. But didnt like how I felt although cant now put into words when I was only 7higher dose in 2006/early 7. I dropped it down again and put up with slightly more RA pain at that time.. Hope you get some more useful feedback - sorry to hear you not so good. Dont need that with Christmas Fever ahead....
camba
camba
Oops - that mucked up - was typing in semi darkness and missed keys. Meant to say was put on to 7 tablets (from 5) and felt horrible. After a couple of months I dropped it down and felt better even though there was initially a bit more pain.
Christine26
Christine26
Hi I have been on all the meds you have discussed and plaquenil I am not sure, but I would think the MTX may be the culprit. Hopefully whatever it is you will be feeling better soon.
Angelpuss
Angelpuss
Just an update. I stopped taking the Plaquenil from Sunday and started to feel better over the next few days. I spoke to my Rheumy today. He said I did the right thing and told me to make an appointment in the next week or so and we'll try something else. When I rang there had just been a cancellation for 8.15am tomorrow. How lucky can you be!!!
I also checked with my psych specialist as to whether Plaquenil could tip you into Depression and he said it can. That's exactly where I was heading fast and no way was I going there again. .Normally, I would only stop a med on doctor's advice.

Thank you all for your replies. I knew about the six monthly eye tests. My Rheumy would not let me start Plaquenil until I had rung my Opthamologist as I already had some eyesight problems.