I've only used Plaquenil in conjunction with other meds, so I'm no help there. But, it was one of the first meds I started on...Methotrexate and plaquenil. Later added Sulfasalazine and now Humira. (Supposedly we are going to cut back on some of these meds at some point).

I do know that all the meds seem to take time for the effect to be felt. The only med I added that I felt quickly was when we added Sulfasalazine (then doubled the dose).

Sorry about your months of agony, but grateful you have a name for your enemy and can begin to fight back!

I don't have experience using Plaquenil alone, although my brother used it alone. It can take a while to be effective (4-8 weeks), so the best may be yet to come. I haven't heard of dry eyes being a side-effect of Plaquenil, per se, but it is very common with RA and other auto-immune disorders.

As far as your test results, they seem like they would indicate moderate to severe RA, but I'm sure your rheumatologist is looking for the path of least resistance for you. I'd be very interested to learn what you think of your rheumatologist. I live in Mt Shasta, and my RD is in Redding, but I travel to Sacramento for another issue, as it is, and I'd be willing to do the miles for an excellent rheumatologist.

Best of luck to you.

I was on plaquenil and mobic for awhile, but never just plaquenil. It sounds like your doctor is trying a conservative approach by using some of the older, less expensive drugs with fewer possible side effects. You may want to consider something that will be more effective for you. Talk to your rheumatologist!

And, welcome to DS. You'll meet some very supportive, helpful people here who are fighting the same battle you are.

Lynne

I was on Plaquenil with my Methotrexate, I took myself off the Plaquenil because my eyes were being effected a little too much for my liking, my vision was getting blurred and had dry eyes, I wear glasses and value my sight , my joints still feel the same with or with out it, this is only my personal experience, might work very well for others. it will take awhile to get the right combination of medications.
hang in there, you will feel better soon.

Thanks to all of you for your replies!

I'll ask my doctor on my next appt about a more aggressive treatment. My doctor seems nice, but I've only seen him once. I do know that he is chief of Rheumatology in Kaiser, Sacramento and has been practicing since early 70s --so, he should have lots of experience.

Although I am a bit scared about the future with this disease, I am glad that we finally found out what was wrong, and can finally start proper treatment.

It was very nice to find this board and to have people who can relate to talk to. Thanks again!

Hi! Welcome to our little band of fellow RA warriors! I was on plaquenil for sjogrens syndrome, which you may want to be evaluated for. It causes severe dry eyes and mouth. After about 5 years of treatment for that condition, I was diagnosed with RA and the doctor added methotrexate. At first it brought my inflammation levels down, but after a few months they increased and now I also take immuran. My doctor told me, and members of this site have said the same thing, that there are a lot of medications that can be tried, and that everyone is different. He told me to not get discouraged if they don't work right away, or if it takes some experimentation to get the right combination. Just hang in there and take care of yourself as best as you can.

I was never on plaquenil alone either, but it didn't seems to help me in any event . It's not the strongest of treatments. Also, when I was given a Rx for plaquenil I as told it could cause vision problems. So, being that you're experiencing dry eyes, I'd ask your doctor about a new medication. Hope you find one that helps you, good luck.

I have had some periods of time where I was on Plaquenil and just Advil and did fairly well. Other times I have needed more. I second DottieW's suggestion about getting checked for Sjogren's syndrome. I have that also. Good luck.

I'm on just plaquenil, as I am intolerant to most anti-inflammatories. It has kept my RA in check for over 2 years, and it does take a while to kick in! I recently went off plaquenil to see if it really helps, and I was out for about 3 months (weeks weaning off, being completely without it, and then weeks getting back on it) and I am just now back to my old self- but most people I talk to say that it helps them, it just takes a bit to get into your system. I hope it helps!

My first 6 months after diagnosis, I took Plaquenil and Prednisone. Plaquenil takes 6 months to work so you need something else to be effective in the meantime. Do you have a lot of inflammation? With those test results, you would think you would and might need a little extra help, but I'm not a doctor. I did and that was the purpose of the Predisone--but it also took away the pain. After 6 months, I have only been on the Plaquenil for another year after that. I have been in increasing pain ever since. So, since my doctor hasn't wanted to help me with other methods of treatment, I decided to find another one. This is a good post. From what I have read, I felt that the Plaquenil alone was not significant enough for what I was dealing with either. Having a good talk with your doctor about how you're feeling might be necessary. Good luck.

When I first was DX'd back in 2002, I started on 200mg plaquenil per day and have been on it since, having increased by dose to 400mg per day. Compared to the various RA meds, (other than the possible damage to one's retina), the possible side effects are pretty mild. When I started I remembered having some mild bloating, but after a few months. it subsided. You have to make sure to get your eyes checked every 6 months.

When I started with Plaquenil, my symptoms were very mild, so I can't tell you how long it took before the plaquenil started to work. I"ve been on it continuously since '02. I finally had to start on MTX and Humira because my RA suddenly started to get worse last August.

When I started taking Plaquenil, my RD started me on Vioxx and then switched to Celebrex. I decided that I did not want to continue with that class of drugs, so my RD switched me to Relafen, which in my opnion works equally well to reduce the inflammation as Vioxx /Celbrex. The only difference is that I have to take it 2x per day, instead of 1x, with Vioxx/ Celebrex.

Hi Hope and welcome to this nice group of people. I have had RA for the past 6 yrs. I am on Plaquenil, Arava,and Orencia. And this past winter, I am still in pain many a day. I am on Tramadol for pain.I have not been on just Plaquenil, If you are still having joint pain, then speak with your RA MD, he may have to add something or change your meds around. Good luck and I hope you are feeling better real soon.