Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva. It also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it is rheumatoid factor positive in 90 percent of cases.
Hello. I have SS and am new to this site. I was just prescribed Plaquenil and was wondering if anyone could answer two questions for me.
(1) Does this drug help dry eyes and dry mouth or is it just for pain?
(2) I noticed that a side effect listed for this drug is hair loss. But I have also read comments from people taking this drug stating that it helped stop their hair loss. I'm confused. Does Plaquenil cause hair loss or prevent it??
(1) Does this drug help dry eyes and dry mouth or is it just for pain?
(2) I noticed that a side effect listed for this drug is hair loss. But I have also read comments from people taking this drug stating that it helped stop their hair loss. I'm confused. Does Plaquenil cause hair loss or prevent it??
Plaquinil affects the autoimmune system - so it can help with dry eye and dry mouth, but it does not specifically act on that. Evoxac or salagen directly affect the moisture producing glands. By affecting the autoimmune system, plaquinil can help with pain, dry eyes, dry mouth, fatigue - etc because the autoimmune system being out of whack is what caused those issues. Does that make sense?