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Plaquenil? - 12/16/2009 5:52:42 PM

dollparts85

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I was just prescribed Plaquenil by my Rheumatologist. (three 200 mg tabs daily) I was wondering if anyone has had positive or negative responses while taking this medication and would like to share? My doctor warned that there are some pretty bad side effects like vision loss and digestive issues but he said they aren't very common on this dose.

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RE: Plaquenil? - 12/16/2009 6:25:36 PM

DesFIP

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http://arthritis.about.com/od/plaquenil/a/plaquenil.htm
Since you're under 60, and at half the normal starting dose, you have nothing to worry about.

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RE: Plaquenil? - 12/16/2009 6:34:32 PM

dollparts85

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I thought the normal starting dose is 400 mg?

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RE: Plaquenil? - 12/16/2009 7:05:20 PM

LafayetteLady

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quote:

ORIGINAL: dollparts85

I was just prescribed Plaquenil by my Rheumatologist. (three 200 mg tabs daily) I was wondering if anyone has had positive or negative responses while taking this medication and would like to share? My doctor warned that there are some pretty bad side effects like vision loss and digestive issues but he said they aren't very common on this dose.

You are correct, the "typical" starting dose is 200 - 400 mg TWICE a day and you doctor is prescribing them three times a day. I'm sure you discussed all the side effects with your doctor and concluded that the side effects are outweighed by the benefits of using this drug.

I would never presume to tell anyone they have nothing to worry about as I am not their doctor and don't have any clue of their history or anything. I'm sorry that at such a young age, you are having to take such a drug. I hope that it does what it is designed to do and you see improvement in your condition soon.

As with any medication, pay attention to anything you experience that may be "new and different" and speak with your docotr about it. I hope better health (or better management of your problem) comes from your new meds.

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RE: Plaquenil? - 12/16/2009 7:14:22 PM

dollparts85

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Thanks. *hugs* I'm scared but anything that can improve pain would be wonderful...I'd be happy to just be able to get my damn right leg into the car without the help of my hands.

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RE: Plaquenil? - 12/16/2009 10:42:26 PM

LafayetteLady

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I do know how you feel. Some days you think you can't see straight through the pain. You are so much younger than me, and I'm sure that can make it even worse seeing your friends doing so much more. Just remember, there IS always a light at the end of the tunnel. It may take trying a thousand different types of meds (hopefully no where near that) to find the right one or combination that works, but it will happen. In the meantime remember that there is nothing wrong with every so often letting the frustration out. Whether you keep a journal and write a couple of pages of "THIS SUCKS" or whatever other words come to mind, maybe getting a video game (my pick would be something like whack a mole) that allows you to beat the crap out of something in a safe way, or even just taking 5 minutes to scream at the top of your lungs. It's ALL ok. Obviously you don't want to do it all the time, every day, but once in while when things get overwhelming, it helps, believe me. I'm sure a good portion of the world likes us to put on our "happy face" but sometimes you just have to let go.

So take a deep breath, hope the 2-6 months it will take for the new meds to really take hold goes quickly and think positive thoughts. I wish you well.

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RE: Plaquenil? - 12/17/2009 1:06:16 AM

wandersalone

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I was on it for a while a long time ago and had to have regular blood tests and vision checks with an ophthalmologist. My eyes were blurry while on it but it improved once I stopped

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RE: Plaquenil? - 12/19/2009 7:00:47 PM

ocongalieghsgirl

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just make sure that you have your doctor run testing after you've been on it for awhile......mine put me on it for my Lupus and never did the follow up tests...I wound up quiet ill from it... just be careful

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