A Break from Plaquenil??

[CAT1962]

I just read a recent post where some too a break from Plaquenil. Why would someone do that? Is it necessary to stop it sometimes?? I have been taking it for a month. I am having so few joint aches, I want to MARRY Plaquenil, not stop taking it! 

Is there a REASON that it SHOULD be stopped??

[anita]

A reason it should be stopped???  NO

Don't forget, Plaquenil has a half-life of 1-2 months, so those that do stop it, have to do so for a long time to TRULY be OFF it.  I can't imagine why one would stop it...if it's helping.

[Skylar]

I was off it for about two years - I changed my diet and all my symptoms went away except the dry eyes and my markers which improved. I did this with the permission of my Rheumatologist and it wasn't done thoughtlessly - in fact I was and am very aware that it will take several weeks to months before I see any improvement.  My Ophthalmologist saw huge improvement with my eyes so I only used Restasis intermittently in the winter when it was very dry - I'm back full time on Restasis too thanks to this flare.

If I had continued having symptoms I would have continued with Plaquenil and other medication - I did not have any side effects or other reasons to go off this medication.

[gurs]

All heck broke loose when I stopped my plaquenil..3 months later, lost most of my hair, joint pain, neuro symptoms started, fatigue, dryness etc.
When I tried taking it again, I had more side effects..wouldnt stop unless a doc instructed you to do so.....

Not many meds out there to replace it with. It halts the progression of this nasty disease.

Gursie

[eyeamdry]

I've been on it for 4 years with no mention to stop.  I think people think up this stuff to scare us..

[sis]

On my recent visit to the Duke Sjogren's Clinic the Doc told me I could take plaquenil the rest of my life.
It is a very safe drug.

I have high hopes it will be as helpful to me as it has been to many of you.

[Skylar]

I've been on it for 4 years with no mention to stop.  I think people think up this stuff to scare us..

I again want to make it clear - I don't think anyone should go off Plaquenil unless their Doctor tells them to do so. Of all the drugs to treat this disease, Plaquenil, IMO seems to have the least side effects and problems and is one you can take your whole life.

I went off just because almost all my symptoms, especially the bothersome ones, went away. Now two years later, after major surgery, I'm have a flare so I'm back on Plaquenil. This is all done with approval of my Rheumatologist - I didn't do this independently and I don't think anyone here should either.

[CAT1962]

Skylar, doesn't Plaquenil slow or relief the symptoms? That's why you may have stopped it, because now you are back to it again...? I hope that it works for a LONG time, as I will definitely stay on it.

GURS: omg...hair loss from stopping it?? I am NOT stopping it...LOL. I had thinning hair before!