iso studies to support plaquinel use

[4Kids]

I am going to see my rheumatologist today. For some reason, she doesn't use Plaquenil with me. I would love to try it. Any studies you know of to support the theory it may stop progression?

Thank you,

Jackie

[DragonflyC]

I don't have any studies, but I have some references from reputable sources documenting the use of plaquenil in treating Sjogren's:

Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sjogrens-syndrome/DS00147/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), a drug designed to treat malaria, is often helpful in treating Sjogren's syndrome. Drugs that suppress the immune system, such as methotrexate or cyclosporine, may also be prescribed.

WebMD: http://arthritis.webmd.com/hydroxychloroquine-sulfate-for-sjogrens-syndrome
Hydroxychloroquine is one of a group of medicines that were used for years to treat malaria. These medicines are now also used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sj?gren's syndrome.

Dr. Robert Fox's "Sjogren's Syndrome: A Guide for the Patient": http://dry.org/fox20020816/guide.htm
In patients with more severe arthralgias or arthritis, stronger medications called ?disease modifying anti-rheumatic agents? (DMARDs) need to be used.  Perhaps the oldest and safest is hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), which is used in a dose based on weight (up to 7 mg/day per 2.2 pounds of body weight).   This drug has a slow onset and takes about 3 months to kick in.  The drug labeling warns of build up in the retina.  This warning derives from many years ago when the drug was used in high dose (often up to 15 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight).  When the correct dose is used, the risk of retinal damage is estimated to be about 1 in 10,000 (which was not significantly different than control groups). 

If your doctor is not taking Sjogren's seriously as a disease that requires treatment, you might want to show her this study about the impact of Sjogren's on patients' quality of life: http://www.hqlo.com/content/7/1/46

I didn't find anything proving that plaquenil slows the progress of Sjogren's. You might be able to find one for lupus, which is very closely related to Sjogren's.

I hope that helps!

--C.

[4Kids]

She gave it to me for hair loss so i am happy to give it a try!

[DragonflyC]

That's great! I hope it helps. If you have fatigue and/or joint pain, you might find that it does wonders for those symptoms, too.