Is this a plaquenil side effect?

[harrigan]

It's 5am here and I've been awake for nearly 2 hours with the itchiest legs in the world!  I was dreaming I was in a jungle with things biting me, then I was shopping and hunting everywhere for ointment to put on.  Woke up and realised its not a dream!  A couple of days ago I had itchy soles and sides of feet, then ankles which lasted a day or two.  This is everywhere from ankles up.  My skin is red and mottled and intensely itchy - can't help but scratch.

I'm just worried it is travelling upwards!  I've not eaten anything unusual or changed deterdents, so don't think it is an allergy.  Has anyone else had this - I'm still not sure what are symptoms of Sjogrens and what's reaction to meds - or unrelated to any of it!  Is anyone else around?  Feel like the loneliest, itchiest person alive!  Ailsa

[SassieCat]

Before I ever took plaquenil I used to get itchy spells.  My skin would turn red and it felt like I had been bitten and the itch was intense.  I would scratch but no relief.  Then ....... it disappeared.  It comes and goes every now and then in different places but just shows up at it's own time, stays, and leaves.  My girlfriend who I used to sit next to at work saw it happen one day and she just shook her head in disbelief, but; she saw it with her own eyes and even checked my skin with a magnifying glass and couldn't see anything.  Weird Huh?

[missyb]

Oh my I am not sure but maybe! I had experienced minor itchiness on my fore arms for a while.  But, in Jan 2006 I had been on plaquinil and feeling great, for about a month, then I suddenly had these hideous itching episodes on my arms and legs where I thought I would go mad! My skin would turn red and swell, especially if I exerted myself or got wet, even showering! I would scratch myself with combs and wire bristled brushes!  Finally they took me off the Plaquinil and decided I was possibly allergic. Then I was put on Imuran and it settled down after a month of steroids. I was on imuran for several years and had only minor episodes, been on minocin since last Summer and still only minor events, whew, that was awful! Sarna lotion was helpful. Good luck, be sure and tell your Dr.

[JannaLee]

I kind of think the itchiness is more from Sjogren's than from Plaquenil.

I've been itchy for 15 years now (usually it happens without the redness/rash, but not always) and since starting plaquenil a year ago it seems no different.  Now that you mention it, my episodes happen most often when I'm in bed!

Who the heck knows for sure!  Isn't this fun?!...falling apart one piece at a time! Ugh...

Janna

[jonnell]

Ailsa,  My 4 year old Jenna was just put on plaquenil, her Rhumy told us her skin would be itichier then normal.

[Scottietottie]

Hi Ailsa 

Have you read the leaflet inside the Plaquenil box? Skin rashes and itching are down as a possible side effect and it suggests you talk it over with your doc.
reading the possible side effects is actually quite scary but I know its possible to be on it and not to have any of them.

Take care - Scottie 

[dbab]

Itchiness is frustrating because it can be so many possibilities to the cause.  The Plaquenil is a possibility, could be the generic if you take it.  If you do, maybe the brand will be better for you.  Some people find this is the case.  It could be from the Sjogren's itself (nerve problems, dry skin, etc.).  You also may want to get your liver enzymes checked because itchiness can be caused by liver problems also.  Definitely think its worth a trip to the Dr though.

[beverley]

I would be cautious about abandoning Plaquenil as SJS has so many odd side effects in itself, you may be cutting off your nose to spite your face.  The benefits of Plaquenil when it works are unquestionable and if the itching is intermittent it might be something that is worth putting up with occasionally in order to keep the good things.

Hope the symptoms subside soon.

Beverley

[Jesse88]

Plaquenil has never caused itchiness for me, but I have read that SJS makes the skin drier and that can cause itchy skin.  I'd be very certain that it's the Plaq. and not something else before you decide to stop taking it.  It's a very valuable medication for this disease.  I hope you get relief soon.  I can imagine how miserable you must be.

[Lotus1]

You poor thing!!  It is such a pest itching in bed.  Sorry I've no solutions to fix the problem.  Usually use garment I'm wearing or sheets  to kind of scratch, but doesn't do much good.  Like others I doubt it is an effect from plaquenil.  Hang in there!!
Lotus1

[harrigan]

Thanks everyone!  Went to bed last night expecting to wake in the night with the itchies and slept till 7.30am!!  The best night's sleep in ages.  I think you're right - occasional itchiness will be worth it for the eventual benefits of Plaquenil.  I will just have to grit my teeth and keep my nails short!

[ChmpgnLove]

I had a severe allergic reaction to plaquenil.  It started with severe itching, that I could only explain as bugs crawling under my skin. Then came the vomiting, diarrhea and severe migraine (it even hurt to have a cold wash cloth on my head).  My rheumatologist told me to take benedryl & stop the plaquenil immediately. I wish I would have been able to take it, because everyone seems to have success with it.

[Billydude]

Thats an effect of Sjogrens not Plaquenuil!!!!

[beverley]

I guess medications react in different ways with different people.  If that wasn't the case, we would all be on the same stuff.  Hope your symptoms settle down and that you are able to stick with plaq.

Beverley