Plaquenil.....does it really restore some eye and mouth moisture??

[gold55]

Hi All,
I have one rheumatologist who says Plaquenil does improve some patient's dryness and then I have another rheumatologist who says IT DOES NOT!!!! 

With everything I've read here, all personal experiences, I would say it does restore some moisture in a lot of members taking Plaquenil. 

Why would the second rheumy (she's more experienced than the first) give me a flat out NO!  She is a D.O. so maybe she doesn't believe in treating with the stronger drugs???  Please help with your opinions!  thanks

[Cheryl]

Hi Gold,
I am not aware if plaquenil has helped dryness for me.  I do think that other members have noticed improvement, though.  I wonder if its anti-inflammatory properties might be the reason for that (?)
Cheryl

[drylady]

Hi Gold. I have taken generic Plaquenil since July 2010 and it has helped my dryness. It has really helped my eyes and inflammation in general.

I think it is individual what effects you'll experience from what I've read on here. I guess you'll have to try it and see what it can do for you. Personally I feel a lot

better on the drug.

[LouLou1981]

I've been taking the generic Plaquenil since May 2011. My symptoms were mild, I didn't even know anything was wrong until I had some blood work done for different reasons. My rheumy put me on it to stop the progression. All of my symptoms have gone down so much the only time I think about having SjS is when I take my meds in the morning and when I have a flare up.  Other than that it's in the back of my mind thankfully.

I know without it (due to finances I was unable to refill my Rx and didn't have any for about a 1 1/2 weeks. I KNOW, big NO NO, but we've had a rare tough time and I had to decide which was needed more - peanut butter and bread for my son for his school lunch or my meds for a few days) my symptoms come back - hair loss, dry lips, mouth, eyes and fingers.

Good luck!

[Sadie963]

I have only been on Plaquinel since last January but I do have a bit more moisture in my mouth. I'm considering starting Salagen since my rheumie mentioned trying it out on my last visit.

I don't notice any real improvement in my eyes. They are still pretty dry even with eye drops and plugs in bottom but I use a computer a lot at work too.

[Luna]

I have been on Plaquenil sinse june of this year. My doctor never said it would help with dryness. and it hasn't.

Luna

[Jellyb]

Hi, Gold,
My rheumy is older and seems to gave a lot of knowledge about SJS, and he told me from the get go, that plaquenil would not help with the dryness, but my eyes and sinuses are much better from the restasis, and I think my dietary changes have helped with the mouth dryness.

I think Cheryl is right about the anti inflammatory properties being a factor with the plaqenil.

[DragonflyC]

They're probably both right.

Plaquenil does not have a direct impact on dryness--it doesn't encourage tear or saliva production. It does, however, lower inflammation, and if our glands are less inflamed, it only makes sense that they will function better, which may lead to less dryness.

My take on it is that plaquenil can help with dryness, but it's in a roundabout way.

[ohiolady]

Both of my rheumatologist have said the studies do not show it helps with the dryness.

Anna

[A66eyroad]

I don't know whether it's helped with the dryness, but I do know that Plaquenil has given me my life back. Missing as few as two days makes a difference with me.

I understand about putting your child first, though, LouLou. It's a shame that it's had to come to that.

[gold55]

thank you for all the information.....now, does anyone feel the Plaquenil has helped stop the progression of your arthritis??  Some of the SJS arthritis can be agressive and erosive from what I've read!

[Duchess]

Gold55

It has helped with the joint pain and swelling I had in some fingers.

Duchess

[Luna]

It helped with the inflamation and has lessoned the pain some. I still hurt, but can use my joints (hands and feet and shoulders,etc. ) my fatigue is not better though.

Luna

[lindaneall]

I truly feel the Plaquenil has helped my dry mouth.  Unfortunately, it hasn't helped my dry eyes.

[KellyG999]

  Unfortunately it didn't help me at all. I was told there was a small chance it would help my dryness and a better chance it would help joint and bone pain. All I got was a 3 month long upset stomach. Others obviously had much better experiences than me! I sometimes think I am a martian. My body chemistry seems so different from everyone elses.

KellyG