Quitting Plaquenil Take Two

[mshistory]

Now that I've been on Imuran for a few weeks, I'm going to try going off the Plaquenil again. I've read generic Plaquenil can cause skin rashes - I wonder if it's the cause of some of mine? - and it rarely causes bronchospasms. All of my pulmonary problems started in the last year since I've been on Plaquenil...

Last time I tried to quit the Plaquenil, my joints started swelling soon after, but I really want to see if the Plaquenil is causing more problems than actually doing any good, so wish me luck!

(P.S., I have my rheumy's approval to go off the Plaquenil  )

[lolo1979]

Good luck!  Do keep us posted, as I am considering weaning down and trying to go completely off too.  My goal would be to get that done in the next 1-2 year period.  I am of the same mindframe as you - wondering if it's causing some of my new ailments that have cropped up coincidentally since I started it. 

My new issues are hair thinning, IBS like problems and a thumb tremor. 

But, like you, I think I'll have to replace it with another medication.   Methotrexate is what my rheumy is recommending.

I hope you do well without it!  I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[Ark mom]

I, too, am wishing you well!  I hope the imuran takes care of your symptoms and that you don't have to be on the Plaquenil, too.   Good luck! 

[Skylar]

Good luck and please post how it goes. I'm on both Imuran and Plaquenil so I'm very curious about how it works out for you.

[Cdbhappy]

I am glad you are trialling off plaquenil, and with doctor approval. Let us know how it turns out.
Best of luck
Cdbhappy

[mshistory]

Thank you everyone! I'll keep you posted on how it goes!

[evamarie]

Yes, please let us know how it goes.  I would love to come off the Plaquenil.

[artsyamerican]

I hope you get positive results.  I just quit Methotrexate and most of my side effects are gone now.  I know the pain and stiffness will return 10 fold but...I don't care! Good luck!

[gold55]

Good on you MsHistory!!  I sure hope going off Plaquenil works for you.  I think it would be wonderful if you could lessen your symptoms and your pill intake.  I will be crossing everything on my body that can be crossed for you!  Ha!

[smallfry]

Keeping my fingers crossed hope that it all goes well for you.

[mshistory]

Thank you everyone!!! I have been off the Plaquenil for 9 days now and so far, none of my symptoms are getting worse. I do think the Imuran must be helping in some respects since my joints have not swollen and when I stopped the Plaquenil, I also decided to try to stop taking Relafen every evening. My knees and fingers still hurt but it's completely bearable right now without the use of pain medications.... so yay!!!

My lungs and breathing are still problematic, and I got the malar rash looking thing on my face to clear up with the Imuran and it's been replaced with a rosacea rash that will NOT go away!! Geez, it always seems if we can get one issue to improve even a little, another one takes its place 

My rheumatologist said it takes up to six weeks for the Plaquenil to clear the system, so hopefully, I'll continue to have positive updates!

[CindyD]

Good Luck for sure!!! Wishing you all the best! Im going to see my Rheumy in a month and I dont know what meds I SHOULD ask about.... they seem to all have their own issues. LOL  Best of Luck!!!

[slccom]

CindyD, please don't assume that because some people had issues with a particular medication you will. I believe that the majority of us take our meds without problems; they don't post about having no problems. And the consequences of NOT taking meds can be far, far worse than taking them.

Plaquinel has been giving me my life back. I'm getting my home reclaimed from utter disaster to just disaster, and progress is ongoing.

Sharon

[gold55]

My Mom is 82 and very ill and they just recently put her on Plaquenil!!!!   She's already on 23 pills per day but she pops that 400 mg dose each day and has no complaints!!!  I couldn't believe it but she's bound and determined something has got to work for her RA pain!  I can't wait to hear about her progress

[Patze]

Good luck MsHistory!



Patze