Plaquenil Side Effects

[Thea]

Wow. Sure glad I found this board. I'm in my late fifties, recently diagnosed with inflammatory osteoarthritis and secondary Sjorgrens--at least that's the current theory. It all seems a bit vague at the moment. The pain and fatigue are a problem, but it is the SS dry mouth/eyes/nose  symptoms that are driving me batty! I've already learned a lot from browsing here.

But I have a question. I have just started Plaquenil. I have a history of GI issues, so am concerned about the stomach/bowel side effects I've read about. For those of you with GI issues on Plaquenil ... How long did it take for the problems to show up?

Thanks in advance!

[Joe S.]

Not every one has a bad experience with the drug as I did. I suggest that you check for counter indications, side effects, and interactions.

[litliwlowa]

Hi Thea

Welcome to the boards.

Thus far, and I have been on plaquenil (generic hydroxycholorquine) since March 2013 and have not experienced any adverse effects.

As for GI issues, I am sure to take it with a meal (not on an empty stomach). And haven't noticed any associated GI issues (and I have GERD for many years and I haven't noticed plaquenil affecting the GERD adversely)

Oh a couple of points to be aware of IF you take OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or tylenol or pain meds containing one or the other. Need to space apart between doses.

If that applies to you,  check with your pharmacist and/or doctor. I have that situation and have to time my plaquenil an hour apart from ibuprofen and on days I need pain med, another hour apart for that. I am given to understand the issue is them hitting the liver at the same time and that by spacing out according, gives one the chance to process through the liver well before the next med.

Also, I am on 6 month retina exams (teensy risk of retina damage, teensy - so eye doc recommends 6 month checkups so IF there is a problem we catch it on the front end) and my rheumy runs bloodwork every six months while on this medication.

Amanda

[Sleepy In Seattle]

I never had too much of a problem with it, but I believe the G-I side effects generally show up pretty quickly.

Most people do get used to the drug if they can stick through the initial "adjustment phase" - sometimes folks start on a lower dose (200mg/day) and work up to the full dose - often taking one in the morning and one at night. Some people do better with the brand-name than the generic, for others it makes no difference.

Always take it on a full stomach - that helps.

Many people find that taking it with dairy is a BAD idea...causes more gas and cramping. Not everybody, though.

Many people also tend to have VERY INTENSE and vivid dreams in the first couple of months on Plaquenil.

And it usually takes 4-6 months before you see the full effects of the drug - it takes quite a long time to build up to therapeutic levels in your system. The effects tend to be so gradual you don't really notice them - but one day in the late summer or fall, you may notice that you just generally have had more energy lately, or that you're more active and less achy. That's the Plaquenil!

I hope it helps you!!!!

[eye2dry]

I have been taking it for over 3 years now.

Never had any problems with it and it really has

helped me with my joint pain.

My rheumy said that if it always works for me...I can take

it for the rest of my life. I see my eye dr. every 6 months

to keep watch on my eyes.

eye2dry

[finallyadx]

Hello.  I had some GI issues the first three months - had to figure how to take it with a meal and I also had to take some over the counter meds for the issues (pharmacist told me what was safe to take with plaquenil).  After the three months and learning take with a meal, no more GI issues.

I also never suffered vivid, weird dreams.  Everyone is different.  Try to stick with the plaquenil for 6 months and take with a meal as stated by other posters.  Also another poster had stated to be certain to space other medications and do keep on top of the eye exams.

Hoping it goes well for you and you have no adverse side affects.

[litliwlowa]

Oh, I forgot all about the vivid dreams part. I don't get those often, but since being on plaquenil, did start occasionally having them. Maybe once every couple of months or thereabouts.

Considering I do not dream when asleep it was a "HUH?" moment for me when I had the first vivid dream. Especially when I woke up with a start. After that when they occur on occasion, I find them a bit entertaining actually. Like being in a movie and watching a movie at the same time. If that makes any sense.

[ellieas]

I have tried it 3 times and it it hurt my stomach so much that now I don't take it. I just treat the symptoms of SS as they happen.
Good luck!
Lesley

[Thea]

ellieas--Did it bother your stomach right away, or did you develop problems over time?

I just have to say thanks again for all the helpful replies. I know everyone is different, and I'll find out for myself over time. But it's great to have some idea of folks' experiences.

[grammad97]

Hello Thea!
Welcome to you and all the new folks I may have missed saying hello to.
I started on plaquenil in 2003 and it broke me out in a bad case of itching.
My doc then switched me to brand name and not generic and it has been fine ever since.
Of course many docs and insurance plans later and I am on the generic and its good.
It definitely takes time to get the full effect of it.
Without it my symptoms would be worse.
Keep taking it with a meal and try to stick it out.
Oh I am on 40mg of prilosec for GERD.
Take care and we hope to hear from you how its working.

[ellieas]

Thea- it took a little while for it to bother me and then it didn't get better until I stopped it.
Good luck,
Lesley

[daisymae]

I started taking plaquenil 6 months ago. It has greatly improved my brain fog and joint pain, and helped with fatigue.

I have gerd but the plaquenil hasn't seemed to affect that.

However, I have very very bad gas and bloating. My hubbie and I call it the "fart pill" 

It started right away and hasn't diminished. I take it at supper so that I'm usually home when the gas starts which is a couple hours after I take it.

It is worth it, though, to put up with that side effect for the other benefits.

But everyone is different so hopefully you have few or no side effects from it.

[bmonahan]

Hi Thea,

I started Plaquenil two years ago.  Prior to taking Plaquenil I suffered bouts of severe stomach pain, felt like intestines were in a vice. I had all the usual tests to rule out any pathogenic cause and was diagnosed with IBS.? Anyway, the Plaquenil didn't have any adverse effect on my GI System. I actually get fewer bouts of pain ( but do still get them) The Plaquenil was a life safer for me as it helped with the fatigue and overall achiness that I experience.  I can now keep up at work (nurse). I still have flares, but it has helped.  Good luck with everything.

[warmwaters]

I have been on and off Plaquenil several times (having to do with trying different combinations of things to see what works best).

When I start Plaquenil, I have stomach problems at first.  An achiness, and sometimes diarrhea.  Best bet for me is to start slow.  Start at 200 mg, with food, in the AM.  Gradually increase by 50 mg every several weeks, til up to 400.  Tend to have a bit of discomfort at the increases, but am ok by the end of the process.

Other strategies are to take one in the evening, and one in the morning.  If you do have a problem, do tell your doctor - s/he may offer a strategy that works for you.  My rheumy says that some people are less tolerant of certain generic brands (there are several), and that they need a different generic, or they need the brand name. 

Best of luck.

[Carolina]

Welcome Thea!

It is difficult sometimes to know what is primary and what is secondary.  Sometimes It's just the timing...but really the symptoms are the symptoms, and they need to be managed.

I don't take Plaquenil, so I can't comment on it.   I do know that we are possibly going to react to medications in different ways, especially since we already have Immune Mediated issues in our lives.

You will have to find your own way.  I take a medication (Cymbalta) for my pain that works marvelously for me (now).  My husband tried it, and it stopped his pain cold, but gave him explosive diarrhea, so as wonderful as it was, he couldn't take it at all.

There are other medications that people take for the discomfort of dryness:  do you take one of the saliva/tear film stimulating medications?  Evoxac or Pilocarpine (or their generic versions?).  Some people fine Restasis drops (RX) very helpful for their eyes.  A humidifier in your bedroom during winter months is a must.  There are many drops and sprays OTC that we all use in some version or another.

Let us know what you are using now, and we can suggest ways to alleviate your discomfort.

And HUGS and WELCOME, Thea.

Elaine