The following information is NOT intended to endorse drugs or recommend therapy. While these reviews might be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care.
hydroxychloroquine for Sjogren's Syndrome: Been on it for 6 weeks. I hate taking medicines, but I've noticed huge differences. Cautiously optimistic. Apparently need to take it for 6 months to see full benefits. No sun sensitivity, rash on chest smaller, dry eyes minimal, vaginal dryness gone, ear dryness gone, nasal dryness and sinus dryness gone.
Never been so happy to have snot,.... Sinus pain gone ,....joint pain still significant, but connective tissue pain minimal, and body stone fatgue reduces by 75 percent. Occasional gastic stuff, but not debilitating like before.
I feel human again
But cant wait to reduce dose and get off of it.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Sjogren's Syndrome: Before Plaquenil, I would be in bed for days at a time, unable to move, excessive pain, ice cold, migraines, the whole gamut. My body felt ancient. At first the rheumatologist thought I had leukemia, then Lupus and rheumatoid athritis and finally biopsies started giving us a more refined treatment plan. With this medicine, I am in much less pain. I can walk for an hour at a time. I can shop for groceries again. I feel like I have a life again.
I have had brief periods, never more than a month without it, and I know that life without the benefit of Plaquenil is no life at all. Yes, I have to see the retina specialist but in all this time, my eyes are fine. Don't hesitate to try it even though new treatments can be scary!
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis: I had very few side effects with this medicine in the beginning, but it didn't provide enough relief on days when I had to be on my feet for a few hours a day. It didn't remove all inflammation so I was taken off and tried on methotrexate, a lot worse side effects and no relief at all. I had no vision changes with Plaquenil and I would much rather have some relief than none. I was able to function with minimum pain with Plaquenil.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis: I have been taking Plaquenil for about 2 months. I started out with 200 mg/1x day along with Prednisone to treat my RA, slowly tapering off the steroids. Now I am just on Plaquenil.
I have to say that the pain is still there, especially in the morning and late evening. Sometimes it is difficult to fall asleep, but I gave it a 6 because it is nothing like before when I took no medication. Perhaps it works better for others? I still have the swelling and stiffness in the mornings, but, as I said, nothing like before.
It also only gets a 6 because the headaches I get while taking it are debilitating. I sometimes wonder if the trade off is worth it? They start about 30 minutes after taking it and last until I manage to fall asleep. Sigh.
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hydroxychloroquine for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Ive taken this on and off and for 7 years and it helps with my joint pain and hair loss. It just takes time so be patient. The fatigue is almost gone as well.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis: My 19 yr old daughter was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis this past year...her inflammation markers were off the charts. She took meloxicam for a couple of months, but it really hurt her stomach to where she couldn't eat. They put her on Plaquenil about 6 months ago...she is doing great. Recently had blood work and her inflammation is almost all gone...no side effects for her. I hope this medicine can help other people.
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hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is the fourth medication I have tried for rheumatoid arthritis. I took it for one week and developed headaches and severe diarrhea. I had blood in my stool. I have had similar experiences with other medications.
hydroxychloroquine for Sjogren's Syndrome: I ignored my doctor for months when he wrote this prescription. I finally started it after an eye doctor lectured me because I was seeing him for an immune response eye infection. He gave me a good talking to and agree with rheumatologist that I do in fact have the Sjogren's. So I started it and I can't believe I wasted those months not taking it! It is the only thing that has helped me! The only issue I have is I have been on 200mg 2 tablets twice day for about 6 months, and now they decreased it to 1 tablet twice a day. I'm a little nervous of the decrease because I don't want all that pain back!
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis: I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in February 2012. Plaquenil has been the second medication we've tried. I've only taken it 1 week and have a horrible rash on both arms and on the backs of my legs. It has caused diarrhea and headaches. I have stopped taking this medication and am currently waiting to see what medication we will try next.
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hydroxychloroquine for Sjogren's Syndrome: I have been on generic hydroxychloroquine now for 2 years. I have primary Sjogrens and secondary diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. Apparently I had Sjogrens for over 10-15 years before doctors figured it out. If the Fibromyaligia hadn't hit me 3 years ago I guess I would still be suffering. I take 200 mg twice a day and it has helped me so much. I use it with Savella for my Fibro pain. The only problem I have is a slight buzzing or ringing in my ears. But I can work full time and have a normal life. Still get occasional pain in feet and legs but all and all feel great.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis: My Rheumatologist prescribed this for my rheumatoid arthritis and it is like a miracle for me. For the first time in several years I actually feel like getting out and doing things without restrictions. The joint pain has lessened and my rash subsided! I do plan on making an appointment for an eye Dr. due to some irritations I recently have been experiencing. All in all, I would highly recommend Plaquenil and hope you can see and feel the difference.
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hydroxychloroquine for Sjogren's Syndrome: I have noticed a marked decrease in fatigue. Very pleased with it. Also little or no pain in my joints. I have more energy now than before, I am going in to my third month of use.
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Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis: I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 11 years and have been taking 400 mg a day. It is now causing skin discoloration in my lower shin now grayish back. I will be going off this. Have had no eye problems while taking this medicine.
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Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Sjogren's Syndrome: It has taken about 6 weeks for this medicine to work, the benefits have been subtle. I noticed that I have been able to do more, get out more and have even cut back on a dose of painkillers, my head is clearer - I just sort of feel different, not miraculously different or anything, but just more my normal self.
I am still severely allergic to the sun or any UV exposure and can be sick for days if I am not careful or if I do too much but I do believe the Plaquenil has helped and I have been on it for 2 months now so look forward to further benefits from this medicine.
Only side effects are erratic blood sugar, if I don't eat regularly I go hypo - badly hypo, although my doctor said he has never heard of this, so perhaps it isn't related.
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Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: For mild cases of lupus (meaning no organ involvement) I would say this works perfectly fine. Reduces fatigue and joint pain from a 10 to about a 2 depending on weather conditions. If you are active and maintain a healthy diet I would say fatigue and pain are at a nil while taking Plaquenil. It takes maybe a few months to get the dosages correct with your level of pain and fatigue.
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Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Lyme Disease, Arthritis: I felt better than I have in 20 years! After 20 years on NSAIDS needed for Lyme arthritis, my kidneys were affected, and when I stopped NSAIDS cold turkey, it was amazing how much pain my body was in. Now a year into Plaquenil I feel like a new person. Get eyes checked every 6 months. Had a little visual aura two days ago, don't know if from Plaquenil, but getting it checked next week. Eye doctor said it wasn't serious.
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Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Sjogren's Syndrome: I have taken Paquenil for approximately 9 months and have started getting red peeling sores on my legs, thought it was psoriasis, but now I am unable to show my legs because the sores are so many. Stopped taking medicine for the past week, will be going to the doctor today.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: I was diagnosed with Discoid lupus in 2009 and I began using Plaquenil once I stopped breastfeeding. Initially, the only difference I noticed was my hair stopped falling out. After taking Plaquenil for a less than a year my face and neck started turning black. My dermatologist is convinced that Plaquenil is the culprit and just recently confirmed it. Between my rheumatologist and dermatologist they're trying to find the right medicine that will work. I've been using bleaching creams for about 9 months and they haven't worked well. I tried to come off Plaquenil but I experience bad headaches and hair loss.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: I love this medicine. It has helped so much with the arthritic pain. No side effects for me. I have eye check ups every six months. Give a try!
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Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Sjogren's Syndrome: Plaquenil has given me back my quality of life. I think I've been on it for about 3 years now. However, I've recently stopped taking it as I am having flashes in one eye and don't have the money to see a retina specialist - or an eye Dr. for that matter. Now that I have stopped the medication, I am back to having constant pain throughout my body - especially in my joints...and in my bones, and I am exhausted and sleep a lot without feeling rested. As soon as I get my eyes checked and if my exam shows good results, I will be back on Plaquenil immediately.
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Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Sjogren's Syndrome: Was diagnosed with Sjogrens syndrome several years ago and prescribed Plaquenil. While taking Plaquenil I had no difference in my symptoms. After doing years of research I believe that I may have been misdiagnosed and actually have a parasitic infection (not malaria)!
hydroxychloroquine for Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease: This medication has really improved my quality of life. It took a while to start working, but after 3 weeks or so, my pain decreased dramatically and the malar rash is completely gone. Make sure to take this medication with food to avoid nausea.
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Sjogren's Syndrome: This medicine has changed my life. I'm a nurse with primary Sjogren's Syndrome. It took 10 years for a diagnosis and another 10 years for a rheumatologist to prescribe Plaquenil. I have never felt so good. Minimal joint point, lots of energy, able to sleep at night, what could be better! I was able to complete an eye exam for the first time in 9 years. I'm enjoying life pain free and with energy!
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Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Sjogren's Syndrome: Almost a complete turn around from three years ago - fatigue still a factor at times as well as muscle pain but NOTHING compared to what it was like before taking it.
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