Hydroxychloroquine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• osborne
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 29, 2014

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Lupus "I would recommend this to anyone. I was put on Plaquenil in April of 2012 for Lupus symptoms, constant pain( mostly in my legs) extreme fatigue and overall ill feeling. Within 2 months of taking Plaquenil the pain and fatigue had subsided, not completely but has greatly improved over the last year and half & my health and immune system has also improved and I went from being sick ALL the time to very rarely sick. It has been a Godsend for me. I wouldn't advise taking the medicine on an empty stomach it will make you sick & nauseous all day long."

• Holly
• November 13, 2018

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I've been on a roller coaster for yrs w/Plaquenil for RA/Lupus. I take name brand to prevent side effects of red, warm, swollen, painful hands + nausea/dizziness, hair loss, etc. Each time I try going back to generic, side effects return immediately. I'm not one to comment but I read so many reviews that sounded like either my ups or downs, so I want to encourage ppl to stick w/this med & try name brand (though expensive) if having bad side effects w/generic. It could explain why some ppl have such opposite experiences. I get Plaquenil from international pharm & it's much cheaper. It works better than biologics that contributed to/sped up process leading to my cancer. I'm now "cancer-free" & refuse to go back on them. I might have to get vision checked & deal w/other mild side effects, but pain/swelling is gone on Plaquenil. Anyway, pls hang in there & give your body enough time to adjust to med before stopping it. It's a risk vs. reward scenario w/meds."

• LarryF
• June 11, 2015

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Lupus "I first went on Plaquenil in 2004, due to unbearable finger and wrist joint pain for 5 months, which was diagnosed as Lupus (after a sky-high ANA test and some other tests and diagnoses). I was told it would take 3-ish weeks to kick in, and it did, right on schedule. Almost overnight, I went from not able to hold a soda can or open a door to being 100 % pain free. I was on Plaquenil for 4 years, during which time I was in complete remission, so in 2008 I discontinued it. In 2015 Lupus reared its ugly head again, this time with Pleurisy. Got back on Plaquenil and after the requisite waiting time, it got the problem under control (not 100%; maybe 50 %). I love Plaquenil but my advice to others is to be very patient and give it time to work."

• Lumiya
• June 3, 2011

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Sjogren's Syndrome "When I was diagnosed with Sjogren's it was advised I start taking Plaquenil. I avoided it for months because I felt I had enough symptoms already without any side effects from medication. However it became quickly apparent that the fatigue and pain were not going to allow me to continue working being in my twenties at the time, this was NOT an option so I gave in and gave the Rheumatologist my consent. 6 years later, I have no complaints. I work full time and on the occasions that I forget to take my Plaquenil for a day or two, I notice a substantial difference; pain, unbearable fatigue, etc. and overall being unable to find energy enough to live my daily life. I am completely derailed without it."

• peanut
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 16, 2013

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."

• Anonymous
• June 11, 2010

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I began taking Plaquenil 6 weeks ago and I am pleased with it. I'm now seeing the benefits and my Rheumatologist says that I should continue to get even better over the next 3 months. Honestly I'm okay with where I'm already at. The biggest surprise is that I'm receiving benefits that I didn't get from 20mg/day of Prednisone! The hardest part was when I first began Plaquenil. You initially experience side effects without any benefit but you just have to hang in there. The side effects start to improve significantly after 2 weeks. My side effects were nausea, loose stools, vomiting and temporary changes in vision (full eye exam confirmed that everything is fine.) I would highly recommend this medicine!"

• langt...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 28, 2015

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Started Plaquenil 8 months ago-200mg 2x/day- to treat Psoriatic arthritis and sjogrens. Learned to NOT take it in the morning with my Meloxicam 15mg because of strong nausea. If I take one after a big lunch and one after dinner, I have no problems at all. Joints and hands, wrists are doing so much better. One worry is that I am too tired to do anything at all. If I do laundry, I sweat. If I cook dinner or rake the yard, I sweat. I seem to even have trouble sleeping on my side at night because of trouble getting enough air into my lungs. Weird, I know. I rated it an 8 because I do not feel sick after taking it and it does seem to work. The last but not least worry is heavy hair loss. I have thin and fine hair anyway, but it comes out like crazy"

• mfried
• July 6, 2010

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Plaquenil has changed my life! I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis three months ago. My rheumotologist started me on this 200mg twice a day and after about a week I noticed a dramatic effect in my hands and feet. I used to wake up in the morning with swollen hands and feet and it took about a half an hour for the swelling/pain to subside. No longer is this true! I am 37 years old and finally have enough energy to keep up with my 4 children and busy husband. I sleep better, feel more focused in the daytime, and do not get tired from doing small tasks anymore. I am hoping to reduce my dosage and see if I can still get the same results."

• Sadie...
• March 2, 2016

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I'm a 57 year old female that has just been diagnosed with RA about 6 weeks ago. My GP gave me Arthrotech to get me through until I could see the rheumatologist The Arthrotech made me sick, for every 4 pills I took, I threw one up. Went to specialist yesterday and he gave me Plaquenil - I've only taken it for 2 days so far (400 mg) daily but I'm feeling worse ( although the weather has changed - snow storm) I can't believe how painful this disease is. Does it get any better? Will I have a pain free normal life one day soon? I don't go back to the specialist until May but I can't imagine being in this much pain until at least May. I'm feeling so sorry for myself and cry because I'm tired cry because I'm sore. When will it start working?"

• NC Gal
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 3, 2012

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."

• Annie...
• August 30, 2015

For Sjogren's Syndrome "I have been taking hydroxychloroquine for 6 Years. I have primary sjogren's, hashimoto's. Before, I was tired all the time and could not lift a 3 lb dumbbell. Sometimes I could barely walk, my neck, knees, elbows, etc. we're always in pain. The bottoms of my feet hurt - I dreaded getting out of bed in the morning. Initially I took 2 of the 200 mg tabs/day. Years later this was cut to 100mg/day. 3 weeks ago -- at my request - doc let me cut it in half to 50 mg/day. I am 58 years old go to the gym 4-5 X/week. Yesterday I did chest press w/ 60 lbs, heaved 50 lb barbell over head, did rows with 90 lbs... I love plaquenil."

• Motown
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2019

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with RA after a knee arthroscopy seemed to set it off in 2017. I had pains in both knees, left wrist, hips, groin area & jaw so my Rheumatologist prescribed Hydroxychloroquine. After only 10 days I developed a terrible lumpy rash on my legs which was hot & itchy. It spread quickly to my abdomen, bottom arms & back, then I got a sore throat & swollen top lip! I stopped the tablets on the 12th day but the rash still spread. My GP put me on Steroids & Antihistamines. Hopefully this will stop the rash. It's amazing they tell you it can take 3months for hydroxychloroquine to be effective ( but only 10days to cause side effects!)"

• yanke...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 21, 2020

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Lyme Disease, Arthritis "I took this drug Plaquenil for a longer period and nearly lost an eye. I had to have eye surgery the day it was discovered I had multiple retinal tears. I had to be awake for 1+ hours and had a bubble in my eye for 8 weeks. I have had continuing issues with my other eye, having laser surgery for tears (also awake) numerous times. It will be a threat for the rest of my life."

• Mrs...
• February 19, 2012

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Lupus "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."

• amand...
• January 13, 2019

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Lupus "Plaquenil Users Beware: Drug can make you completely blind: re: toxic maculopathy I took Plaquenil for over 13 years. One retina specialist said because of the toxic maculopathy it caused. *even if you quit taking the drug, it can continue to damage the eye until blindness occurs. If you are taking it, make sure your physician is using the NEW guidelines on treatment ==I think it is no more than 5 milligrams per kilogram If you have ANY changes in your vision, friends, head to a retinal specialist--1 test I had an angiogram done. Are there any support groups or experimental therapies for toxic maculopathy? I found EyePromise Restore Vitamins that I take for retina health my Dr. says will help "

• Steph...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2014

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed a month ago with rheumatoid arthritis. My doctor started me on Plaquenil 2 weeks ago. 300 mg 2x a day. I had to stop taking it after a week because it upset my stomach causing vomiting, nausea, and extreme diarrhea. My doctor tried lowering my dose to 150 mg 1x a day to no avail. I'm hoping that she can put me on something that will work better as I have been in extreme pain for over a year. I am 30 years old."

• RA Mom
• March 9, 2013

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."

• jj120
• January 26, 2012

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."

• ithas...
• September 9, 2019

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Hi I am a 63 year old female who was diagnosed with RA after instigating a blood test for it out of desperation 3 weeks a go. My debilitating chronic pain in feet and random knee flare ups has a name. My rheumatologist put me on prednisolone ( reduced doses over in 3 months ) until the methotrexate starts working (once a week of 15mg for 2 weeks , 20mg once a week indefinitely). Plaquenil 300mg daily. I also take Vit D daily and 5mg folic acid once a week plus curcumin and fish oil I have been taking it all with breakfast for the last 8 days . I have had stomach cramps but no diarrhoea The prednisolone has been magic for pain free sleep and movement. will see in 2 months time with only the latter 2 . Trying to stay positive with yoga and strength exercises Drugs , vitamins ,anti-inflammatory supplements , eye tests and blood tests and maybe a nice wig are now part of my new reality"

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2011

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been on Plaquenil for 11 months. It took 6 months to the day for it to start working and then, heaven set in. The pain diminished significantly. I have a flare up now, for the first time and wondering what to do. I've taken Aleeve, but no luck. I only seem to have a flare up during that particular time of the month, maybe something to do with water retention or hormones. Only side effect so far is upset stomach, take with food and in the middle of the day and much better."

• Taylor
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 20, 2019

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Sjogren's Syndrome "I’ve been on plaquenil 400mg once a day for 6 months now due to Sjogrens. If your are wondering how long the plaquenil takes to work, it took about 3 months before I starting feeling better. Now at 6 months I’m noticing more symptoms. I have a rash on my arms and my face feels like it’s burning but I don’t have a sunburn or anything. I’ve also noticed my eyebrows look like I have bleached them."

• Mrs...
• April 21, 2015

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Feel so much better since being on Plaquenil since 2013. Always have reg eye tests. My inflammation level is only a 2 now and it was 39. Still feel a little tired now and then but I blame it on working 30 hrs a week. Hope this drug helps you too."

• jjmcc
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2015

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Sjogren's Syndrome "It also took ten years to diagnose correctly. At first I took 2- 200 mgs of Plaquenil and it gave me an irregular heartbeat. Discontinued for a few weeks, then rheumy asked me to try again, one 200 mgm every other day. After six weeks had improvement in CRP and sed rate, even though the doc didn't expect any improvement on that low dose. Then he increased me to one pill each day. It did increase my migraines so he said to take it before bedtime with anti-anxiety drug. Side effect.....sleeping much better.....wonderful side effect. Occasionally I have to take Tylenol during night if headache wakes me up. Now I realize my extreme dry mouth seems slightly improved. Joint pain and foot pain is much better. HAPPY!"

• Cass
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2017

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) for Lupus "I'm in Australia , only just started this medication a week ago but I feel a less fatigued already. I was stuck in bed most days, but now I can go longer without needing to go to bed or feeling like I'm going to collapse. I haven't noticed any bad side effects yet either which is good! As I get nauseated and dizzy on meds easily and haven't found that to be the case! I just wanted to point out that some people hear a lot of bad things that aren't necessarily reported or true. Like I noticed a woman on here said she needs to stop taking it because of the tinnitus side effect means she might go deaf. But deafness hasn't been reported, just tinnitus as a side effect whilst taking it. Don't be so afraid if it's going to give u your life back"

• EveSa...
• April 29, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis June 2013 at 39 years old. The pain was unbearable and debilitating. I started taking hydroxychloroquine 200 mg twice a day which didn't sit well in my stomach, extreme burning in the esophagus. Once I started using the brand name form of Plaquenil I no longer experience that side effect. I had my bouts of loose stool, nausea, and headaches for a few months but they have gone away. Plaquenil has done wonders for me, it does take a few months to really feel the benefits but hang in there it's worth the wait. My fingers don't feel like they are going to break off, I don't have pain all over my body and hurray no morning stiffness. I feel like a new woman. "