Systemic Lupus Erythematosus - Does anyone else take Plaquenil for Lupus?

Plaquenil is used in autoimmune diseases because the military gave antimalarials during WWll in the Pacific arena. Amazingly, those who had RA found their symptoms relieved. From quinine comes chloroquine, then hydroxychloroquine, which has a lower rate of retinal damage. I have been on Plaquenil since 1998 and my annual eye exams are always clear! When I once went off of Plaquenil for a year, I ended up in the ER due to nasty flares. I consider it a life-sustaining drug. The side affects are less trouble than lupus flares and hospitalization. I have staining on my shins.
Studies show patients on Plaquenil have a less than 20% chance of developing nephritis. Great news!

I’ve taken it for a couple years. My dosage depends on my flare ups. This is what I found online

Plaquenil changes the way your immune system works. In some kinds of lupus, your immune system attacks your body instead of protecting it. Plaquenil tries to quiet or slow down the immune system.

It does help me
I see someone Spanky in a comment said they have Behcet’s. I have that also and never knew anyone else that had it.

I have SLE, Raynaud's, and what my rheumo calls "autoimmune thyroid disease" (I call it hypothyroidism) among other things. Plaquenil is a good drug once you fight the side effects- I take both at night and sleep through them usually. Unfortunately my lupus is no longer controlled by just that anymore despite what my rheumo says, I have severe memory loss, seizures, and 3 small strokes along with constant headaches and tremors. I see a new dr next week, never be afraid to find someone new if you don't get answers or explanations. Best of luck!

No I do not know why I take plaquenil and I have Lupus SLE

I've taken plaquenil 200mg over 10yrs for lupus with no problems.It helps with the stiffness in joints and keeps the skin rash away, for me. Good luck to you.

I have lupus SLE as well, I was diagnosed when I was 17 years old. I had extreme memory loss and wieght loss, blood clot ect. I take plaquenil as well and I have been for the past 9 years it works well for me. There have been times in the past when I went without it due to insurance issues and without my body began malfunctioning. Even when I go only a month without it, my symptons start arising and my flares begin. However, I have had some vision issues- similar to vertigo, but it was "confirmed" by my opthalmologist it had nothing to with the palquinel- despite the fact that I've been on it for almost ten years (I'm not 100% convinced, esp. since one of the major side effects of plaquenil after long term use is vision problems). I have googled it and and asked my Rhuemo. but to no avial there is no clear cut answer, I just know that it works for me and without it things start get ugly. I dont have issues with the sun light, but I do however with the cold. But thats the unique thing about lupus, it effects everyone differently.

Yes, my Rheumatologist put me on Plaquenil for SCLE..also said it would help arthritis. Had one breakout last year and used Predesone (sp) for 4 weeks to get rid of it. Just now am experiencing a mild flare up ... just a few spots but am using a cream and they are going away (Triamcinolone Acetonide Ointment) prescribed by dermatologist. Have decided to quit taking Plaquenil after hearing of terrible side effects.

Hi!! I am also a lupus patient and I take plaquniel although I have been on it a while I do not see a change in my symptoms. I have explained this to my dr and he just adds other meds like prednisone and the newest called sulfasalazine. I can not find any information on the new one regarding why it is used in lupus patients. I just started it a few days ago so I don't know if it's helping yet or if it's going to at all. I hope this is helpful for you... Good luck and the best of wishes to you!!!

I was diagnosed with SLE and Fibromyalgia in 1990. I have been on Plaquenil pretty much since then. Plaquenil is an anti-malarial drug and is pretty standard treatment for any Lupus patient. What it does for me is to help more with the internal symptoms, such as the flu-like episodes, fever and chills, etc., that leave me bedridden. I have other medications to combat the joint pain and my other illnesses.

I have been on plaquenil since 1992. I was practically bedridden with chest pain from costocondritis and pleurisy when I was finally diagnosed with sle. The plaquenil made me even more exhausted, and it takes 2 or 3 months to kick in, but it was so worth it. It was a miracle for me. It is used to reduce the inflammation in your body, and inflammation can occur anywhere in lupus, usually in and around your organs, including your skin.

I also have Lupus, but with all my other conditions it has not been treated at all. I always like to hear from folks about what works & what doesn't & make notes as I see my rheumatotolgist on the 28th of March. I don't have an answer for you, but maybe reading the info will help. I have provided a link for you below. Hope this helps to put your mind at ease... Mary
https://www.drugs.com/plaquenil.html

Plaquenil is actually a treatment for malaria but when given to patients with Lupus the patients improved. Over the long term the medication protects your blood vessels which reduces long term complications. I have had Lupus for 23 years. Eventually the side effects abate. It should also help with joint and muscle pain. The first couple of months were the hardest for me. Lupus has affected my lungs ( I have never smoked) resulting in pleural effusions, costocondritis, and my central nervous system. Plaquenil will also reduce the number of flares you may have. Do as much research as you can about current treatments. After 50 years there is now a new medication, Benlysta. The studies are promising. I just began the new medication. I have a good friend who was in the study and she went into complete remission after years of being quite ill. I wish you the very best...

I actually have been taking it for the last ten years..Ive just come off it because I believe that being on it for so long Ive built a tolerance and didnt think it was as effective anymore..But I think it is a good drug for people with lupus. Not sure if your doctor has told you but you do need to get your eyes examined twice a year... good luck..

I have Lupus and i seem to be in less pain when taking plaquenil than without it. But I do have alot of nausea when taking med... and headaches are frequent. Ok to go in the heat just wear lot s of suncreen and a hat. Stay in under a tree or in shade as much as u can.
Cold is no problem usually covered with alot of warm clothes anyway...
I love heavy tights or support hose for extra warmth on ankles and legs.

I really havent had much luck or help with anyone Docs telling me any good answers on what plaquenil does for anything. But I dont want to be on this for ever either.Hopefully , something better will come.