Hydroxychloroquine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• Lum...
• June 3, 2011

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. Six 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 enough energy to live my daily life. I am completely derailed without it."

• Hol...
• November 13, 2018

Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I've been on a roller coaster for years with Plaquenil for RA/Lupus. I take the 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 people to stick with this med and try the name brand (though expensive) if having bad side effects with generic. It could explain why some people have such opposite experiences. I get Plaquenil from an international pharmacy and it's much cheaper. It works better than biologics that contributed to or sped up the process leading to my cancer. I'm now 'cancer-free' and refuse to go back on them. I might have to get my vision checked and deal with other mild side effects, but pain and swelling are gone on Plaquenil. Anyway, please hang in there and give your body enough time to adjust to the med before stopping it. It's a risk versus reward scenario with meds."

• Anonymous
• June 11, 2010

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!"

• Dar...
• June 6, 2017

Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Haven't taken this. Just wanted to read some feedback. I was on methotrexate, but stopped because it gave me chills, fatigue, and shortness of breath. I even fainted at work. The doctor suggested Plaquenil as a possible alternative, but after reading some of the comments, I don't think so. This is really frustrating and sad. The FDA should NOT be approving these crappy drugs which can cause worse problems than the one you have. I honestly don't know what to do, let the RA turn me into a cripple or take my chances with one of these death drugs?"

• che...
• July 9, 2015

Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I had very bad experiences with this medication. I now have permanent toxicity in my system and I also developed medically induced cataracts from this medication. Even though I have stopped taking the medication, it will continue to try and rob me of my sight. My eyes are always swollen, running, and very painful. Every morning when I rise, I look like a monster with my face full of fluid input all around my eyes, like little sacks of fluid. Is there help out there? I would like some and I would like to know if there's a manufacturer lawsuit for this medication. The information for this medication does not tell you about the damage that it does. Now they are warning doctors to let patients know about this medication and the bad side effects, and let them decide if they want to take it."

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

Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Started Plaquenil 8 months ago - 200mg 2x/day - to treat Psoriatic arthritis and Sjogren's. 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."

• mfr...
• July 6, 2010

Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Plaquenil has changed my life! I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis three months ago. My rheumatologist 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."

• pea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 16, 2013

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."

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

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 has subsided! I do plan on making an appointment with an eye doctor due to some irritations I have recently been experiencing. All in all, I would highly recommend Plaquenil and hope you can see and feel the difference."

• Ann...
• August 30, 2015

For Sjogren's Syndrome "I have been taking hydroxychloroquine for 6 years. I have primary Sjogren's and 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. were 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 per day. Years later, this was cut to 100 mg per day. 3 weeks ago - at my request - doctor let me cut it in half to 50 mg per day. I am 58 years old, go to the gym 4-5 times per week. Yesterday I did chest press with 60 lbs, heaved 50 lb barbell overhead, did rows with 90 lbs... I love Plaquenil."

• ama...
• January 13, 2019

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. One 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."

• Mrs...
• February 19, 2012

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."

• Sad...
• March 2, 2016

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. I went to the 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 - snowstorm). 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 crying because I'm tired, crying because I'm sore. When will it start working?"

• Mot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2019

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 3 months for hydroxychloroquine to be effective (but only 10 days to cause side effects!)"

• jj1...
• January 26, 2012

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."

• Suz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2019

For Sjogren's Syndrome "I just had my yearly eye exam. Last year’s was just fine. This year I have the start of plaquenil toxicity in both eyes. This in only one year. My doctor told me it is reversible at this point. What about those that don’t get frequent eye exams because of cost, etc. I was taken off it immediately and put on methotrexate. I am so fortunate to have such a careful doctor. Eye CT scans every other year. Please be very careful taking this drug. Be your own advocate if your doctor doesn’t think it’s important."

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

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 ...
• March 9, 2013

Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been taking Plaquenil for about 2 months. I started out with 200 mg/1x a 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."

• jjm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2015

Hydroxychloroquine for Sjogren's Syndrome "It also took ten years to diagnose correctly. At first, I took 2-200 mg of Plaquenil, and it gave me an irregular heartbeat. I discontinued it for a few weeks, then the rheumy asked me to try again, one 200 mg every other day. After six weeks, I had an 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 an anti-anxiety drug. Side effect... sleeping much better... wonderful side effect. Occasionally, I have to take Tylenol during the night if a headache wakes me up. Now, I realize my extreme dry mouth seems slightly improved. Joint pain and foot pain are much better. HAPPY!"

• a...
• March 6, 2008

Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus "This drug gave me back my life. I suffered with chronic cyclical arthritis that felt like it was in every joint. The fatigue was devastating. Even if I slept for hours, I still woke up feeling no better. I was scared to take this drug, but eventually I had to do something. Thankfully, I have no side effects. I only have very occasional arthritis and am no longer tired. It has given me back my life. I do have my eyes checked 2x/yr."

• Jas...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 17, 2014

Hydroxychloroquine for Lyme Disease, Arthritis "Plaquenil has been great for me. It has reduced the stiffness & swelling in hands & feet to almost nothing. Started at 200mg twice a day, and have since reduced to one time per day. I have a complete eye exam once a year to watch for possible retina side effects."

• Mrs...
• April 21, 2015

Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis "Feel so much better since being on Plaquenil since 2013. Always have regular 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 hours a week. Hope this drug helps you too."

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2011

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 Aleve, 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."

• nan...
• April 25, 2011

Hydroxychloroquine for Sjogren's Syndrome "I have been on Plaquenil 200 mg twice a day for 6 years and it has helped me tremendously. I couldn't get up from a chair or close my fists after being diagnosed with primary Sjogren's Syndrome. It took about a year, and I'm 90% better. I am very careful to have a thorough eye exam every year to monitor potential ocular side effects. It is worth a try and the side effects are definitely less than long-term steroid use."

• Cas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 27, 2017

Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus "I'm in Australia, only just started this medication a week ago but I feel 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 you your life back."