Hydroxychloroquine User Reviews & Ratings (Page 3)

• Eve...
• April 29, 2014

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 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, I experienced extreme burning in the esophagus. Once I started using the brand name form of Plaquenil, I no longer experienced that side effect. I had 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."

• Anonymous
• February 26, 2012

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 like 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. I have been on it for 2 months now, so I look forward to further benefits from this medicine. The 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."

• ith...
• September 9, 2019

Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I am a 63-year-old female who was diagnosed with RA after instigating a blood test for it out of desperation 3 weeks ago. My debilitating chronic pain in feet and random knee flare-ups has a name. My rheumatologist put me on prednisolone (reduced doses over 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 Vitamin D daily, 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 diarrhea. The prednisolone has been magic for pain-free sleep and movement. I 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."

• Mam...
• September 3, 2013

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have taken Plaquenil for rheumatoid arthritis for about 6 months now. I take 200mg once a day. I cannot stress enough how much of a miracle this medicine has been for me. It was so good that some days I forgot I had rheumatoid arthritis altogether. I had no pains at all. The only drawback was that I was losing my hair and it became very dry and brittle. Being a woman, that scared me, so I quit the medication only to have the pains come back again. I spoke to my doctor, and he suggested trying to take it 3 times a week instead of every day to see if it reduces the hair loss. What good is a full head of hair if you are stuck at home and in constant pain? I'd rather lose a few locks to be able to live my life pain-free."

• Lou...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 2, 2020

Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus "At first, it made me very sick and nauseous all day, but I figured out that I could take it with peanut butter, it coated my stomach enough to make me not nauseous. It took about 3 months to start helping with joint pain, and it has continued to help more the longer I’m on it. I still get joint pain flares here and there, but they last for much shorter time frames."

• rem...
• June 7, 2014

Hydroxychloroquine for Sjogren's Syndrome "I am only on Plaquenil for a month now for primary Sjogren's Syndrome, having been diagnosed in January 2014. So far, I am feeling much better in that I am sleeping so much better. Before taking medication, I would wake 5-6 times a night and found it difficult to go back to sleep. Now I only wake up once and go back almost immediately. This is the first thing that I have noticed, and I know it is very early days as my Rheumatologist said it can take 2 months before any results."

• dez...
• June 5, 2008

Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus "I have been on this medication since February 2008. I have more energy and less fatigue. I still have my days, but this medication is a godsend. Initially, my hair began to thin, but with supplements and proper hydration for my hair, it has leveled and is beginning to thicken again. If you are taking this medicine and have some of the side effects, please give it some time. I am glad I did."

• Sjo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 23, 2013

Hydroxychloroquine for Sjogren's Syndrome "I have been on Ranbaxy generic Plaquenil for 11 months now. I don't think it helps me very much, but I continue to take it because I am not experiencing any side effects. My condition is not well-controlled with this drug alone, and I will soon start an additional DMARD after recently finding out I am intolerant of MTX. My battle with Sjogren's has been so much more than glandular issues. It has attacked my biliary system, causing me to lose my gall bladder and have complex issues with the pyloric valve, lower esophageal sphincter, and sphincter of oddi. This causes a variety of symptoms such as bile and acid reflux, bile salt diarrhea, nausea, vomiting up bile, and right upper quadrant abdominal pain. I have signs of kidney disease too."

• Anonymous
• June 25, 2016

Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I have been taking Plaquenil for about 4 years, 200 mg twice a day. I have been having severe stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. I just now realized it's the Plaquenil because I didn't take it for 3 days due to the nausea and vomiting. I took it again today and got so sick that I had to throw up. Now, I realized it's the Plaquenil. I have been to a gastroenterologist and have done all kinds of tests. I will not be taking this medication again. My rheumatoid arthritis is nothing as bad as the nausea and vomiting. Maybe this will help someone. I don't know what I will take for this RA pain. I feel so sorry for anyone who has this RA. I was not diagnosed with this until I was 65 years old."

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

Hydroxychloroquine for Sjogren's Syndrome "I’ve been on Plaquenil 400 mg once a day for 6 months now due to Sjögren's. If you are wondering how long Plaquenil takes to work, it took about 3 months before I started 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."

• She...
• December 4, 2011

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 doctor 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."

• Bab...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 9, 2016

Hydroxychloroquine for Sjogren's Syndrome "I have been on Plaquenil for several years, first the generic Plaquenil has no coating to protect your stomach lining. If you have side effects first, try brand. I know doctors say there is no difference. But the composition of the drug may not affect the effectiveness of the drug, but it will affect the way it is absorbed in your system, which will affect your side effects."

• Chr...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 24, 2019

For Sjogren's Syndrome "I have taken 200 mg since 2016, and it definitely helps with fatigue and joint pain. However, I have noticed that when women are given 400 mg, they tend to have problems (including my daughter, who had lupus), but when she went down to 200 mg, then they disappeared. I think doctors are overprescribing the amount, and they should start out with 200 mg, and then after 6 months (the length of time it takes to fully work), if there is no difference, then a 100 mg increase (half a pill) added should be enough."

• Mis...
• October 7, 2018

For Sjogren's Syndrome "I was on 400 mg daily for my primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). It did help with some symptoms, but I was experiencing severe fatigue, muscle pain, and weakness; my rheumatologist said it was from my pSS and fibromyalgia. I had severe tinnitus, ear pain, and fullness. Decreased mental wellness, suicidal ideation, severe anxiety, and brain fog. I was on it for one year. I had horrible stabbing pains and electric shocks through my body, which sometimes made me scream. On the website, it said these side effects may be rare, but to discuss it with my doctor. My rheumatologist told me I could not stop this medication and that it wouldn't cause this problem, and I need to stop doing research on the internet. So I cut my dose in half. After six months, I was feeling better, so I stopped the medication completely. I found a new rheumatologist who confirmed that these are side effects, though not as frequent as others. I feel much better after being off of it. Some of my pSS symptoms have come back, but I feel nowhere near as bad as I did when I was on hydroxychloroquine."

• lus...
• September 25, 2012

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 for 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."

• LGF...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 24, 2017

Hydroxychloroquine for Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease "I've been on and off Plaquenil for 13 years for Undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD). I have NEVER had a flare while on Plaquenil. The only times I've had flares were when I stupidly stopped taking Plaquenil. That is a mistake I will never make again, after a life-threatening flare in 2015. Now I am on Plaquenil for life, and 100% in remission. This drug has been absolutely amazing for me. I guess it just depends on individual body chemistry, but I love this drug so very, very much. Now, honestly, you have to give it 3-6 months to fully take effect, and it can cause GI upset and other side effects at first. You just have to tough it out and be strong-minded. Plaquenil is a game-changer for many UCTD patients but you need to be tough and patient!! Don't skip doses."

• Anonymous
• June 4, 2012

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 black. I will be going off this. Have had no eye problems while taking this medicine."

• sma...
• May 28, 2014

Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus "I have been on this medication for about 12 years now. It seems to work very well, but as the years have gone on, it doesn't work quite as well as it used to. That's why I only rate it at an 8. There was a time when my insurance was messed up, and I didn't have the money to pay for my medications. I could definitely tell the difference when I was not on this medicine. I would definitely recommend it."

• Vet...
• May 1, 2015

Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis "I started this medication a week ago and have had very vivid dreams. I used to wake up with rib and hip pain/stiffness. I also couldn't relax and lay in bed because my body just felt restless. I would say that on day 2, I woke up almost completely relaxed and nearly no stiffness. I also started taking Celebrex on the same day, so I'm not sure if it's the combination of the two or one or the other, but I feel so much better. I am a 31-year-old female and a mom of a 1.5-year-old."

• Sea...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 21, 2015

Hydroxychloroquine for Sjogren's Syndrome "I have been on this medication for approximately 8 years. Before I started this medicine, I was in terrible shape. With Sjogren's syndrome as my primary autoimmune disease and rheumatoid arthritis as my secondary autoimmune disease, I was in terrible persistent pain, had terrible joint ache, and was incapacitated for about four months before finally being diagnosed and given this. Along with steroids, this medicine, and some regular doses of ibuprofen, I found I was able to be mobile again, to go back to work, and have a quality life again. I have not found that being on the same dosage has lessened its effectiveness over the last 8 years. During major flares especially, it would be near impossible to have a good, healthy life."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2019

Hydroxychloroquine for Lupus "Several years ago, took Plaquenil for over two years. Took about 6 months before it was effective. I have now restarted, again, this time it has become effective in about 10 weeks, no measurable side effects, and less pain."

• Nin...
• May 27, 2013

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 fatigue reduces by 75 percent. Occasional gastric stuff, but not debilitating like before. I feel human again But can't wait to reduce dose and get off of it."

• Anonymous
• September 10, 2012

For Sjogren's Syndrome "I have been on generic hydroxychloroquine now for 2 years. I have primary Sjogren's and secondary diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. Apparently, I had Sjogren's for over 10-15 years before doctors figured it out. If the Fibromyalgia 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 in all, feel great."

• Gle...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 19, 2019

Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis "When first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Plaquenil worked after a couple of weeks. I was in remission, so I stopped, but the doctor was upset as he said it was important to keep damage to joints down. Anyway, the RA flared, and I'm back taking one a day. Hoping to feel better again, but it seems slow. Not sure if it is due to the generic that I'm receiving. Also, please get eye checkups. Had a scare, but it is fine. This drug has fewer side effects than others! Good luck."

• Mik...
• July 18, 2013

For Rheumatoid Arthritis "I developed and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in November of 2011. I went on hydroxychloroquine (400mg 1 x per day), and my bouts of inflammation have dramatically decreased both in frequency and severity. I have experienced no side effects, and I can't say enough good things about this medication. Prior to getting on hydroxychloroquine, the affected joint inflammation was so severe (pain index 10) that I could not move whatever joint was inflamed. After getting on this medication, my pain index during inflammation flare-ups has been a 1-2. I also take 800mg Ibuprofen, and the combination of these 2 medicines has worked very well for me. At 47 years old, I've been able to play ice hockey and soccer in adult leagues (gotta do it now before this gets worse)."