Starting Plaquenil for the first time

[AvsG]

I now have my Plaquenil tablets but I'm a bit anxious about the side effects. I have been told to take one 200mg tablet daily. I thought it may be best to take it every other day and introduce the drug gradually to give my body a chance to get used to it. Has anyone started on 200mg daily and how did you react?

Avril

[daisyd]

I have within 3days I noticed a great improvement in my balance the Hughes syndrome has affected my brain and I think it's a fantastic drug

I take it with food and have had no problems, I am now on 400mg

[AvsG in reply to daisyd]

Thank you daisyD for your reassurance,

Avril

[Elaine77c]

I started on 400mg about 5 months ago - have had no side effects that I am aware of but you absolutely must take it with food or a big glass of milk to protect your stomach. It has done wonders for my fatigue levels but not for joint pain yet. I would not mess about with dose as you need it to build up in your system to start doing some good - it does not give instant results. Don't forget to have a baseline eye test and then get your eyes tested at least yearly.

[AvsG in reply to Elaine77c]

Thank you for your reply Elaine77c. I had my eye check and all was well and I expect I'll be called back for regular checks. Good to hear that Plaquenil works for you,

Avril

[bevjane74]

I started on 400mg per day and it does take a very long time to build up in your system I've had no side effects in fact I haven't had any side effects at all to be perfectly honest but definitely with 200mg per day you should be fine

[AvsG in reply to bevjane74]

Thank you bevjane74 for your reply. It's reassuring to know you are fine with 400mg,

Avril

[Hidden]

I have been taking 200mg 2X daily....4 years...no side effects...improved my symptoms...went from feeling

horrible to feeling terrific

[AvsG in reply to Hidden]

Hi Louisa, I also hope I go from feeling horrible to terrific!

Avril

[msperling]

I have been 200 mg for almost 6 yrs, but no side effects, but you should your eyes check every 6 months, they have some effects may cause eye sight go down, the pressure in eye.

[AvsG in reply to msperling]

Hi msperling, good to know you've been on it for 6 years with no problems. I live in hope!

Avril

[AnnNY]

Same that I never had side effects. Also, 200 is a very small dose. I wouldn't wait to take it, because it takes a long time for all its good effects to kick in.

[AvsG in reply to AnnNY]

Hi AnnNY, I am going to start taking it this weekend and keep my fingers crossed it agrees with me. I really want this to work,

Avril

[KathrynKathyKate]

It didn't do a darn thing for me except make me gain 25 pounds within 3 months

[AvsG in reply to KathrynKathyKate]

Oh dear! I hope that doesn't happen. I was hoping to shed a few pounds not gain them. Such a pity it didn't work for you,

Avril

[Ozchick]

All these replies have also helped me as I've been advised to take 200mg initially then up to 400mg if all goes well. I'm taking 20mg Rivaroxaban and 100mg Aspirin daily. Any one else also taking these and finding improvement? I see my Rheumatologist on Friday to start this new addition to my drugs. I've been relatively well except for a bit if brain fog from time to time and slight joint pains-and hopefully will be like this for the Summer. I missed the worst of the winter while I was away but still get Raynauds at the slightest dip in temperature.

[AvsG in reply to Ozchick]

Hi ozchik, I'm glad the replies have helped. I've started Plaquenil 100mg every second day for a week or two then gradually start to increase until I'm taking 200mgs daily. Really hope it works as I seem to react to any new drugs. Good luck!

Avril

[Ozchick]

Thanks for that - I have my suggestions from London Lupus centre to discuss with my Specialist tomorrow so I'm a bit optimistic.