Plaquenil, what to expect for the first time taking it

[Skyllark]

My wife will be taking Plaquenil for the first time, is there any things she should expect in taking it in starting to take the medication?

[panda60]

Everyone reacts differently to new medication -some may have side effects and others don't. So you won't know really until you start taking it.

[MaryF Administrator]

Hi there, firstly good luck with the medication - it is slow to work, and does so over many weeks, all I can say, is although it did not suit me, my daughter started on it at age 14 and it has made a significant difference to her severe fatigue, she has suspected Hughes Syndrome and Systemic Lupus, she has had no ill side affect at all. Mary F x

[InSpain in reply to MaryF]

I too am like you Mary - it did not suit me at all. However, both my sister & my brother swear by it and they have had no ill side effects what so ever. They tell me that their level of pain has reduced dramatically and it has significantly improved the quality of their lives. So good luck to your wife Skyllark I hope that it has the same effects for her too xxx

[Barnet]

I have been on an increased dose of 200mg twice a day for the past 5 weeks and currently experimenting with when I should take it. Definitely with food otherwise your wife may well experience severe stomach cramps and general stomach upset. It is certainly worth persevering with this drug as it seems to be helping with my chronic fatigue.

Paul

[Jade]

As everybody else has said we all react differently.

I took the 200mg per day 6 years ago and I believe I suffered low mood and nightmares though pain was decreased. So I stopped it.

Dr Hughes wanted me back on it and felt 200mg twice a week may be enough. I have had it a month so far, not sure on mood yet but the days I take I get chronic wind which I did not get before.

I do hope your wife does well on it.