Plaquenil?

[MLC1972]

I’ve had RA for three years. I have never taken meds, but I’m in terrible pain and suffering fatigue. With my Rheaumy, I’ve landed on Plaquenil. Anyone have experiences to share? Thanks.

[helixhelix]

I was on it for 8+ years very happily. It is said to be the mildest of the drugs with the fewest side effects. I certainly had no problems with it, but was on both methotrexate and sulphasalazine as well so not quite the same situation. However it did help control my disease.

New recommendations have also reduced the risk of it affecting your eyes as it is so incredibly rare, but do get an eye healthcheck just in case.

[VeronicaF]

love it, take it

it does take a while though, about 12 weeks for me but I love this drug

no side effects for me on it

[Staycalmandcarryon]

Every RA case seems to be different but HCQ works for me. Now in my third year of remission I take it just twice a week. No other drugs.

[Pulfs]

I'm on this along with methotrexate and retuximab infusions. No problems but have regular eye examination at optician. X

[Hidden]

I’ve been taking it for a year and half works great and no side effects 😄

[Hidden]

I have been taking it for 25+ years with no problems. Yearly eye checks at the opticians. Sadly although it helped to start with since then other meds have been added to the mix. I hope you find it helps you 😊

[freesthomas]

Hi... I’ve taken hydroxychloroquine for a number of years and found it is effective at keeping my arthritis in remission. I take 200mg daily. No side effects with me at all. I hope this helps 😊

[Collielover]

I’ve taken it for the last 8 months but it’s not that effective for me I’m afraid. On my 2nd bad flare in 9 months . Hope it works for you

[SUZANNEMOTLEY09]

Same here for me it been amazing never felt better

[Nexus1971]

I have Lupus Discoid. I have been taking 200mg of Hydroxychloriquine for years. I recently saw my GP as I wanted to tell her that I wanted to stop taking the pills as I havent had a flare up for years. She said some people become cured over time.

I'm due to see my consultant this week but fear he's going to say I need to keep taking the tablets. I actually stopped two weeks ago and went through the withdrawals - Bad headaches and weird vision - but i'm through that now.

Im not anti pills but I do wonder to what extent we rely on a medicalised model of treatment.

Am I nuts for stopping?