Medication

[kerriebn]

 

I have Sjogrens and have been prescribed Planequil.  Can anyone tell me if this medication makes you more susceptible to infections?

[Accam1953]

Hi Kerrie

I am a bit of a rarity being a SS sufferer and male!

I have been on Plaquenil for nearly 2 years with no noticeable side effects. It seems to help with some of the classic SS symptoms although in the last few months fatigue is increasing and dryness in mouth and eyes becoming issues again. I had a course of Rituxan in 2014 which dramatically improved SS symptoms as well as reducing my white blood cell count(I also have CLL).

Accam

[Tassa]

I was on Plaquenil for two years without any side affects but it can be damaging to your eyes you must be checked by an Ophthalmologist each 6 to 12 months as a high dose can cause retinal damage. like all pharmaceutical drugs there are side effects. It would not be wise to stay on it for too long. It does help the immune system. I never had any infections while on it.

Traveller.

[scrappinmazza]

Hi, I too have been on Plaquinel for 3 years now. Initially I took 400mg but over time I have managed to reduce it to 200mg a day. I don't think it makes you more susceptible to infections but I do think the SS does as does any auto immune disease because your immune system is compromised. Plaquinel has helped me a lot. Even though I hate taking any medication! 

I have followed a Paleo diet for 12 mths now and this too has improved all my symptoms too and is what has allowed me to reduce the dosage of the Plaquinel. paleo is not easy to do but it works!

Warm regards,

Maz