This is very strange. I have had lupus for at least 30 years - was diagnosed then and it has been confirmed by two other doctors. My RA was diagnosed two years ago. Some lupus meds are also used for RA -- plaquenil is one, prednisone is another. A good friend of mine with RA was just put on plaquenil and was asking me about it because I took it for many years. I develped retina damage so cannot go back on it. But I took it for 20 years before any damage occurred and I could tell it was helping the lupus.

Do not believe that you don't have to worry about the lupus. You need to find out what type of lupus you have and what it's affecting. Mine attacks my connective tissues. I used to teach a lupus self-help class ans worked with women who had central nervous system lupus, one had it affect her kidneys (most common).... You need to try to get that under control UNLESS the lupus was brought on by a med you were taking and the doc thinks it will go away. You need to ask the questions htough.

Why were you taken off your meds? That makes no sense. Lupus is something to worry about. I think some of the RA meds can be used to treat it. Sounds like a new rheumy is in order.

Yes it certainly sounds like you should. Lupus is nothing to be unconcerned about!

Well, I asked to be taken off of plaquenil after being on it for 3 years and progressively getting worse. I just need to find a new rheumatologist.

I came back positive on my ANA test although I haven't gotten a firm SLE diagnosis (it's on it's way :-( ) my rheumatologist said this is why I had an allergic reaction to methotrexate, it is contraindicated for lupus so maybe that is why you were taken off your meds.