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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Planquenil

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Davie, FL

Anyone taking Planquenil???? My rheumy just switched me to this.

July 7, 2016
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Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly shared positive experiences with Plaquenil for rheumatoid arthritis, with many reporting they've taken it successfully... Read more

Members overwhelmingly shared positive experiences with Plaquenil for rheumatoid arthritis, with many reporting they've taken it successfully for years (ranging from months to over a decade) and experienced reduced swelling, inflammation, and improved ability to function daily. Several members emphasized the importance of regular eye exams every 6 to 12 months as a precautionary measure, though many noted their eye doctors reassured them that vision problems from Plaquenil are rare and typically don't occur until after 4 to 6 years of use. A recurring theme was managing initial side effects by taking the medication with food or at bedtime, with members also discussing insurance coverage challenges, frustrations with methotrexate side effects like hair loss and weight gain, and the value of Plaquenil as a well-tolerated DMARD option either alone or combined with biologics.

A myRAteam Member

I take plaquenil and minocycline and LDN. 4 months in and they are helping. I can work and function.

August 23, 2016
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member thanks for the info; still frustrated it doctor and hate the thought of starting over with someone new. I am still considering the planquenil once I get the edema under control. Happy Day to You!

August 6, 2016
A myRAteam Member

I've been on Plaquenil since 2008. No problem with eyes tho I do have the visual field study done every 6 months per Rheumatologist. Eye dr. said he has never seen anyone with problems due to plaquenil and he's not a young dr, but said it is wise to have it checked.

Barbara, I'm sorry your doctors keep shuffling you back and forth. I've had that happen to me. I hope you get that edema taken care of.

August 5, 2016
A myRAteam Member

I just went to the Ophthalmologist at Duke Hospital for my 1st check up of being on Plaquenil the Doctor there told me you usually don't have problems from Plaquenil till you have been on it for 4-6 years, the first time is for a base line on your eyes. I have been on Plaquenil for 2 years and no problems yet. They didn't tell me to get checked every 6 months, do you have other problems with your eyes?

August 5, 2016
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member... I wish my insurance would have paid for the planqunil last year, they just added to their list. However, my opthamalogist cautions me against the planquenil and said if I do go on it, I need to have my vision field eye exam every 6 months at a cost of $150 out of pocket. yes, the mtrx really messed me up and I am currently taking NOTHING. I am trying to get rid of the edema the mtrx so kindly gave me. The rheumy said to ask the primary care, the primary care said to ask the rheumy. I think I might go to walk in clinic on Saturday. Any suggetions on the eduma of upper leg?????

August 3, 2016

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