Eta, there is no exact time table for when teh plaquenil will kick in. For me, the generic did not work at all. Part of going off it was because my insurance would not pay for the brand and the generic was like taking nothing, so I just stopped, though my doc would have taken me off of it anyway because it was at the same time my eye issues were starting.

You nay have to give it a couple of months. One thing is that it may be slowly working and you don't realize it until you go off of it or miss a dose or two and realize it was working.

I have just started on Plaquenil or the generic which isHydroxychloroquine. Can someone please tell me how long it chould take to kick in. I have been using it for about six weeks but have had no side effects which is rare for me. All the other drugs I have been on are said to sometimes affect the eyes and that is why I visit the ophthalmologist every year. My daughter is also on Plaquenil but said it takes ages to kick in. I am on small doses of Cortosone till I see Rheumatologist next month. I think I need anti depressants because this disease is getting to me emotionally.

First, I'm elated to hear that you don't have Lupus. Plaqunil is the only DMARD that I've tried that doesn't drop my wbc. I'm not sure how well it's working. My Dr says they like to add a biological to most DMARDs. My biologic is Enbrel. Remember everyone is different, one of those may put you in remission. I hope the best for you

I was on Plaquenil for 15 years. It was wonderful. It really helped me to feel better, and function. However,two years ago, my heart started beating extremely fast to the point it felt as if I would have a heart attack. I was taken off of Plaquenil because I had reached the maximum dose in my system at my age. There was a choice of having a procedure called ablation or take medicine to control the palpitations, and stop the medication.So now I only take Tylenol or asprin for my RA, and the meds to stop my heart from Palpatating.. I cannot take any Disease modifying Drugs.It really sucks because for 15 years, Plaquenil was a godsend.