Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is generally a safe and effective medication to treat autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and endometriosis. However, long-term use of Plaquenil can cause potential side effects related to vision, heart, and skin.
Vision: Plaquenil can cause serious eye complications that can lead to vision loss. These eye complications may include retinopathy, or damage to the retina, and optic nerve variants such as blepharitis or corneal dystrophy.
People taking Plaquenil should have regular eye examinations performed to monitor for any changes in vision.
Heart: Plaquenil can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. People taking Plaquenil have an increased risk of developing an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and an enlarged left ventricle (heart muscle) seen on a heart scan.
Skin: Plaquenil can cause skin rashes, often in areas of higher pigment. These rashes can be treated with topical corticosteroids and antihistamines. Irritation of the skin can also lead to discoloration of the skin, causing a condition called hyperpigmentation.
In addition to these long-term side effects, people taking Plaquenil can also experience a wide range of other side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and headache. It is important for people taking Plaquenil to discuss any side effects with their healthcare provider.
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What does Plaquenil do to your body?
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is an antimalarial medication used for the treatment and prevention of certain types of malaria, as well as for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases.
It works by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation. Plaquenil is thought to act by interfering with communication between cells in the immune system and by decreasing inflammation in the joints, muscles, organs, and other areas of the body.
This can help relieve pain, tenderness, soreness, stiffness, and swelling associated with these conditions. In addition, Plaquenil may also help to reduce other symptoms associated with these conditions, such as fatigue and skin rashes.
Plaquenil is generally considered safe and is typically well-tolerated by most people. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of, such as headaches, vomiting, hair loss, vision changes, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
It is important to talk to your doctor before starting Plaquenil.
What is the downside of taking hydroxychloroquine?
The greatest downside to taking hydroxychloroquine is its potential to cause serious or even fatal reactions. In rare cases, hydroxychloroquine use has been linked to mental health problems, liver and kidney failure, hearing and vision problems, congestive heart failure, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues.
Further, hydroxychloroquine can interact with other medications, resulting in serious medical complications. In 2017, the FDA warned about potential life-threatening side effects from using hydroxychloroquine to treat lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, including heart rhythm abnormalities and muscular weakness.
Additionally, taking hydroxychloroquine for long periods of time increases the risk of neurological and vision issues. Other potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and abnormal hair loss.
While the medication has been used to treat malaria since 1955, it is important to consult a doctor before choosing to take it, especially in light of the serious potential side effects.
Does Plaquenil reduce inflammation?
Yes, Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is an anti-inflammatory drug used to reduce inflammation and pain in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases. Several studies have shown that Plaquenil can be effective in reducing inflammation, joint pain, and fever that are common symptoms of these autoimmune diseases.
It can even reduce the risk of flares in some cases. Plaquenil works by blocking certain enzymes that are responsible for inflammation and tissue damage, thereby reducing inflammation levels in the body.
It is usually taken as a pill twice a day, with food or milk to reduce its Digestive side effects. It is important to note that it may take several weeks before Plaquenil starts showing its full benefits, so it is important to stick with the treatment even if you do not see immediate results.
What should I avoid while taking Plaquenil?
You should avoid taking Plaquenil if you are allergic to hydroxychloroquine or any of the other ingredients of Plaquenil. You should also avoid taking Plaquenil if you have psoriasis, porphyria, liver problems, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Additionally, it is important to consult with your doctor before taking Plaquenil if you have any other medical conditions, such as kidney or heart problems, or if you have a history of alcohol or drug use, as Plaquenil may interact with these medications or conditions.
You should also monitor yourself for any side effects when taking Plaquenil, including nausea, headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or changes in skin color. In addition, you should not take Plaquenil with any other medications, including other prescription or over-the-counter medications or supplements, as it may increase your risk of side effects or interact with other medications.
If you are taking other medications, you should talk to your doctor before taking Plaquenil. Finally, you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Plaquenil as alcohol can interfere with the effects of the medication.
What Vitamins does Plaquenil deplete?
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is a medication used for the treatment of various conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. It can be effective at managing symptoms and improving quality of life, but it can also cause side effects and some potential risks.
One potential risk is its potential to deplete important vitamins in the body. Vitamins that may be depleted by Plaquenil include vitamins B6, B9 (folate or folic acid), C, and D. Vitamin B6 is especially important for immune health and lack of this vitamin has been linked to an increased risk of infections, depression, anxiety, and heart disease.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may play a role in protecting the body from inflammation and infections. Vitamin D is an important immune system regulator, as well as controlling the body’s absorption of calcium for healthy bones and teeth.
Folate (B9) is a key nutrient that is needed for DNA and cells repair, and acts as a co-factor for enzymes involved in energy production. It is highly recommended that people taking Plaquenil take supplements of these vitamins, especially if they are deficient in any of them, to ensure that their bodies remain healthy and well-nourished.
Is it better to take Plaquenil in the morning or night?
The best time to take Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is usually in the evening or at bedtime. This is because the drug is better absorbed by your body during those times, and it is also less likely to cause an upset stomach, which is a common side effect.
Talk to your doctor to determine what time of day works best for you and your individual schedule and lifestyle. Plaquenil can be taken with or without food and should be taken with a glass of water.
If you take other medications, your doctor may also recommend that you take them either before or after you take Plaquenil.
Can you drink coffee with Plaquenil?
Yes, you can drink coffee with Plaquenil. According to RxList, the drug information website, there are no known interactions between Plaquenil and caffeine or coffee. However, it’s important to remember that drinking large amounts of coffee or other caffeinated beverages can cause restlessness, insomnia, increased heart rate, and other side effects.
It’s also important to be aware of any potential interactions with other medications you may be taking. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before changing your diet or adding new supplements or medications.
Is Plaquenil a high risk medication?
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is generally considered to be a moderate-to-low risk medication. In some cases, people taking Plaquenil may experience some side effects, such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
In rare cases, Plaquenil can cause serious side effects such as vision loss or hearing changes. Further, Plaquenil has the potential to interact with other medications, increasing the risk of dangerous side effects.
For most people, Plaquenil is not a high risk medication. The risk of unexpected side effects can usually be reduced by closely following the instructions of your healthcare provider. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing, have any other medical conditions, or if you take any other medications, herbal supplements, or vitamins.
It is also important to tell your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms or changes to your vision while taking Plaquenil.
Do any Vitamins interact with Plaquenil?
Yes, there are some vitamins and supplements that may interact with Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), a drug used to treat inflammation in the body and to slow down the progression of certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Specifically, Plaquenil can interact with vitamins A, D, E, and K. For example, combining Plaquenil with vitamin A may increase the risk of side effects such as vision loss. Additionally, Plaquenil may interact with vitamin E, which may cause an increase in the risk of bleeding.
Furthermore, Plaquenil may interact with vitamin D and K, which can affect the way in which your body uses calcium and phosphorus.
Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find out if any vitamins or supplements you are taking may interact with Plaquenil. If a supplement or vitamin interact with Plaquenil, your doctor may be able to advise a substitute that does not interact with the medication or suggest a change in dosage.
Additionally, it is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any vitamins or supplements you are taking, so they can help you understand any interaction that may occur between Plaquenil and vitamins or supplements.
Is hydroxychloroquine hard on your body?
Hydroxychloroquine is generally well-tolerated when used in the short-term or as prescribed. Possible side effects of hydroxychloroquine range from mild irritations to more serious issues, such as liver damage, issues with blood sugar and vision, and changes in heart rhythm.
The potential for side effects may be increased in people with certain pre-existing medical conditions or if the drug is used in low or high doses, or for long-term treatment. As with any medication, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before beginning hydroxychloroquine to discuss potential side effects, along with other risks and benefits.
A healthcare provider can also provide guidance on how to minimize adverse reactions and adjust doses if necessary.
How long can you stay on hydroxychloroquine?
It is important to note that hydroxychloroquine is generally prescribed as a short-term treatment. The typical length of prescription is 1-3 days, with the average being 7-10 days. The maximum duration of hydroxychloroquine prescription is usually 4 weeks as continuous treatment, or up to 12 weeks intermittently.
It is also important to note that the duration of treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity of the condition being treated, as well as the patient’s individual response. In some cases, the treatment may need to be extended beyond the 4-week marker, or the patient may need to take breaks from the treatment for the best results.
Ultimately, the length of time that a person remains on hydroxychloroquine should be decided by their healthcare provider.
Does taking hydroxychloroquine make you immunocompromised?
No, taking hydroxychloroquine does not make you immunocompromised. Hydroxychloroquine is a drug prescribed for certain medical conditions, including malaria, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is commonly used to reduce inflammation and is believed to have some anti-viral properties; however, it is not believed to compromise the immune system.
In fact, it is believed to actually help boost the immune system in some cases. As such, it is not considered to be an immunosuppressant, which are medications that are specifically used to weaken the immune system.
Hydroxychloroquine is generally considered safe but has been known to cause some side effects including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, it can interact with other medications, so people should always consult their doctor before taking it.
What are the benefits of hydroxychloroquine for arthritis?
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an antimalarial drug that has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for more than six decades. Generally, HCQ is well-tolerated and provides significant benefit for people struggling with RA.
The potential benefits of HCQ for RA include decreased joint pain and swelling, prevention of joint damage, and improved physical function and quality of life. Through its immunomodulatory mechanisms, HCQ also has effects that are likely to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and other systemic diseases associated with arthritis.
In clinical trials, HCQ has been shown to significantly reduce the number of painful and swollen joints in patients with RA. Additionally, it was found to reduce the risk of major extra-articular complications of RA, including lupus-like syndromes and cardiovascular events.
In short-term studies, HCQ has also been found to slow the progression of joint destruction, which can result in better long-term outcomes and improved quality of life. These benefits have been seen consistently in both adults and older or juvenile patients.
In addition to its clinical benefits, HCQ is generally well-tolerated and may reduce drug costs when compared with other traditional medications used to treat RA. Notably, only rare cases of serious toxicity have been reported in clinical studies, and the frequency of adverse events associated with HCQ is similar to that of other RA medications.
Overall, hydroxychloroquine has been proven to be a safe, effective, and affordable treatment option for people dealing with rheumatoid arthritis. Through the use of HCQ, the number of painful and swollen joints can be decreased and the risk of joint destruction and systemic disease due to RA can be reduced.
Long-term studies have shown that patients who use HCQ can also experience improved physical function and quality of life.
What happens if you stop taking your lupus medication?
If you stop taking your lupus medication without consulting your doctor, it can be extremely dangerous. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that affects your body’s immune system, causing it to attack healthy tissue and cause inflammation, pain and organ damage.
Treatments with medication aim to reduce inflammation and other symptoms, as well as prevent flare-ups.
Without this medication, symptoms of lupus can become more severe, resulting in joint and muscle pain, organ damage and an increased risk of developing infections. Not taking prescribed medication also makes it harder to determine if you are responding to the treatment, and can make it difficult to predict and control flares.
If you have concerns or questions about your medications, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help you evaluate any side effects or issues with taking your medication, and give you advice about how to best manage your condition.
