What Are The Side Effects Of Plaquenil?

Posted on Wed, 8 Mar 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 8 Mar 2017 Answered on

Wed, 5 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi> I have Lupus and have been on Paquenil for for about years>My eye Doctor says the left eye is showing toxins from the drug are starting to cause damage and I need to stop taking it. My Lupus doctor doesn't agree. any advice

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
it is recommended to discontinue Plaquenil

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the query at HealthcareMagic

Ocular/eye damage is a side effect of Plaquenil seen especially with long term use of medication. Once damage to the eyes are noted, recommendation is to discontinue the medication, as further use can only worsen the ocular damage.

I'd recommend that you follow up with your doctor or get a second opinion from another doctor for discontinuing Plaquenil, and starting another medication for treatment of SLE.

Hope I was able to answer your question
Please feel free to address any more concerns

Regards,
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee