What Are The Symptoms Of Plaquenil Toxicity?

Posted on Fri, 29 May 2015

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

Fri, 29 May 2015 Answered on

Fri, 19 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : How common is plaquenil toxicity and what does it do to your system? I understand that visual field tests are not required in Europe. I had unexpected results from one visual field and am now being followed by a Retinaologist and the tests being preformed are very expensive, and I believe unnecessary as the findings have always been normal. Are there other risks from long term plaquenil use? I have very mild RA and the plaquenil has kept symptoms in check. I have been off the drug two times and RA symptoms come on after about 3-4 weeks. I don't want to go to the next level of treatment as I am doing well on plaquenil and Celebrex. Thanks, XXXXXXX YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. N K Mishra (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
plaquenil toxicity

Detailed Answer:
My dear,
Thanks for sending your query to us.
These drugs do have a toxicity but it is rare.The reason doctors are worried is that once toxicity occures ,it continues even after stopping the drug.
Otherthan retinal examination,useful information can be obtained by lesser tests like oct,they are equally informaytive in most cases.Did haveyour oct done and what was the openion of your doctors regarding oct ?
There are certain risk factors like treatment more than 5years,daily dose of more than 400 mg. and associated kidney disease,where every one has to be more cautious.
please do get back to me in case of any further query in this regard.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T