What Causes Itching Sensation On The Elbows While On Plaquenil?

Posted on Mon, 12 Sep 2016

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

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 Answered on

Mon, 3 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am a 53 yo female who started alendronate in March 2016 for osteoporosis which was discovered when being worked up for joint pain, muscle weakness, and fatigue. Lab work done (double stranded DNA) suggested lupus and about 3 weeks ago I was started on plaqunil. For the past 5 days I have had bilateral itchy, painful, warm, slightly red elbows, and a dry cough mostly at night. Prior to march I have not taken any other medications other than ibuprofen and vitamin D supplement. Any thoughts on the elbows?

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lupus flares, needs complete management

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Joint pains, muscle weakness, fatigue, confirmed lupus by Double stranded DNA work up, followed by plaquenil initiation with side effect of itching, warmth and red elbows are either lupus flares and inadequate lupus management or a side effect of plaquenil. You need to talk to your rheumatologist and let them sort out other possibilities for lupus management, consider corticosteroids , other immunosuppressants as plaquenil alone can't control lupus alone.

Nutshell, Lupus needs complete management and compliance to the medications to help get rid of these flares.

I hope it helps. take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar