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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Intake Of Plaquenil Cause An Increase In Blood Sugar Levels?

I have been taking plaquenil for 2 months and have noticed that my blood sugar readings are considerly higher...could this be caused by the plaquenil. I suffer with a lot of nausea since starting this drug. I m also taking three medicines for high blood pressure. Should I continue taking plaquenil for my RA? I m taking orensia and a small does of predisone for the RA. I am pain free, but my doctor thought I should try to get off the predisone. (2 1/2 units) I have been on the predisone for 2 years. I m 79 years old. My e-mail is YYYY@YYYY .
Mon, 14 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Dear Madam, Hi & Welcome.

Used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine) is generally a safer medicine. Its most common side effects include dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and rashes. It may also cause ocular toxicity (retinopathy).

It is unlikely to cause increased blood sugar levels. You may continue to take it for your RA, as it is one of the most effective drugs to control the inflammation process.

Orencia (Abatacept) is also prescribed for treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Its most common side effects include fever, chills, night sweats, or flu symptoms. Serious infections may also occur during treatment with this drug.

An increase in blood sugar is not associated with the use of this drug also.

The glucocorticoid Prednisone is known to cause an increase in blood sugar level in addition to other side effects.

In view of the above you are advised to consult your treating rheumatologist for the gradual stoppage of Prednisone.

Hope the suggestion given above would be useful.
Best wishes.
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Does Intake Of Plaquenil Cause An Increase In Blood Sugar Levels?

Dear Madam, Hi & Welcome. Used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine) is generally a safer medicine. Its most common side effects include dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and rashes. It may also cause ocular toxicity (retinopathy). It is unlikely to cause increased blood sugar levels. You may continue to take it for your RA, as it is one of the most effective drugs to control the inflammation process. Orencia (Abatacept) is also prescribed for treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. Its most common side effects include fever, chills, night sweats, or flu symptoms. Serious infections may also occur during treatment with this drug. An increase in blood sugar is not associated with the use of this drug also. The glucocorticoid Prednisone is known to cause an increase in blood sugar level in addition to other side effects. In view of the above you are advised to consult your treating rheumatologist for the gradual stoppage of Prednisone. Hope the suggestion given above would be useful. Best wishes.