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What Are The Side Effects Of Plaquenil For RA?
What are the side effects of Plaquenil for RA .is there another drug to use she already takes methotrexate weekly and has broken out in a severe rash so her MD put her on prednisone 80mg for awhile and then 40mg and now her hands hurt as she is a pharmacist and does a lot of typing.
posted on
Sun, 17 May 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 1 May 2021
Answered on
Mon, 3 May 2021
Last reviewed on
Hi,
Plaquenil contains hydroxychloroquine that belongs to the group of medications known as DMARD or Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic drug and antimalarial drug is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, DLE, malaria etc. Other DMARD medications like sulfasalazine, leflunomide, azathioprine or methotrexate can be used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate may cause symptoms of allergic reactions like rashes, itching, swelling of lips, tongue, face, eyes, throat, hands or feet, wheezing, breathing difficulties etc. Again, side effects of Plaquenil are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain or cramps, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, indigestion, chest pain or tightness, hair loss, discolouration of nail, bleached hair, skin discoloration, spinning sensation, skin rash or black spots, blurred vision, ringing in the ear, mood swings, irritability, nervousness, muscle weakness, easily bruising or bleeding, light sensitivity, confusion, abnormal thoughts or behaviours, allergic reactions etc. These side effects are mild and self limiting as the body adjusts to this medication over time. But, if these side effects persist for long or bother you, then you should inform your doctor first for medical help.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician,
Plaquenil contains hydroxychloroquine that belongs to the group of medications known as DMARD or Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic drug and antimalarial drug is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, DLE, malaria etc. Other DMARD medications like sulfasalazine, leflunomide, azathioprine or methotrexate can be used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate may cause symptoms of allergic reactions like rashes, itching, swelling of lips, tongue, face, eyes, throat, hands or feet, wheezing, breathing difficulties etc. Again, side effects of Plaquenil are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain or cramps, diarrhoea, dizziness, headache, indigestion, chest pain or tightness, hair loss, discolouration of nail, bleached hair, skin discoloration, spinning sensation, skin rash or black spots, blurred vision, ringing in the ear, mood swings, irritability, nervousness, muscle weakness, easily bruising or bleeding, light sensitivity, confusion, abnormal thoughts or behaviours, allergic reactions etc. These side effects are mild and self limiting as the body adjusts to this medication over time. But, if these side effects persist for long or bother you, then you should inform your doctor first for medical help.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician,
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