Another Plaquenil Question - Arthritis Message Board

Karon · 08-16-2002, 10:32 AM

For those who have totally quit the Plaquenil - Did you stop having flares ups all together before stoppping????? Had you stopped all soreness and pain???
I also have been on Plaquenil for three and a half years and am in remission (I'm pretty sure).
I have decreased my Plaquenil from 2 a day to 1 on my own. I live very far from my Rheum. Doc and am afraid to stop the Plaquenil all together. My family doctor would go along with anything I suggested so he's no help. I do get minor flare ups but not crippling ones like before Plaquenil. My hands and feet are a bit sensitive to bumps but nothing worth complaining about. I take Celebrex usually twice a day unless I'm doing really well then I take one per day. I no longer require prednisone.
I heard that if it goes into remission and then comes back it is much harder to get control of again. Your comments please.
Thanks Karon

MegHurts · 08-16-2002, 12:04 PM

Karon, if you are thinking of going off the plaquenil, I wouldnt if I were you. It seems like you are still having flare-ups and need the plaquenil to keep things in check. Talk to your doctor if you are considering going off of it. You mentioned your feet being tender and such, would you want to hurt more just to be med-free?

Karon · 08-16-2002, 12:55 PM

That's why I'm asking what makes people go off the drug. Do they get totally free of pain and soreness??? Tx Karon

Mattsmummum · 08-17-2002, 07:21 PM

Karon, for me it was my doctor's suggestion. I had been pain free for a few years, too, but without any flareups and I wasn't taking any other medications. Since you are also taking Celebrex and having some soreness here and there, I wouldn't stop your plaquenil without your Rheumy's approval. Can't you give him/her a call since they aren't that close?

Karon · 08-19-2002, 08:32 AM

To Mattsmummum:
How many years were you on the drug and are you saying that you have no after effects from the disease at all... It totally disappeared???? Not even minimum soreness. I guess there's no limit as to how long you can be on Plaquenil?? I appreciate all comments. I wish I would have known about this sight years ago ..would I have had questions!!!. Tx a lot.