Could this be side effects of medicine? - Arthritis Message Board

MegHurts · 08-22-2002, 08:52 AM

Ive been on Prednisone and Plaquenil for two weeks now (as of today) and have noticed in the past day and today that I have a rash on my neck and now in my cleavage! My face is all broke out too and I look red and splotchy. Do you think this could be a side effect of the Plaquenil? I look worse today than I did yesterday, it seems to be getting worse. Im scared to take my medicine today. I havent been near any weird plants like poison ivy or anything, so this is a mystery.

Have any of you experienced rashes or anything as a result of medication? I guess I better call the pharmacy and see...

Meg

Hellokitty1973 · 08-22-2002, 09:13 AM

Hi Meg -

I do recall reading that skin rashes can be a side effect of Plaquenil (as well as sensitivity to the sun). I haven't really noticed it on me, but if you know you haven't been in contact with anything else, it could be the Plaquenil. Can you call your Dr.? Maybe there is something you can do to counteract the rash.

I hope it gets better soon and doesn't bother you too much! I hate that kind of stuff, especially when you are taking it to make you feel better!!!

--Allison

MegHurts · 08-23-2002, 09:32 AM

Well, I just got back from the doctors office. The rash is an allergic reaction to the Plaquenil. He's doubled my Prednisone until the rash goes away. Then he's starting me on 10mg Methotrexate.

Im a little bummed out because Im going to have to be on this for 1-2 years.... which puts any chance of having children 1-2 years away too.

I know my fiance wont mind, but I do. I have always wanted to have kids and I feel like its always being delayed. I know its more important for me to get my RA under control and into remission before I even consider doing anything life-changing, but the thought that I CANT is kinda of bothersome.

He told me that Id have to have bloodtests every month to monitor liver functions because of the medicine. And that I might experience some hair thinning (Grr.... ) and weight loss (yay!). He also gave me a prescription for Folic Acid to help keep mouth sores away.

I got back in a month to let him know how Im doing on the Methotrexate. Im gunna read up on the posts that others have written about it and will probably have a bunch of questions. If anyone reading this has any advice, I would love to hear it! Thanks all for listening.

Meg

[This message has been edited by MegHurts (edited 08-23-2002).]

Hellokitty1973 · 08-23-2002, 10:07 AM

Hi Meg -

I'm sorry to hear about that allergic reaction! I'm in the same boat with you in terms of wanting children and the medications.

I don't know if you saw my other post, but my doctor wanted to put me on Methotrexate. I got upset and told him I wasn't ready for it b/c of wanting to get pregnant next year, etc. I just got married last October. So, he gave me the option of going on Sulfasalazine and I am starting on that soon (just waiting for the prescription). For me, it wasn't worth going on it for a few months, only to have to go off it in the spring - since you have to be off it for a few months before conceiving. But, maybe because you have a great chance of this going away forever, they want to treat it aggressively now.

With the sulfasalzine I need blood tests done too. It's similar to the methotrexate, just not quite as strong.

Don't be bummed - it sounds like your doctor is doing the right thing - Methotrexate is very popular and well tolerated!

Let me know how it goes...

and be happy it's Friday!!

------------------
~Allison~