quick question about Plaquenil - Lupus Message Board

Sampy123 · 10-04-2004, 04:24 AM

Seems I spoke too early. Headache from this med is completely gone, but now it has hit my stomach. Not that I'm complaining, I think I lost a few pounds already. That's a good thing. Just wondering if the stomach problem is temporary or not.
Shari

VeeJ · 10-04-2004, 07:06 AM

Hi, Shari (Sampy).

The first few weeks of taking Plaquenil, I honestly didn't know how to sort possible reactions from disease symptoms. e.g., I've had IBS for 25+ years, and vrs. symptoms were really BAD at the point of Dx.

So, which was which, flare or medication reaction? Dunno!

If stomach upsets are a common thing for you, maybe you could take a "wait & see" attitude? Even if they aren't, it probably takes awhile to adjust...

Not very helpful!

Sampy123 · 10-04-2004, 07:27 AM

Thanks, Vee,
It was very helpful. I don't usually have any probelms with my stomach and the timing of this with the medication makes me believe it's a side effect. Thanks, I knew I could count on your for an answer.

Shari

mere · 10-04-2004, 08:08 AM

Plaquenil gave me stomach cramps and diarrhea for a few weeks. After that, imy body seemed to adjust. I take 200 mg twice per day.

I also take Methotrexate 15 mg, Bextra 10 mg, and Prednisone 10 mg. I don't always feel perfect, but I defenitely feel better. I also have Fibromyalgia and feel that it is sometimes more difficult to control than the lupus.

Hope you adjust soon.

Mere -

Sampy123 · 10-04-2004, 11:04 AM

Thanks for that information Mere. I take the same dosage as you do. I really don't mind the upset stomach as I needed to jumpstart my diet, lol. I can't take the Bextra because it shoots my coumadin level into unsafe ranges, but that stuff worked great for me. Glad to hear you're doing pretty well and it seems to be under control for now. Thanks for taking the time to post.

Shari