A 67-year-old female asked:
does plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) prevent/slow down organs from being attacked, or just mask lupus symptoms?
1 doctor answer
Dr. Stephen Scholand answered
23 years experience Infectious Disease
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine): or hydroxychloroquine is actually an antimalarial medication but it is useful in treating inflammation such as found in lupus. It works by shutting off part of the immune system, so it's not really masking the symptoms- it's stopping the disease process in your case. Be sure to have regular check ups while on this medicine, esp eye examinations. That's one of the dangerous side effects 2 look out4
Answered on Feb 28, 2019
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Dr. Thomas Namey answered
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Can help!: While plaquenyl is a slow acting but effective drug, Prednisone is used in much higher doses in active sle. There are a number of reasons you might fe ... Read More
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A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Tony Ho answered
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Could be either: Unfortunately, it could be either a symptom of your lupus or a Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) side effect. Discuss with your rheumatologist.
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Dr. Ronald Krauser answered
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Yes and no: The ANA usually remains positive throughout and is not related to disease activity. The ESR and CRP will usually fall as disease control improves.
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Dr. Ronald Krauser answered
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Yes: Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) will often help if you truly have lupus. That decision needs to be made in concert with a rheumatologist. Has the rash ... Read More
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