Good Morning, hope all is well with everyone. I've been taking Plaquenil for about 5 months now. I was moved up to 400mg and I was taking the full dose at once at bedtime. Well after reading something I realized its 200mg twice a day.... So started doing that about a week ago and feel like I'm having a flare up. Any suggestions??? I just want to take it correctly and the most beneficial. Also traveling to Puerto Rico for vacation any tips on traveling far trips.... I'm nervous I'm going to be sick the whole time : (
Hey Michelle, I'm no doctor but that is a completely different dosing schedule than what your body is used to, so I wouldn't be surprised if you're body is reacting to that change. Maybe the safest bet is just checking in with your doctor? As for travelling, use lots of sunscreen, good amounts of shade, drink lots of fluids and try to get good rest even though, who really likes to rest on vacation? lol. Have a good vacation!!
My rheumatologist prescribed for me to take it twice a day, and I noticed the bottle also says to make sure I take it with food. Have you tried taking it with/without food to see how it reacts with you? I hope you're feeling better and I hope Puerto Rico is great for you! I'm sorry, but I haven't traveled at all since being diagnosed with lupus so I'm unaware of any tips.
Hi Michelle1
I don’t travel too much any more afraid I might have a need for one of the many specialists. I’m not really that sick but I do have pulmonary fibrosis and a small nodule in my lung that appeared on lung scan 3 months ago I had another scan last week. Getting the results of fri ( my 56th wedding anniversary) to see if that nodule has grown. I’ve heard that nodules are common and not a problem but that doesn’t help feeling like it might have grown and/or become a problem. I know this discussion is old but it helps me to know everyone still cares.
Take care everyone.
Cindy
I was told 200 twice a day. Eye problems can occur if overdose or or taken at wrong time. I’d check with Rhymatologist. Ask why he/she feels it should be all at one.
I am to take it twice a day, 200mg each time. I had terrible side effects until about mo 4, now I think I’m settling in. Shortness of breath and cp went away while startiing Prednesone and haven’t gotten completely off it, so still unsure if Plaquinel will cover my needs. But I do know you must get eyes checked every 6mo to watch for damage by the Plaquinel. As to the travel, what others suggested take it! Move on the plane, bring plenty of sunscreen. I bought a shirt with 50spf in it. It was white and cute, so could wear over swim suits. Wide brimmed hat. Wear it everywhere. Seriously- the sun will bring flare ups. If you’ve been in the sun before and got a burn but others not so much…that’s the flare! Was just in Mexico and filled all my Rhym advice, and still fried my feet. Even though sundcreened them. Skin was like leather as it healed. Not fun. They’re back to normal but took a long time to heal. Have fun!
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I also take Plaquenil. When I first started it, I was told to take it twice a day, 200 mg at a time. Also with food, if stomach upset occured. My rhuem told me once I got used to it, it was ok to take them both together. I do everyday in the morning for the last year and a half, and haven’t had issues.
Does the Plaquenil really help. I took it over 10 years ago for about a year and it really irritated my stomach. My skin and hair turned very light and I really didn’t see an improvement.
I’ve personally responded well to the Plaquenil. It’s not a cure all, by any means, but before starting it I was in so much pain I nearly had to quit my job.
HELLO, MY NAME IS MICHELE AKA MICKEY. I WANT TO TELL YOU I USE TO BE IN CHARGE OF A LUPUS CHAPTER WITH 300 PEOPLE. MY EXPERIENCE IS NEVER, NEVER STOP COLD TURKEY A CERTAIN DOSAGE OR AMOUNT. IT SHOULD BE SLOWLY LOWERED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A DOCTOR. YOU CAN HAVE A SEZIURE BY STOPPING OR LOWERING PLAQUENIL COLD TURKEY
ALWAYS MICKEY
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I just saw my eye doctor and she advised me recent research shows that during the first 5 years of Plaquenil you only need to see eye doc every year, after that it’s every 6 months… but I would definitely check w/your Dr.
Hi. I was diagnosed in July 2016 and already had my 6th month appointment to get my eyes checked. They will continue to do so like that. I wonder why doctors in the same field have different methods to treat. I would get a second opinion or do some research on this. Best wishes!