Sorry I haven't been on here in the past couple days, I start college tomorrow and I've been busy just trying to round up all the books I need for it!
I more than appreciate all your feedback, it's very comforting and helpful. So far with the pill, thankfully, I feel my normal self. My skin even looks better (I don't know if that's just my imagination, but it looks visibly improved). Anywho, I did have the initial headache and nausea when I first went on it, but that's decreased dramatically. However, today and yesterday I've been having some intermittent stomach cramps. The only reason for this that I can think of is that I took the Plaquenil on a fairly empty stomach, not a good idea.
So I was curious if any of you guys have had this problem with it.
I am pleased you can see a difference with your skin...it started reacting with me at nearly 3mths but it soon sorted the issues out with my skin...so it's not your imagination.lol
I had more than you've had of side affects first time round but not stomach cramps.
"Ann" is correct in what she's saying food is needed to stop any stomach upset...i take my plaquenil at night so that maybe why i don't feel it.
This is what it says regarding Anti-malerial medications with food.
You should always take your anti-malarial medications with food to prevent stomach upset. If a stomachache does occur, it is usually temporary. However, if you experience stomach upset while taking generic hydroxychloroquine, ask your doctor about trying name-brand Plaquenil instead. While these medications contain the same active ingredient, the preparation of generic hydroxychloroquine can sometimes cause stomach irritation. This sort of upset usually does not occur with commercial Plaquenil. Your doctor can ensure that you receive this version of the medication by writing “do not substitute” on your script.
Lastly, remember that even though you may feel the benefits of anti-malarial therapy after about a month of treatment, it may take up to three months for the full benefits of the drug to manifest. If you experience any serious adverse effects, notify your doctor.
I do hope you feel the benefits of eating food with the med.
I am so glad more people are getting the Plaquinel. I have never had stomach problems but that stuff kept me on my feet and kept me going for 6 years. Unfortunately now with no insurance, no job and no money, I can’t get them. I always say it’s better to take any med or vitamen with food to be safe unless it otherwise specifically specifies. Have a great day all.
I get feel really sick if I don't have food with it - but I didn't at the beginning. Now I always have food first - but I was trying to keep the food to a very small amount but after reading the other comments I think I'm going try and have a proper meal first. I hope the stomach cramps have gone now!
I do much better with plaquenil with food on my stomach. My dr cut me back to one pill a day because the diahrrea (sp???) wasnt slowing up when I tried to adjust to the med twice a day. I have been doing pretty well on one pill a day. I hope you get settled on it soon. It has been good for me.
Again, I'm always really touched and pleased to see your kind and helpful comments, so thank you loads! I actually went to my eye doc last week and he said there was no sign of the Plaquenil effecting them--phew. Now I've definitely gotten into the swing of taking Plaquenil right after I have a good meal.
I also apologize for being on here less! Getting into the routine of school is hard at first, but I enjoy my classes and I have plenty of time off to rest and regroup.
How is everyone else feeling? You're all in my prayers, and I hope you're having a pain free day.
So great to see you on and know you are adjusting to the Plaquenil. And that school has begun and you're on schedule with classes....great. Thankful you enjoy them and will have sufficient time to relax and regroup.