Hydroxychloroquine for Rheumatoid Arthritis User Reviews

• TJT...
• January 22, 2016

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "I have been on Plaquenil since 1996 when I was diagnosed with RA. When I was diagnosed, I was in severe pain, unable to hold my infant child or drive. My rheumatologist injected me with steroids to get me immediate relief and started me on Plaquenil. I don't remember my initial dosage, but I take 200mg once per day and have been in remission since 1996, and I have had no side effects that I am aware of. I have regular eye exams and periodic screenings by a retinologist, and my eyes have had no issues at all."

• Hot...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 20, 2020

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "I am a 76-year-old female with Rheumatoid Arthritis for about 40 years. I have been on Plaquenil for about 30 years, which has controlled pain and swelling of joints. X-rays have shown a decrease in joint destruction. I have multiple drug reactions but have had none with Plaquenil. I do have an occasional flare in rainy, cold weather, which is gone in about 2 days with an anti-inflammatory. I see my ophthalmologist once a year for an extensive eye exam. To date, no problem. Very, very pleased with Plaquenil and love my Rheumatologist."

• Mik...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 4, 2019

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "It started as Palindromic Arthritis, then progressed to full-fledged RA with frequent flares attacking my shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and even my jaw. Most attacks would severely limit my physical abilities. The doctor suggested Humira, I was a little reluctant - too many side effects to think about. She said we could try Plaquenil - a milder drug. I was told it takes two months before patients feel any improvement, it took a little less for the drug to kick in. Now, it's been a year - I have no flares, no pain, and no side effects I can think of. I take one pill in the morning and one in the evening. This drug works well for me."

• Wil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 16, 2019

"I welcome the chance to comment on my personal experience with Hydroxychloroquine (generic). Please keep in mind that these comments are based on my experience only. My rheumatologist prescribed two 200 mg tablets per day. After two months, I discontinued the medication because I was experiencing a number of nasty side effects, which included: dizziness, disorientation (even in familiar places and times), extreme fatigue (slept 16 hours per day), periodic shortness of breath, loss of cognitive abilities, blurred vision, headaches, metallic taste in mouth, excessive itching (but not hives), little improvement of inflamed joints, insomnia, nausea, extreme intestinal disruption, forgetfulness, and overall lack of energy. I realize some with RA praise the drug, and I am happy it works for them. But I found it a nasty, quality-of-life inhibiting drug. Thanks for reading!"

• Ace...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• May 14, 2019

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "I was taking the generic form of Plaquenil for over 10 years for rheumatoid arthritis. It took a few weeks to see it work, but what a change for the better. Less painful joints and fatigue. Always have gotten retina checked and have been good. Then I started getting debilitating migraines. I went off my meds one by one and the generic was to blame. My pharmacy switched to another foreign cheap manufacturing co. My doctor told me many generics change their fillers which cause side effects. Since I’ve been off, I have declined rapidly. I’m trying to find assistance for the original brand. It’s outrageous that we are forced to get generics! Especially if a person has a reaction, we should be able to get the brand at the same or reasonable prices, which they are not. This drug was so helpful for me and it's worth a try, give it 2-6 months. Good luck!"

• Dau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2012

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "My 19-year-old daughter was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis this past year. Her inflammation markers were off the charts. She took meloxicam for a couple of months, but it really hurt her stomach to where she couldn't eat. They put her on Plaquenil about 6 months ago and she is doing great. Recently had blood work and her inflammation is almost all gone. No side effects for her. I hope this medicine can help other people."

• Dar...
• June 6, 2017

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "Haven't taken this. Just wanted to read some feedback. I was on methotrexate, but stopped because it gave me chills, fatigue, and shortness of breath. I even fainted at work. The doctor suggested Plaquenil as a possible alternative, but after reading some of the comments, I don't think so. This is really frustrating and sad. The FDA should NOT be approving these crappy drugs which can cause worse problems than the one you have. I honestly don't know what to do, let the RA turn me into a cripple or take my chances with one of these death drugs?"

• Anonymous
• November 10, 2019

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "Been on Plaquenil for 30 years for rheumatoid arthritis. I don’t know if I have side effects from this drug as they are intermittent. Itching - weird times, not consistent. Eye watering - constant. Headaches - hormonal, RA related. Always had thin hair - never fell out. No stomach issues ever. Get eyes checked 1x a year. My eye doctor puts me through an hour+ battery of tests (4?) and takes a picture of my eye every year (cool machine, don’t have to dilate). Blood work every three months to monitor kidneys. Starting to wonder if I need to increase because my shoulders are starting to lose range of motion and had bursitis a few weeks ago. Or maybe I need to increase prednisone (also 30 years - 5 mg once a day). Been off the anti-inflammatory diet though, will get back on it, too. Starting the gym on Tuesday. Stay healthy folks!"

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 3, 2017

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "I began taking Plaquenil for RA 1 month ago. Despite information from my doctor that it would be at least 3 months before I see an appreciable effect, I am feeling better than I have in the last year. Prior to Plaquenil, I tried Mobic & Medrol, both with limited improvement. But over the last few weeks I have been able to play basketball with my son again, move without thinking or a 'warm up period', return to the gym, begin Pilates & I've lost 12 pounds! I did have some GI upset over the last month, but nothing I would consider stopping this medication for. I am able to enjoy things again & live life without discomfort."

• Enz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 15, 2018

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "Well I posted once before, figured I would give another update for anyone who cares. It's been around 2 years now and I'm glad to say all side effects are long gone. So is my pain for the most part. Sometimes I forget I was even diagnosed with RA (Palindromic Rheumatism). Every once in a while I will have a flare, my last one was in October of last year 2017, it is now February 2018 and still flare-free. I've been seeing gaps of 6+ months without any pain. You can see why it's easy to forget lol. Again, this drug is worth it. It seems almost like a dream waking up and not being able to move, a horrible dream."

• gee...
• September 5, 2016

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "I've been on this drug since 2003. Before meds, I was so sick with RA symptoms. Spent 19 hours a day in bed, couldn't dress or bathe myself. Seldom ate. Doctor put me on 200 mg Plaquenil twice daily and 10 mg prednisone, and I got my life back. I've since dropped prednisone and am down to 200 mg once daily Plaquenil. About to go on the generic form of Plaquenil. A little concerned. Is the quality the same? My specialist said no. RA drugs are so scary. I've had friends die on biologics - and some go blind. My advice as Geezergirl. When you find out what works for you, hold on tight to it."

• Ric...
• April 13, 2017

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "Love this drug, compared to the others. I am 55 now, and first took it 30 years ago. My RA then came on lightning fast, nodules and all. I went from totally normal to almost wheelchair in weeks. The weight of a bed sheet on my toes was too much. Two Plaquenil a day and 2400 mg of ibuprofen a day (that's 12 regular doses!) and I went into total remission. Of course, my stomach is crap now. After 25 years of remission, the RA returned. Different now that I'm older (55), more subtle. Chose Plaquenil again, and working wonders, but for my permanent damage. Get your eyes checked, a must. Some hair will fall out, but hey, I'm glad I still have some to fall out. WEIRD dreams. Irritability. Will lose weight! TAKE WITH FOOD to avoid cramps."

• Kit...
• March 26, 2017

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "I've been on Plaquenil for over 3 months now. It works wonderfully! I combine my treatment with Curcumin & Magnesium baths and I feel like a new woman :-) Side effects I experienced: Nausea & dizziness for the first week or two (I found I needed to take it after a full meal to prevent the nausea). I have also noticed since starting the Plaquenil I seem to sweat profusely. It's annoying, but the benefits far outweigh this little problem. I just wear my gym gear about now... which I did mostly beforehand anyhow :-) Also, it take take a couple months for the Plaquenil to kick in & for me to feel the effects! Don't give up, just give it some time."

• cjg...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 27, 2015

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "This medication did wonders for my soreness and pain from rheumatoid arthritis, but if someone would have told me I would have devastating and irreversible eye damage due to taking it, I would have chosen a different drug for sure (at least after the 5-7 year mark when it is known to cause major problems that will be with you for life!)"

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 2, 2013

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "I was told that I have rheumatoid arthritis a few months back. I have been on Plaquenil now for almost 2 months. It has helped with the pain in my hands and feet. I still have swollen fingers but am waiting for the full effects of the drug. I do not know how common this is, but the side effect that I am having is hair loss. I am guessing it wouldn't be as bad if I was a male, but being a female, I am hoping this stops after my body gets used to the medicine because I am very discouraged with that aspect."

• Hog...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 20, 2015

"I was told by my doctor that Plaquenil would not work for my RA because my symptoms were too severe. However, I didn't want to take the other more serious drugs, so I took this. It took a month before I noticed ANYTHING, and after two months, I felt MUCH better. Now, a year into the drug, I have ZERO, and I mean ZERO symptoms of RA. Give it time. It works."

• Enz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2016

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "I started on Plaquenil for RA about two months ago so my experiences are fresh. I'm a large male at 6'2, 250 lbs, 30 years old. When I was diagnosed with RA, I didn't know what to expect. I was quickly referred to a rheumatologist who recommended this drug. The first three weeks I was having some side effects - nosebleeds and ringing in my ears. But after the fourth week, they just disappeared, as well as the excruciating pain in my feet, knees, and hands. It just vanished like it never happened. I'm optimistic about now my third month as it has now been three months since my last flare-up. It was too late for my feet, which now have permanent damage, but I can now walk and wear shoes almost perfectly normally."

• che...
• July 9, 2015

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "I had very bad experiences with this medication. I now have permanent toxicity in my system and I also developed medically induced cataracts from this medication. Even though I have stopped taking the medication, it will continue to try and rob me of my sight. My eyes are always swollen, running, and very painful. Every morning when I rise, I look like a monster with my face full of fluid input all around my eyes, like little sacks of fluid. Is there help out there? I would like some and I would like to know if there's a manufacturer lawsuit for this medication. The information for this medication does not tell you about the damage that it does. Now they are warning doctors to let patients know about this medication and the bad side effects, and let them decide if they want to take it."

• Hol...
• November 13, 2018

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "I've been on a roller coaster for years with Plaquenil for RA/Lupus. I take the name brand to prevent side effects of red, warm, swollen, painful hands, nausea, dizziness, hair loss, etc. Each time I try going back to generic, side effects return immediately. I'm not one to comment but I read so many reviews that sounded like either my ups or downs, so I want to encourage people to stick with this med and try the name brand (though expensive) if having bad side effects with generic. It could explain why some people have such opposite experiences. I get Plaquenil from an international pharmacy and it's much cheaper. It works better than biologics that contributed to or sped up the process leading to my cancer. I'm now 'cancer-free' and refuse to go back on them. I might have to get my vision checked and deal with other mild side effects, but pain and swelling are gone on Plaquenil. Anyway, please hang in there and give your body enough time to adjust to the med before stopping it. It's a risk versus reward scenario with meds."

• Anonymous
• June 11, 2010

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "I began taking Plaquenil 6 weeks ago and I am pleased with it. I'm now seeing the benefits and my rheumatologist says that I should continue to get even better over the next 3 months. Honestly, I'm okay with where I'm already at. The biggest surprise is that I'm receiving benefits that I didn't get from 20mg/day of prednisone! The hardest part was when I first began Plaquenil. You initially experience side effects without any benefit, but you just have to hang in there. The side effects start to improve significantly after 2 weeks. My side effects were nausea, loose stools, vomiting, and temporary changes in vision (full eye exam confirmed that everything is fine.) I would highly recommend this medicine!"

• pea...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 16, 2013

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "I had very few side effects with this medicine in the beginning, but it didn't provide enough relief on days when I had to be on my feet for a few hours a day. It didn't remove all inflammation so I was taken off and tried on methotrexate, a lot worse side effects and no relief at all. I had no vision changes with Plaquenil and I would much rather have some relief than none. I was able to function with minimum pain with Plaquenil."

• lan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 28, 2015

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "Started Plaquenil 8 months ago - 200mg 2x/day - to treat Psoriatic arthritis and Sjogren's. Learned to NOT take it in the morning with my Meloxicam 15mg because of strong nausea. If I take one after a big lunch and one after dinner, I have no problems at all. Joints and hands, wrists are doing so much better. One worry is that I am too tired to do anything at all. If I do laundry, I sweat. If I cook dinner or rake the yard, I sweat. I seem to even have trouble sleeping on my side at night because of trouble getting enough air into my lungs. Weird, I know. I rated it an 8 because I do not feel sick after taking it and it does seem to work. The last but not least worry is heavy hair loss. I have thin and fine hair anyway, but it comes out like crazy."

• mfr...
• July 6, 2010

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "Plaquenil has changed my life! I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis three months ago. My rheumatologist started me on this 200mg twice a day, and after about a week, I noticed a dramatic effect in my hands and feet. I used to wake up in the morning with swollen hands and feet, and it took about a half an hour for the swelling/pain to subside. No longer is this true! I am 37 years old and finally have enough energy to keep up with my 4 children and busy husband. I sleep better, feel more focused in the daytime, and do not get tired from doing small tasks anymore. I am hoping to reduce my dosage and see if I can still get the same results."

• NC ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 3, 2012

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "My rheumatologist prescribed this for my rheumatoid arthritis, and it is like a miracle for me. For the first time in several years, I actually feel like getting out and doing things without restrictions. The joint pain has lessened, and my rash has subsided! I do plan on making an appointment with an eye doctor due to some irritations I have recently been experiencing. All in all, I would highly recommend Plaquenil and hope you can see and feel the difference."

• Sad...
• March 2, 2016

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) "I'm a 57-year-old female that has just been diagnosed with RA about 6 weeks ago. My GP gave me Arthrotech to get me through until I could see the rheumatologist. The Arthrotech made me sick, for every 4 pills I took, I threw one up. I went to the specialist yesterday, and he gave me Plaquenil - I've only taken it for 2 days so far (400 mg) daily, but I'm feeling worse (although the weather has changed - snowstorm). I can't believe how painful this disease is. Does it get any better? Will I have a pain-free, normal life one day soon? I don't go back to the specialist until May, but I can't imagine being in this much pain until at least May. I'm feeling so sorry for myself and crying because I'm tired, crying because I'm sore. When will it start working?"