How many of you have tried Planquenil. I was pulled off MTX again for the last time in June. I started Planquenil a right away (200 mg). I am starting to ache again and she told me to take 2 a day so I am now up to 400 mg with 50 mg of Enbril once a week.
How long does the Planquenil take to kick in?
Have you had any side effects?
Thanks for the info and thanks for sharing!!
Gena
I'm on Plaquenil, MTX and Enbrel. I didn't notice much difference with the Plaquenil, but that doesn't mean it isn't working. I haven't had any side affects. I know Enbrel is supposed to work better in combination with MTX. Did they take you off MTX because you couldn't tolerate it or because of liver problems?
When I first started on Plaquenil, it took about two months before I noticed it was working. Hope you feel better soon.
Liver could not tolerate the MTX. My enzymes kept shooting up to 250 and higher. I just had my bloodwork since I am off MTX and my liver number was 20. My RD thinks I probably had some damage to my liver when I had mono 30 years ago.
Anyway...I am glad to be off the MTX. My period is back so my hormones seem a little more balanced.
Just waiting for Planquenil to kick in!
It has been a great drug for me, but it took 3-6 months before it fully kicked in.They've taken me off MTX a couple of times as well. But I begged to go back on because it really helps me. However, I had mono twice when I was younger. I think some other people have had the same problem.
My blood work was great last time so I keep hoping that it stays that way. I doubt he'll let me stay on it if it happens a third time. Besides, if it does, I'll mention the problem with Mono.
I think some people take Arava instead of MTX, but I'm not sure.
I just started on Plaquenil a few weeks ago. Dr. started me on 200mg for the first week, then up to 400mg for now on. He wanted to ease in the possible side effects. I haven't had any, that I know of. Some of my other meds give me upset stomach, so I just take them with yogurt and a Zantac. I haven't noticed a change, because that was also the time I was able to start back on Ibuprofen after surgery. I'm not sure if it's both or what, but I know I am feeling better and my hands aren't as swollen as they used to be.Terri,
I am so glad that you are finally out of some of the pain. It sounded so brutal.