Plaqenil??? | Arthritis Information

What is this drug?? Is it the one that sulfa is in it???

Welcome Lauren!

No, Plaquenil does not have sulfa. I know this for sure because I was just on it for 8 months and I am allergic to sulfa. I suspect you might be, too, since you seem quite concerned about it?

It did absolutely nothing for me, but some people have very good results. It is usually one of the earlier drugs they try. It is considered a DMARD.

The only one I know of with sulfa is sulfasalezine (sp?).

Hope this helps

hi, my only complaint with plaq (only!), was bad headaches. Lynda

Hi Lauren and welcome!

Plaquenil is actually an antimalarial drug that has been found to help decrease the inflammation of RA, and is also used to treat SLE. Many people have good luck with Plaquenil, but there is still some debate as to whether or not it actually prevents joint damage.

Brisen39307.8549768519Like a lot of RA drugs, Plaquenil was discovered to help RA accidentally. It
was mainly used for malaria.Interestingly enough, Plaquenil has
antimicrobial properties, but no one knows why it works for RA. Plaquanil is a anti-malarial drug that is used as a starter drug. Some people have good luck with this drug, as it relatively low incidences of side effects-except for the upset stomach. Often it is paired with MTX for a better result.

Lauren,

When I was first diagnosed in August 2004, I started on just Plaquenil (anti-malarial drug) and Relafen (anti-inflammatory). The only side effect of the Plaquenil was a week and a half of nausea.

I did so well on the Plaquenil that after two years, my RD decided to cut my dosage in half. That was a mistake and caused me to start flaring. Even though I started back on the original dosage, I haven't received the same effect as I had before. I'm now searching for something to add to the Plaquenil to give me the same effect.

I just recently had x-rays of my wrists. After three years on Plaquenil there was no damage visible on the x-ray. I'd say Plaquenil was very helpful for me.