WHAT IS PLAQUENIL?Plaquenil(hydroxychloroquine) is a drug with anti-inflammatory properties . Originally used to treat malaria, it has also been discovered to have anti-inflammatory properties. Plaquenil is used for certain skin conditions and rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus (SLE). Plaquenil suppresses the disease process, causing skin lesions to gradually disappear. For rheumatoid conditions, Plaquenil reduces joint pain and stiffness, and reduces morning stiffness.
Plaquenil works slowly. It can take several weeks to several months before you notice an effect, and for rheumatoid conditions, it can even take 3-6 months. So wait patiently and don't jump to conclusions about its effectiveness. If the drug has a beneficial effect on you, you can continue using it for years.MORE ABOUT ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGSA powerful anti-inflammatory is prednisone . Prednisone is a steroid hormone. It works quickly and is often used for skin diseases and rheumatic conditions. However, it does have side effects and is therefore not suitable for long-term use. Suitable for long-term use are the new anti-inflammatory drugs called biologics : Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab), and Remicade (infliximab). These are expensive medications that can only be administered by injection or intravenous infusion. Some painkillers such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, and celecoxib also have anti-inflammatory properties. This group is called NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). NSAIDs are also used for rheumatoid conditions: they reduce joint pain and inflammation. Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) belongs to a group of anti-rheumatic drugs called DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs). This translates to "anti-rheumatic drugs that can modify the disease." Plaquenil is not a painkiller, but if the inflammation is successfully reduced, the stiffness, pain, and swelling in your joints will decrease. If the joint inflammation decreases, the risk of damage to your joints will also decrease. You will also feel less tired and be able to function better in daily life.FOR WHICH SKIN DISEASES IS PLAQUENIL USED?Plaquenil is prescribed in dermatology for the following skin diseases:
- cutaneous discoid lupus erythematosus (CDLE)
- systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Sjögren's disease
- (dermato)myositis
- various forms of vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessel wall)
- polymorphic light eruption
- disseminated granuloma annulare
- cutaneous sarcoidosis
- lichen planopilaris
- central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia
- lichen planus actinica
- chronic ulcerative stomatitis
- lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (Jessner's disease)
- pseudo B-cell lymphoma of the skin
- erythema nodosum
- lymphocytic vasculitis
- acne agminata
- reticular erythematous mucinosis
- aphthous stomatitisHOW SHOULD I USE PLAQUENIL?Plaquenil is available in 200 mg tablets. The usual dose is one tablet twice a day, but a lower dose may sometimes be prescribed. Take the tablets with water after a meal or before bed and swallow them whole. Do not chew or crush them.WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?The most important side effects are discussed below. For a complete list, please read the package insert that comes with the medication.
These side effects are generally temporary and disappear after discontinuation of treatment.Most common:- Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, decreased appetite
- Skin rash, sensitivity to sunlight.Rarely occurring:- Headache, dizziness, drowsiness.
- Eye problems such as double or blurred vision, seeing flashes of light, or halos around lights. If Plaquenil is used at a high dose for a long period of time, retinal damage may occur. This is rare. To prevent problems, it is recommended that you visit your ophthalmologist at the start of treatment (within the first year of starting treatment) to have your retina examined. Treatment should be stopped if any signs of retinal damage appear.
- Disturbances in blood production due to suppression of the bone marrow (anemia, decreased white blood cell count or platelet count). You may notice this as increased fatigue, more frequent infections, and easy bruising and/or nosebleeds.
- Heart rhythm disturbances
. - Allergic reaction (hypersensitivity reaction). This may be noticeable as a rash and redness of the skin. Severe hypersensitivity may be noticeable as shortness of breath, swelling of the lips, or a swollen face.
- Tinnitus
- Changes in skin pigmentation.
If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your dermatologist. If you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, do not hesitate to contact your GP or dermatologist immediately.
Plaquenil should not be used by people with myasthenia gravis (a specific type of muscle weakness), retinitis pigmentosa, or macular degeneration (certain eye disorders).CHECKS WHEN USING PLAQUENILThe risk of blood abnormalities due to Plaquenil use is small, but your blood will usually be checked for conditions such as anemia during checkups. Your doctor will discuss with you how often this is necessary. If blood abnormalities do occur, they are generally temporary. If necessary, the Plaquenil dosage will be adjusted (temporarily). If you experience symptoms such as fatigue, you may have anemia and will need blood tests.CHECK BY THE OPHTHALMIC SCIENCEIf you experience eye problems (blurred vision, flashes of light, dark circles) while taking Plaquenil, you should see an ophthalmologist.
It is also recommended that you see an ophthalmologist for an eye examination when starting Plaquenil (within a year of starting). If no abnormalities are found during an ophthalmological examination and there is no increased risk of eye damage, the next ophthalmological examination is not necessary until after 5 years; after 5 years, check-ups are every 2 years, and after 10 years, annually. Patients at increased risk should be checked annually. An increased risk of eye damage exists if a high dose of hydroxychloroquine is given (more than 5 mg/kg), or with long-term use (more than 5 years), or if you have impaired kidney function, or if you are taking tamoxifen, or if you already have a retinal disorder.USE OF OTHER MEDICINESCertain medications, when used concomitantly, can affect Plaquenil's blood levels and/or some of its side effects. This medication can also interact with other medications. Plaquenil can increase digoxin concentrations in the blood. Therefore, always inform your doctor or specialist that you are being treated with Plaquenil.PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDINGGenerally, medications are discontinued during pregnancy. However, if absolutely necessary, Plaquenil can be continued during pregnancy. Discuss this with your doctor if you are considering pregnancy. The medication can be adjusted or replaced if necessary. Plaquenil should not be used during breastfeeding.VACCINATIONSIt is recommended that you get an annual flu shot through your GP when using this medication. There is no objection to receiving a live, attenuated vaccine (such as mumps, measles, rubella (MMR), yellow fever, typhoid, BCG, or oral polio vaccine) while taking Plaquenil. Discuss this with your doctor in a timely manner if you are planning a long trip that may require additional vaccinations. |
