Get Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief from Plaquenil

In the beginning, Plaquenil was marketed as an antimalarial drug. Then it was found that in addition to being effective with malaria it was also beneficial when used to treat rheumatic diseases such as Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Plaquenil contains the ingredient hydroxychloroquine. It is a DMARD (Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug) which has long been known for decreasing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis such as pain and swelling as well as reducing the risk that the patient will develop a long-term disability. Scientists aren't exactly sure why hydroxycholoroquine works so well in treating rheumatoid arthritis. They do believe, however, that the drug somehow interferes with the communication of cells within the immune system.

The normal prescription of Plaquenil is two doses of 200 mg. per day or sometimes one dose of 400 mg. You take the drug orally with food or milk so that the medication doesn't upset your stomach. After you've been on Plaquenil long enough for your condition to start to improve, your doctor will want to lower your dosage so that you aren't taking more of the medication than you really need. By doing this he will lower your risk of side effects.

Because of the low dosage of Plaquenil taken by the average rheumatoid arthritis patient, side effects aren't usually an issue. The most serious side effect of the drug is when a patient develops toxicity in the back on an eye. If you take Plaquenil for an extended period of time, it's essential that you have special eye exams done regularly in case you should develop toxicity.

If you should develop toxicity and allow it to develop without being treated, it can lead to major visual problems such as color blindness and even a complete loss of vision. Less severe side effects which can occur include headaches, irritability, hair bleaching or loss, nausea, weakness, and itching.

You need to take your Plaquenil on schedule every day. If you once start taking it at a certain time during the day, then you need to take it at the same time every day. It will probably take between one and two months in order for you to begin seeing improvements in your health. It may take as long as six months for you to finally be getting the full benefit of the medication.

You've probably noticed that Plaquenil is a creature of habit and wants everything done the same way day after day. If your doctor prescribes the medication for a certain length of time, do not stop taking it before then. Quitting before you've finished the regimen could result in you developing an infection. And never ever think about stopping the drug cold turkey. If you're considering stopping, talk with your doctor before you do it.