How Effective is Plaquenil for Lupus?

ByPrimary Researcher

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Executive Summary

  • Plaquenil is approved by the FDA for several autoimmune diseases. One of these is lupus.

Introduction

Lupus is an autoimmune disorder for which HCQ has proven effective.

Its Effectiveness For Lupus

And this quote is from the article Plaquenil (Plaquenil): Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosing.

Plaquenil was previously prescribed only for people whose lupus disease activity was mild in its course; if the lupus became active, steroids or immunosuppressants would be prescribed instead. Today, however, HCQ is recommended for most individuals with lupus, whether mild, moderate, or severe, as well as during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Given the drug’s many and varied beneficial effects and its excellent long-standing safety profile, most rheumatologists believe that hydroxychloroquine should be taken by people with lupus throughout their lifetime. Annual examinations with a qualified retina specialist are strongly encouraged, however.

Here is a review from Drug.com from a person who took hydroxychloroquine for lupus.

“Before Plaquenil, I would be in bed for days at a time, unable to move, excessive pain, ice cold, migraines, the whole gamut. My body felt ancient. At first the rheumatologist thought I had leukemia, then Lupus and rheumatoid athritis and finally biopsies started giving us a more refined treatment plan. With this medicine, I am in much less pain. I can walk for an hour at a time. I can shop for groceries again.