The Testing Evidence for Plaquenil Versus Rheumatoid Arthritis

ByPrimary Researcher

Executive Summary

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

Introduction

Plaquenil is used for rheumatoid arthritis.

This video does a good job of explaining the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also explains what it is like to have RA. 

Effectiveness of HCQ For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Plaquenil belongs to the family of medicines called “antimalarials” (AMs), which are also classified as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, or DMARDs. This drug is effective against rheumatoid arthritis in large part because HCQ is an immunomodulator that reduces an overactive immune system.

Here is a review from Drug.com from a person who took hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis. Plaquenil is brand name hydroxychloroquine.

Comment #1: Got Life Back?

“I’ve been on this drug since 2003. Before meds, I was so sick with RA symptoms. Spent 19 hours a day in bed, couldn’t dress or bath myself. Seldom ate. Doctor put me on 200 mg. plaquenil twice daily and 10 mg. prednisone and I got my life back. I’ve since drop prednisone and am down to 200 mg. once daily plaquenil. About to go on the generic form of plaquenil. A little concerned. Is the quality the same? My specialist said no. RA drugs are so scary. I’ve had friends die on biologics–and some go blind. My advice as geezergirl. When you find out what works for you, hold on tight to it.”

And this one.

Comment #2: 20 Years on HCQ?

“My wife had sudden onset RA in 2000 and plaquenil allowed her go on to finish her military career. Twenty-one years later she’s able to still work through occasional flare ups. She gets her eyes checked and has seen no problems associated with some of the side effects. Her ophthalmologist says her eyes look great and her RA Dr seem to have her RA under control.”

And this one.

Comment #3: 10 Years on HCQ for Multiple Autoimmune Disorders?

“Been on it for 10 years. Flares are minimal. I take prednisone also and since not supposed to take other NSAIDs or aspirin with that I stick to my pain med and muscle relaxer only. Took a few years to realize I needed the full dosage and to stay consistent. Plaquenil generic saved my life and got me out of the bed. I have multiple autoimmune diagnosis, Lupus, undifferentiated multiconnetive tissue disorder, crest, scleraderma, dermatomyositis, sjogrens, hashimoto dz (which is Leukocytic thyroiditis) fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraines, and so many more. I have controlled pain much better with very low carb diet keeping weight down, staying away from gluten refined sugar or any type of aspartame. If I eat breads or sugar I hurt worse”

And this one.

Comment #4: Replacing Methotrexate?

“I was diagnosed with RA when I was 30 years old. I’m 37 now. My rheumatologist started me out on Methotrexate which put me in