Plaquenil

swearimavirgin · Posted: Mon Jun 30, 2008 10:03 am Post subject: Plaquenil

Hi Everyone:
So I just got my blood test results back today and the doc is putting me back on Plaquenil. I was on it several years ago and the only thing I remember is just being really upset on my stomach. I was also on Prednisone and put on about 30 pounds...not great on a 5'2 frame. I finally got back down to my regular weight...118. It took me forever to lose those 30 pounds! Now that I'm going back on Plaquenil I'm wondering if weight gain is a side effect of that medication. Every article I have read has not said anything about it but it worries me just the same. It's not just about me not feeling comfortable in my own skin, the weight gain can also bring on a slew of other health problems. Thanks!

KathyW1958 · Tiger Joined: 12 Jun 2008 Posts: 810

Hi
I have been Plaquenil for 14 years and it has not caused any real weight gain for me. It was the Prednisone that caused the weight gain. I have been lucky in that I have never really had any of the bad side affects of the medication and for me it does help. Maybe others can answer more about this.

Kathy
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Lupus for many years. Like most of my life. Sjogrens that started at 35 and Scoliosis, Spinal Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Osteo-Arthritis of the spine, Ankylosing Spondilitis, Periferal Neuropathy, mild CP and now just recently diagnosed with PA. I had a disc replaced in December of 2007.

Medications:
Plaquenil, Sulindac, Imuran, Celiac diet, Tramadol and B12 shot once a month.

Saysusie · Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 1:43 am Post subject:

Plaquenil does not cause weight gain, the Prednisone causes the weight gain Confused

Is your doctor planning to put you back on Prednisone also? If not, then you should not worry about weight gain due to Plaquenil. Hopefully you will not suffer the nausea as you did before. It is often recommended that you take Plaquenil with a meal in order to lessen the possibility of nausea. I hope that it works for you, it is a pretty effective drug.

Peace and Blessings
Saysusie
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sits_inthe_corner · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 12:43 am Post subject:

I take both plaquenil pills at the same time right before bed with one of those small tubs of yogart. You know the lunch pack sized yogarts.

My doctor told me to do this, she said it would cut back on the upset tummy and you sleep through the worst of it. Well it's worked wonder for me.

I have no upset tummy or running to the bathroom and the dizziness it caused me has stopped as well. Ask your doc if this is something you can do.
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swearimavirgin · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 1:13 pm Post subject:

Thanks sits_inthe_corner!
I just started back on it on Tuesday and I'm already feeling the nausea. I will definitely try the yougart thing...Thanks again!

sits_inthe_corner · Posted: Sat Jul 05, 2008 5:33 pm Post subject:

Do you take both pills right before bed? That's the best way, if your doctor is agreeable.
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swearimavirgin · Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:49 am Post subject:

SITC:
I'm only on Plaquenil right now (1 tab) and I've been taking it in the morning. However, since your post I started taking it at night. Sleeping through the nausea is definitely better! My only concern was with all of the 'sleep disturbances' everyone kept talking about.