What are the side effects of taking Plaquenil long term?
Long-term use of Plaquenil, also known as hydroxychloroquine, can lead to several possible side effects, including permanent vision damage and an increased risk of certain cancers. Some of the most commonly reported side effects include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, skin rash and changes in hair, skin and nails.
In very rare cases, Plaquenil use can lead to liver, kidney or neurological damage. It can also cause issues with eye sight or hearing, difficulty breathing and irregular heartbeats. Plaquenil may also have an impact on the immune system and can lead to an increased risk of infection.
In addition to the risks associated with long-term Plaquenil use, patients should consult with their doctor to discuss any potential drug interactions. Plaquenil may interact with other medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics, antifungal drugs, blood thinners and HIV/AIDS medications.
Finally, it’s important to remember that while Plaquenil can be a beneficial treatment for certain illnesses, it is not intended to be used as a cure-all and taking more than the prescribed amount can increase the risk of side effects.
What is the most serious side effect of hydroxychloroquine sulfate Plaquenil )?
The most serious side effect of hydroxychloroquine sulfate (Plaquenil) is irreversible vision loss that is often irreversible. Vision loss may be caused by a number of factors including retinal toxicity or retinopathy, macular degeneration, maculopathy, and/or myopia.
Symptoms of toxicity may include blurred vision, night blindness, decreased color vision, and blind spots. Other serious side effects reported with Plaquenil include irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, stomach pain, seizures, and allergic reactions.
It is important to tell your physician immediately if you have any of these signs of toxicity. Additionally, ongoing vision evaluation is recommended while using this medication.
How many years can you take Plaquenil?
The recommended duration for Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) treatment is often based on the individual and their particular health needs. In general, Plaquenil is usually prescribed for a period of 3 to 6 months, depending on the patient’s response to the medication.
In some cases, your doctor may recommend a longer period of treatment, usually up to five years. However, if you experience any serious side effects while taking Plaquenil, your doctor may opt to reduce your dose or discontinue the medication.
It’s important to remember that the exact length of time you take Plaquenil will depend on how well it works for you, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about any changes you’re experiencing.
Is hydroxychloroquine hard on your body?
It can be hard on your body, depending on your existing medical conditions and any current medications you may be taking. Hydroxychloroquine is a medication primarily used to treat or prevent malaria.
It is also used to treat rheumatic diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine can be hard on your body due to its numerous side effects which include headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, dizziness, and skin rash.
It can also cause serious adverse reactions such as an irregular heartbeat, changes in vision, sudden changes in mood, hearing loss, and difficulty breathing. It is important to closely monitor your body while taking hydroxychloroquine, and to speak to your doctor if any of these symptoms arise.
What is the downside of taking hydroxychloroquine?
The potential downsides of taking hydroxychloroquine are serious, and caution must be taken when considering its use. Hydroxychloroquine can cause serious side effects such as liver or kidney damage, arrhythmia, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, and vision loss leading to permanent blindness.
Other serious side effects include headaches, confusion, dizziness, changes in skin color, stomach pains, nausea, and vomiting. Other more rare side effects include fever, depression, intense muscle weakness, seizures, and an irregular heartbeat.
People with an existing heart condition or liver disease may need to be especially careful when taking hydroxychloroquine, as it can make the condition worse. Additionally, pregnant or nursing women should not take hydroxychloroquine.
Lastly, those taking hydroxychloroquine should have regular blood tests done to monitor its effects. As these serious side effects can be life-threatening, it is essential to discuss the risks and side effects with a healthcare professional before taking hydroxychloroquine.
What should I avoid while taking Plaquenil?
When taking Plaquenil, it is important to avoid consuming alcohol, as the combination may increase the risk of liver damage. Additionally, it is important to avoid taking Plaquenil with certain other medications, as they may interact and increase the risk of side effects.
Some of these medications include quinacrine, hydroxchloroquine, cyclosporine, and phenothiazines. Additionally, Plaquenil may increase sensitivity to direct sunlight, so it is important to limit exposure to direct sunlight after taking it and wear proper clothing and sunscreen.
Lastly, pregnant or nursing women should avoid taking Plaquenil.
Does taking hydroxychloroquine make you immunocompromised?
No, taking hydroxychloroquine does not make someone immunocompromised. Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial medication that is used to treat and prevent certain types of malaria. It is also used to treat autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Sjögren syndrome.
Although it works by decreasing inflammation, it does not make the immune system weaker. In fact, some studies have shown that it can be beneficial in boosting the effectiveness of certain immune system activities.
However, it is important to speak with a doctor before taking hydroxychloroquine, as it can have serious side effects if taken in higher doses or along with certain drugs.
How does hydroxychloroquine make you feel?
Hydroxychloroquine, like many medications, can cause a variety of side effects. Generally speaking, hydroxychloroquine may cause fatigue, dizziness, headache, stomach ache, nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
It can also cause itching, rashes and changes in skin tone. Some people who take it may also experience blurred vision, anxiety and mood swings. Ultimately, everyone reacts differently to medications, so how it makes you feel will depend on your individual response.
If you feel any concerning side effects while taking hydroxychloroquine, make sure to speak to your doctor or healthcare provider.
Should I take hydroxychloroquine at night or in the morning?
Whether you should take hydroxychloroquine at night or in the morning ultimately depends on your physician’s recommendation. Because hydroxychloroquine is typically used to treat malaria, arthritis, and lupus, it is important to consult with your doctor regarding the recommended dosage and the best time to take the medication.
Generally, hydroxychloroquine is taken either once a day or twice a day depending on the condition being treated. For a one-time daily dosage, it is typically most effective when taken in the evening at least a few hours after eating.
For a twice a day dosage, it may be best to take it in the morning and at night. If you have any other conditions or take any other medications or supplements, it is important to speak with your physician before deciding when to take hydroxychloroquine.
How long can you stay on hydroxychloroquine?
The length of time that a person can stay on hydroxychloroquine varies depending on their individual situation and possible medical advice from their doctor. Generally, hydroxychloroquine is taken for short courses of 2-3 months for its intended purposes, including treating lupus, malaria, and rheumatoid arthritis.
However, if certain conditions are present, your doctor may suggest a longer course of treatment. In some cases, hydroxychloroquine may be prescribed for up to one year if it is used to treat certain autoimmune diseases.
Ultimately, it is important to follow the specific dosing instructions provided by your doctor.
What is hydrochloride side effects?
The most common side effect of hydrochloride is nausea. Other possible side effects of hydrochloride can include tiredness, dizziness, headache, appetite changes, constipation, and abdominal pain. More serious side effects such as severe allergic reactions, severe rash, easy bruising/bleeding, confusion, extreme thirst, signs of infection (fever, chills, painful urination), chest pain, trouble breathing, quick or irregular heartbeat, tremor, unusual behavior, and muscle weakness/tingling or numbness are rare, but can occur.
If any of these side effects occur, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Long-term use of hydrochloride may be associated with increased risk of depression or suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects.
