I was on Clinoril for 4 weeks before starting the plaquenil and had no diarrhea or abd pain. I started the plaquenil 6 weeks ago and for the past 2 weeks have had diarrhea. I have been off both now for 2 weeks and STILL have diarrhea and abd cramps. Would this still be the cause or is maybe something else going on. I sure hope not...this is so hard. I was diagnosed in sept 2009. thanks for any help and encouragment.
Q: When plaquenil and/or Clinoril gives you Diarrhea...
Answers (2)
2/16/10 10:47pm
Hi, I am on Plaquenil also. I was on the generic but found the same "issues" as you did. My pharmicist said that the generic of Plaquenil has a lot of lactose. So, if you are lactose intolerant then you might have those symptoms. Since I switched to the name brand Plaquenil, the problem all but went away. I do watch my dairy intake to make sure I don't overload with it. I can tell a difference if I eat ice cream or something like that but for the most part now, I am happy with the name brand. I was amazed how fast it reduced the size of the lumps on my nuckles and elbows. I also take Simponi. It is a shot I give myself once a month. I have no complaints. I didn't know how I would ever get through a day for a while there. Now, since I've been on these two medications, I sometimes forget I have RA. I do woodcarving, make homemade bread and candies that all require the use of my hands. I rarely find something lately that I can't do. I can even get the lid off the jar of pickles....but I play like I can't 'cause I think my husband likes it that way. LOL
Anyway, I was diagnosed in June of 2008. I have been through some really rough times. sometimes it takes a while to get your meds right. The important thing is your attitude. Fight like you've never fought before. Get mad at it and don't ever let it win. Get on top of it and stay on top of it. On bad days, rest. On good days, make the most of it.
G
2/17/10 11:36pm
You're welcome. I wold love to keep in touch and find out how you are doing. Now that I have RA, one of my drivers is to encourage others to live as full of a life as possible. I have to say that I am grateful for the good days. Lately I have had more good than bad by far. The Simponi has done wonders with not one side effect. It is amazing to me how much better I am on this new medicine. How can this one be so much better than the ones in the past? I guess I don't need to over think that one and just let it be.
This week has been a really good week for me. I have stayed busy and even lifted weights again for the first time since I don't rember when. It felt good, I think I'll try it again tomorrow. We'll see.
I know that you'll get there. I look forward to hearing from you soon,
Gina
2/17/10 10:45pm
Thanks so much for this info. I am taking the generic BUT i will be getting the brand name. Thanks also for the encouragement! I appreciate your kind works..and this is now my motto....on bad days rest and good days make the most of it!! LOVE IT...
2/14/10 6:52pm
I started sulfasalazine ( a little "stronger" than plaquenil I think, but same purpose) almost 3 months ago, and have had to go very, very slowly (with Rheumy's concurrence) to build to the maximum daily dose because of stomach pains that came on shortly after taking the pills (no diarrhea, though). I am now taking 2 pills in the AM, 2 before bedtime, and 2 in the middle of the night (6 per day is the max...) at all times just after eating something substantial enough to help "digest" the pills. That kind of regimen has helped me get through the day much better without stomach pain, and as my body seems to accommodate I'm even sleeping better. Perhaps some variation on your pattern of taking your meds would be useful; I don't know the rules for plaquenil, and maybe this wouldn't help at all, so it's purely an FYI. Sympathy goes out to you - and all of us!
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
By MomT— Last Modified: 12/02/10, First Published: 02/14/10
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Thanks so much for this info. I am taking the generic BUT i will be getting the brand name. Thanks also for the encouragement! I appreciate your kind works..and this is now my motto....on bad days rest and good days make the most of it!! LOVE IT...