Friday, June 04, 2010 gina5595 asks

Q: Has anyone had any nerve problems or severe dry eyes on Simoni or Plaquenil?

I have been on Simponi for 7 months and it is working well but I have developed an annoying nerve pian, feels like fire ants are biting me all over my legs. It only happens some times but it is bad when it does. I also have had very dry eyes. I don't know if these issues are just RA or the drugs.

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Answers (5)

V, Health Guide

6/ 5/10 10:28pm

I have been on Plaquenil for a month, and I have dry, itchy eyes. I also have seasonal allergies, so I don't know if the allergies are just intense right now or if the Plaquenil is responsible. Good question! Maybe someone else on this site will have the answer.

kfranz

6/ 4/10 5:50pm

I am on planquenil and have had dry eyes. Never thought about it possibly being the cause but very well could be. I use a lubricating eye drop at night when I go to bed. It seems to have really cleared it up nicely. Hope this helps.

gina5595

6/ 5/10 11:25pm

Thanks for the reply.

The opthomologist said that there are three layers of tears. First is an oily layer, second is a watery layer and third is a mucus. Some medicines will cause you to stop producing the middle layer which leaves you with oily or mucus discharge. This makes perfect sense because that is exactly what I have. I was just wondering if anyone could pin point the Simponi or the Plaquenil. I will be on Restasis for the rest of my life he said. My eyes were as dry as the Sahara. LOL

I have heard that the Simponi is on a recall watch list but I'm not sure. It has worked wonders for me and would be sad to see it recalled. I know that it has caused problems for some people but I know every drug is not going to help every person.

Thanks again for the reply!

Gina

gina5595

6/ 5/10 11:29pm

Oh!

I also use the eye drops. I use the liquid during the day and the gel at night and the Restasis twice a day.

Hope

6/ 4/10 7:54pm

a lot of the biologicals can cause ms like symptoms. My hands and feet go numb and all tingley while I'm in the middle of an activity. Read the paperwork that goes with the simponi and see if it will cause ms(nerve) like symptoms

gina5595

6/ 5/10 11:27pm

Oh, don't worry, I have read the info more than once. There is a slight chance of nerve issues but this is more like fire ants are biting me all over my legs and lower arms all at once. I'm going to get it checked out next week.

Lene Andersen, Health Guide

6/27/10 12:38pm

As far as I know, Plaquenil can cause eye problems, so it's possible that it's the culprit. I'm glad to hear that you've already seen an ophthalmologist, because it's important to get your eyes checked annually as long as you're on Plaquenil. On the other hand, I've been on two different kinds of Biologics (first Enbrel, now Kammerer) and both have caused me to dry out almost everywhere, including my eyes, so I'm not sure. I would however recommend that you talk to your rheumatologist about the issue and possibly investigate treatment options should the two of you agree that you should stop taking either medication.

Good luck! Please let us know how things go?

chris

7/19/10 7:01pm

I take plaquenel and it can cause eye problems but its because it can build up in the back of the eye and thats why you have to have a yearly eye check up. I take it for sjogrens which is related to Ra, Sjogrens can cause dry eyes and dry mouth and the DR cant really tell which one you have,they are very similar. I also have the fire ant feeling to , dont know what causes it but its very bad when it happens!

Q: Has anyone had any nerve problems or severe dry eyes on Simoni or Plaquenil?

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