If a person is taking plaquenil (sp?), is he/she more susceptible to sunburn? Could it cause a red, itchy rash? Would sunscreen prevent the problem? Thanks for any info you can provide!
5/25/10 2:31pm
I live in Arizona where the sun shines about 335 days a year. I'm on plaquenil and as much as I hate to admit it, I'm a sun worshipper (not so much as I've gotten older) but i do use high SPF sunscreen. I usually burn (not a bad one) slightly the first time I'm out, after I'm fine. You should always use sunscreen anyway, and reapply often..
hope this helps!
5/24/10 8:02pm
Hi,
It has been along time since I have taken plaquenil, but I do remember it has alot of bad side effects. I also do know that with alot of RA meds you shouldn't be out in the sun, well at least unprotected. If I don't use sunscreen on my face everyday one side of my face gets a weird pigment discoloration, which is embarrasing because it makes my face look dirty. Anyway hope that helps and good luck!
5/25/10 5:17pm
My rheumatologist said that plaquenil sometimes irritates skin after sun exposure, but it is nothing like the severity of sun allergy that can affect someone taking sulfasalazine (a sulfa-based common "starter" drug for RA). The main long-term concern for plaquenil seems to be potential irreversible eye damage, so a baseline ophthamological exam is usually called for, with periodic follow-up eye exams (maybe every 3 or 4 months, not sure).
7/25/11 10:17am
Just started plaquenil 2 weeks ago.Was tending my veg plot on a nice sunny day,about 20deg C. was only out for about an hour and I had sunscreen on.Later on I was like a lobster!!!!! I usually take a light tan and wont burn with sunscreen on so I'm guessing the meds must have played a part.I wasn't told about any problems between plaquenil and sun exposure.
7/25/11 7:05pm
Hi V through all the years in the past only one time i have burn. since my rhuemy put me on meds plaquenill.humira, arava,predisone, this summer is the first time i have burned every day on my face i dont care if i am in the shade or setting in a air conitioned truck the sun still gets to my face. an beening in the heat is very hard for me to do. im a heat summer lover but i dont think i am anymore. im just wondering what the winter well bring this is going to be all new to me .
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 V, Health Guide— Last Modified: 07/25/11, First Published: 05/24/10
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.
Yes, indeed! I don't know what I was thinking, but I have my sunscreen handy now. Thanks for the info.