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Friday, October 03, 2008 Jeannie asks

Q: what are side affects of Plaquenil?

I have just been diagnosed with R/A and started taking Plaquenil 3 days ago. I now have a spreading, itchy rash. Is this a side affect?
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Answers (3)
Sara Nash, Health Guide
10/ 3/08 11:54am

HI Jeannie,

 

I am on plaquenil, too.  I haven't had any rashes, but that is a known side-effect of the drug. From what I've read, it can make your skin, in general, more sensitive and prone to rashes. Plaquenil can also make you much more sensitive to the sun, so it's important to wear sunscreen. You could try some over the counter cream like benadryl to see if that helps the rash, but I would bring it up with your doctor, especially since it has appeared so quickly.  I think for some people, they have an initial reaction that improves over time, but it's something you want to watch and keep in communication about with your rheumatologist.

 

Good luck!

 

Sara

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10/ 3/08 10:46am

Most likely yes, apparently that's one the side affects of Plaquenil.  I've been taking it for two years now and I'm really lucky I haven't had this happen to me.

 

Ask your doc, I'm sure they'll tell you it probably is the Plaquenil doing this...

 

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10/ 3/08 11:28am

i've been on plaquenil for 1 month and relefen for 2 months.  i've had no side effects (so far from either).  when i was prescribed plaquenil, i went online and typed in 'plaquenil' and found several sites that listed the side effects.   so now i watch for any changes, but so far, thank my 'lucky' stars, no problems.  ~desiree

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By Jeannie— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 10/03/08