TREATMENT DATABASE
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is an antimalarial drug. Chemically, it is classed as a 4-aminoquinoline compound.
Hydroxychloroquine is one of a number of drugs that have been used for many years in the treatment of malaria. It has also been used to treat a number of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, including systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's Syndrome. Hydroxychloroquine reduces the activation of dendritic cells, thus mitigating the inflammatory process.
USES IN ME/CFS: Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is prescribed to ME/CFS and FMS patients if they have a high ANA level plus symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, or other autoimmune diseases. Patients starting hydroxychloroquine therapy should have a periodic ophthalmology exam to monitor for retina toxicity.
As with all chloroquine medications, there are numerous serious side effects. People of African descent can develop severe anemia. In children, Plaquenil can be fatal.
| Rating | Side Effects | Reason for Treatment | Dosage / Duration | Age | Sex M/F | # of years Ill | Additional Comments | Illness Severity | Date Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Became more and more tired and I got problems with my concentration. Muscle pain became constant. | Doctor said i had lupus at that time. Later hospital said i did not, it was ME | 7 month 200 mg 1X day | 47 | Female | 3 | Moderate | 12/10/17 | |
| 1 | I had since the first day to several days after stopping Plaquénil, every day very bad headaches ( as bad as Cluster Headaches, that is ...). I had to stop for that reason. | My Internist wanted me to try it, as she could not (would not ?) give me another "immune modulator" | 15 days I do not remember, sorry about that, but it was the same protocol as lupus patients 1X day | 35 | Female | 9 | Moderate | 12/10/17 |