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Real members of MyLupusTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Does Plaquenil help weigh pain?

A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question 💭

My doctor lowered my dose from one pill twice a day to just one pill daily. I thought that was a good thing shortly after I started experiencing the same pains from when I was first diagnosed, My doctor told me should go back to two pills. Is this a good or bad thing.

May 23 (edited)
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A MyLupusTeam Member

The current guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend staying at or under 5 mg/kg to prevent eye (retinal) toxicity. So someone taking 400 mg for a total daily dose must weigh at least 176 pounds, Josie, per these guidelines.

May 23
A MyLupusTeam Member

Please have your eyes examined and let the eye doctor know you are taking plaquinil. The doctors can see retinal problems that we don't detect. My new eye doctor shared with me I had problems and my Rheum took me off the plaqinil. Praying for you.

May 23
MyLupusTeam

It sounds like reducing the Plaquenil dose may have triggered a return of lupus symptoms — that's really frustrating, especially when you thought things were going in a positive direction.

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is a key medication for managing lupus, and reducing the dose can sometimes cause symptoms to flare up Show Full Answer

It sounds like reducing the Plaquenil dose may have triggered a return of lupus symptoms — that's really frustrating, especially when you thought things were going in a positive direction.

Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) is a key medication for managing lupus, and reducing the dose can sometimes cause symptoms to flare up. This is actually something other MyLupusTeam members have experienced too. It's really important not to adjust the dose on your own — even going back to the previous amount. Here's why:

- Your doctor may have lowered the dose for a specific reason (side effects, lab results, long-term eye health concerns, etc.)
- Self-adjusting could create new complications
- Your rheumatologist needs to know the symptoms have returned so they can make an informed decision

The best step is to contact your doctor or rheumatologist as soon as possible and describe exactly what you're experiencing. Let them know the pain has returned since the dose was lowered — that's valuable information for them.

May 23

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