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Date: 28.08.2014
From: Emm

Subject: Plaquenil, methetrexate together

Hi, I'd just like to know anyone's experience of these two DMARDS taken together.

I have just had Plaquenil added to my list of medication which is,

Methetrexate, Plaquenil, prednisalone, Naproxin, Folic Acid, and paracetemol as required.
I do have Tramadol but don't take it very often as it makes me feel a bit spaced out.

I am worried to read Plaquenil can damage the retina of the eye.

I hope someone can tell me if they have taken Methetrexate and Plaquenil for a longer period how they have improved or not from the combination.

Many thanks, Emm
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Date: 28.08.2014
From: bsk

Subject: Re: Plaquenil, methetrexate together

Hi Emm, you just need to have an eye test before you start and then every year. Talk to your optician about getting one done right away.

I was told it was the drug with the least side effects.
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Date: 28.08.2014
From: Clare

Subject: Re: Plaquenil, methetrexate together

Hi Emm, I was on plaquenil for a year on its own & then a combo with methatrexate for another 2. I had no real side effects from the plaquenil but like you was very nervous about my eyesight. I have a lazy eye & Can barely see in one eye so was worried about damage to my good eye but everything was fine I did get checked but the optometrist at the hospital every 6 months & was told you use eye drops as my eyes were very dry just to keep them healthy. I had great results with the combo my esr went from 96 to 12 in a couple of months & was in remission for a good couple of years. I would have kept going but I got a little bite that became infected & after a hospital stay on iv antibiotics & a further month on oral the combo never quite worked the same. Although after 2 failed biologics I'm tempted to try again!
Good luck with it but yes make sure you get your eyes checked I remember the optometrist saying the quantities we are prescribed are really safe.
C
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Date: 28.08.2014
From: Emm

Subject: Re: Plaquenil, methetrexate together

Clare and bsk,

Thanks for replying. My specialist never mentioned my eyes, I read it on the leaflet! Mine have deteriated since my forties but I only wear magnifying lenses, from the opticians, and I get the normal 2 yearly eye tests. I only wear them to read but it is getting worse probably down to getting older.

I only started the Plaquenil on Sunday but I am sure a nodule on my finger is looking smaller (I am hoping it will disappear)

As I have mentioned previously I have a chest prob, bronchiectasis, so doctor won't let me try bio's. I would love to have a little try of them.

You did have good esr results on them Claire, sorry to hear of your bite, gossh what problems that caused you.

Anyway I am going to give them a real good try. Thanks for reassuring me.

That's why this site is so good. We get feedback from the people who are going through the same.

Thanks girls, feeling better about it now!!! X
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Date: 28.08.2014
From: Julie

Subject: Re: Plaquenil, methetrexate together

Hi Emm, I have been on plaquenil for over a year along with all the others you are on, but now I am off pred and also off sulphasalazine and I don't take any nsaids at all. I also have tramadol but only take 2 each bedtime.

As you have already been advised, make sure you have your eyes tested, I got a chart to look at regularly to see if there are any changes and if there are I go straight to optician. I don't mind taking the plaquenil (it is also given for malaria but in bigger dose) I haven't had any side effects at all. CRP is still high but most days I can cope. Hope it works for you.
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Date: 28.08.2014
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Plaquenil, methetrexate together

Hi Emm,

I have been on plaquenil for around 8 years now along with mtx and sulphasalazine. I feel it helps me more than mtx. I have had no problems with it at all. I have read it is one of the safer drugs. You get your eyes checked every year at the opticians, I have been told it is unusual to get eye problems with the amount that we are prescribed (it goes by your weight) and I take one tablet one day and two the next day. If you do get eye problems they say it is usually after being on it a long time. Sometimes the chemist will give the cheaper version (hydroxychloroquine) I now get the doctor to write plaquenil onto my prescription so that there is no problems in getting it as it is coated whereas hydrox.... is not. It is also used as a treatment for malaria. (prevention I think) or maybe both prevention and treatment. Good luck with it.x
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Date: 29.08.2014
From: Emm

Subject: Re: Plaquenil, methetrexate together

Thanks girls, you are learning me more than the doctor told me!!

Rhona my tablets are the hydrox' ones and the name Plaquenil is not on the box or the leaflet. So that is something I did not know. But will try for the correct ones when I need more. Mine are yellow round ones, 200mg and I take 1twice a day.

Julie its great you are off steroids I take 4mg a day. I don't have any weight problems or anything. I sometimes think they are the only thing that works for me and get injections in joints regularly.

I hope I am not imagining it but for the last two days I am sure my nodule on finger and my swollen ankle are down a bit. I have had a bad time with my ankle for a long time now.

I'm so glad I asked you all about the medication you've helped a lot. I'll close for now, Feeling Hopeful !!!
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Date: 29.08.2014
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Plaquenil, methetrexate together

Hi Emm, I have been on both the plaquenil and hydrox. and they both work equally as well. Mine were both white tablets but I guess there are different makers of it now. Plaquenil was probably the original one and the others are generics. Do you find there is a bad taste from them? There is no taste from the plaquenil but the hydrox. one had a foul taste, although that is just a minor complaint.
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Date: 29.08.2014
From: rhona

Subject: Re: Plaquenil, methetrexate together

Me again Emm, I was having a look at my box of plaquenil, it says on the box... Plaquenil 200mg Film-coated Tablets hydroxychloroquine sulphate. I think the only difference is that the plaquenil is film coated and more expensive. x
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Date: 29.08.2014
From: Emm

Subject: Re: Plaquenil, methetrexate together

Thanks Rhona.

I always have a bad taste and am dry, always think it's medication or/and the illness. I got some saliva gum type things off the doctor twice but not a lot of help.

Great to hear from you. Hope you're not too bad at present. X
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