I know Plaquenil is only supposed to cause eye problems (if any!) when used for a long time at a high dose, but was wondering if any of you experienced an almost immediate increase in eye problems when taking it?? Like eye pain/strain, blurriness, increase in dry eye, flashing lights etc?
I started it 2 weeks ago, just 1 tab a day, and experienced an almost immediate increase in eye symptoms. But as i already have eye issues, extreme dry eye etc and had had problems before starting I just put it down to coincidence. The problem seemed to get worse, so I stopped after just 5 days. That was 9 days ago and if anything my eyes are even worse now since stopping.
My eye doc is away until next Monday, but this is really freaking me out now, so will have to go to an emergency eye clinic tomorrow, but just wondered of others have experienced problems like this with Plaquenil? Could Plaquenil cause such immediate long lasting problems? Or could it be just coincidence that eyes are flaring now?
Would really apppreciate opinions on this! Thanks Elaine
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
Elaine,
One person posted once about some pretty quick eye issues with plaquenil. But your symptoms seem to be very different than the plaquenil toxicity that normally causes eye problems.
The timing suggests it was the plaquenil. But I doubt it is the toxicity that leads to blindness, because that happens so gradually you don't notice it happening.
I've spoken to my eye doctor about it and he's seen it, but when people have been on the plaquenil for 20 years and never had an eye exam looking for toxicity.
For months, I had unexplained blurry vision. Then one night I looked up at the sky and saw 2 moons. I realized I had taken a vicodin earlier. Then I realized that vicodin causes my vision to be blurry, especially at night. So it could be another drug too.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Could be the Lyme also.
Posted by ElaineC (Member # 9857) on :
Aniek,
Yes I tried to find that post about the person who got quick eye probs, but couldn't! You're right, timing does suggest Plaq, but from everything I've read it seems very unusual for toxicity to happen so quickly....but with Lyme you never know!
Anyone else out there have these issues so quickly??
Posted by PBizzle (Member # 11463) on :
It could be that when you started the Plaquenil, you herxed on it, causing your eye symptoms to flare.
Supposedly Plaquenil is a cyst-buster. I can believe that. The way I feel on Plaquenil is very similar to the way I felt when I was on Flagyl.
I started Plaquenil 5 days ago and a lot of my symptoms became worse, but now they seem to be easing up a bit.
My eye doctor and my PCP said that eye problems on this medication are extremely rare and that if eye problems do occur, it usually takes months, even years.
I wouldn't be too concerned, but I'm not a doctor and if you are worried, you should consult one.
Best of luck.
Posted by Foggy (Member # 1584) on :
Hair loss, when I stopped it stopped.
Do a search, lots of info here on Plaq.
Posted by Vermont_Lymie (Member # 9780) on :
It is important to see an opthamologist before starting plaq, to establish a baseline for your vision and peripheral vision, especially.
I have been on plaq for about 3 months, and one of my eyes (only one!) seems to be getting blurrier. It is a pretty noticable effect, and I am concerned, so I will go back to an opthamologist soon.
Posted by luvs2ride (Member # 8090) on :
My doctor also said it takes years to effect the eyes.
Posted by Lemon2Lyme (Member # 13561) on :
I just started on Plaq (400 mgs) last weekend and have not had noticeable side effects. I had some curious muscular twitching (and ear drum twitching--if there is such a thing) about five days later, which could be a Herx of some kind I suppose.
When I spoke to a friend of mine who's used Plaq for years for arthritis, she said that serious visual symptoms are rare in short-term use. Some of the visual disruptions with short-term use clear with cessation of the drug.