I was reading where it says lyme treatment should not be mixed with any immunosuppressant drugs (Isn't plaquenil in that category?) It says it could be very harmful. Well I just recently found out I was lyme positive and waiting for a doc appointment to see what's up, but I am not sure if I should quite the plaquenil now. My rheum gave it to me cause they figured I have autoimmune (undifferentialted connective tissue, they do not have a name for it yet) so you know docs they feel they have to put you on something. I know you can't give me medical advice on what to take, but is it more hurtful than helpful, and honestly I don't think it made a difference for me at all. Thanks, Jocelyn
Posted by lymebytes (Member # 11830) on :
I am on doxy and plaquenil for lyme and it is helping.
Posted by djf2005 (Member # 11449) on :
There is often an overactive immune function w/ Lyme and sometimes even autoimmune reaction that needs to be addressed.
I think in late stage Lyme, it is a misconception that simply boosting the immune system will result in a reduction of symptoms. I think that a lot of people who are very sick can attest to this. There is a reason these stealth infections are not being detected by our bodies, and further stimulating them to find something they cannot find in the first place can have negative consequences.
Plaquenil IMO is a mild medication and is used for a number of different things, including a semi hyper immune response. It is most widely used for malaria, and helps abx penetrate cells deeper such as Biaxin and Zithromax.
Eye issues are really the only widely reported side effect, and I think it wise for most lyme patients to consider their immune response and possibly add plaquenil or LDN to their regimens.
Not everyone needs it, and I know suppressing the immune system sounds like a bad idea in theory, but w/ Lyme, it's not always like that.
Good luck
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
My LLMD prescribed Plaquenil. I'd stay on it unless your LLMD changes it. I thought it was a good drug.
Posted by elley0531 (Member # 9434) on :
I am on this as well, along with Biaxin. Really seems to be helping **knock on wood** haha
Posted by psr1 (Member # 22957) on :
Anybody do Plaquinil and Ceftin?
Posted by lightfoot (Member # 2536) on :
It has been part of my treatment for a few years along with a macrolide and at times other ABX as well. It seems to help, what is most obvious to me is the reduction of inflammation related to joints etc.