This is topic plaquenil - eyes and hair? what to expect? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.


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Posted by blaze (Member # 16838) on :
 
I'm already taking clarithromycin, and I'm about to start plaquenil.

I've been reading about vision and hair loss, and this makes me nervous, as I lost so much of my hair already just by being sick, and clarithromycin alone has caused my vision to blur with occasional halos already.

What can I expect?

Anybody else using this combo?

I appreciate any info you might be able to share - thanks!
 
Posted by sweet pea (Member # 6495) on :
 
I haven't taken clarithromycin so I can't comment on that, but I've taken a ton of plaquenil, with no side effects.

I hope people who have taken the combo will comment for you.
 
Posted by ticked-offinNc (Member # 15420) on :
 
Good Morning Blaze,

I have been on Biaxin for a year, with minocycline, valtrex, tindamax, and added Plaquenil about 3 weeks ago.

I have had hair loss for a long time, I have not noticed an increase in hair loss, since I started Plaquenil.

No vision changes either. Did you get your eyes checked by an opthamologist yet? Please do , before you start the plaquenil, and then every six months.

The only side effect I noticed was nausea, pain in the back of my head, chest pressure/dificulty breathing.

I hope this combo is a good one for you.Let me know if I can help in any way [Smile]
 
Posted by carly (Member # 14810) on :
 
I noticed neither one of those side effects with plaquenil.
 
Posted by blaze (Member # 16838) on :
 
Thank you for your replies.

I've actually experienced some visual effects and hair loss while on Biaxin alone (blurry vision, occasional halos), which is why I'm a little nervous about the added Plaquenil. I'm happy to hear so many of you have done okay on it.
 
Posted by Lymeorsomething (Member # 16359) on :
 
blaze, everyone is different. I hated Plaquenil as it gave me eye strain and bleeding gums the first week I tried it (and I generally tolerate stuff well).

However, many people, including arthritis sufferers, use Plaq for months with no problems. The big eye issues become a greater concern after many months of use.

Plaq is regarded as safe for the most part but the possible eye sides made me uncomfortable.

My LLMD does say that Plaq and Biaxin are one of the best one-two punches around though for longstanding lyme....
 
Posted by blaze (Member # 16838) on :
 
Hmmm, my Lyme seems to be concentrated in my eyes and my lower jaw, gums, teeth. Now I'm worried.

In fact, all of my Lyme seems to be concentrated at the center point of my back upwards, through my neck, jaw, ears, and head, with very little pain below the center of my back, with the exception of some knee issues.

BUT I did do better on Biaxin than I thought I would - I was scared to death to take that one. So maybe since I killed some of it already, I'll be okay on plaquenil? I can only hope...

Thanks again!
 
Posted by lymednva (Member # 9098) on :
 
I hope you have been told to get an eye exam, by ophthamologist prior to starting on plaquenil and then regularly while on it.

I've been on it for two and a half years without a problem, but since you have eye problems to begin with I would think this is extra important for you.
 


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