Q: I have been taking Plaquinil for approximately 7 weeks and have developed a rash
with very itchy arms over the past weeks. If I lower the dosage, (curently
200mg twice per day), will it help with the rash and itching?
A: An itchy, hive like rash may be an allergic reaction to Plaquenil. You can try to "desensitize" yourself to the reaction, but it is best to stop the medicine for about 2 weeks until all the symptoms resolve. Speak with the doctor who prescribed it and follow his/her instructions. Many patients find that it's possible to restart at a much lower dose: 1/4 of a pill or even grind the pill up and start with sprinkles. This desensitization process may take 4-6 weeks. Hopefully, you will be able to return to Plaquenil 200 mg/day; it may be problematic going higher. Taking a medicine like Hydroxyzine (prescription) or Claritin/Zyrtec (OTC) may help. And do let your prescribing doctor know about your reaction!
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Has anyone experienced severe migraines and headaches that pierce from the brain stem and up into the skull? I was on 1 a day but stopped because of the sickening headaches. The headaches have stopped since I stopped taking it.
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I sold my home and was moved to an apartment. My resistance was down due to late hours and back-breaking work, and most of all, the STRESS of the closing and move as a whole. I had a blister on the bottom of my foot that was getting infected. I ended up having sepsis and cellulitis because doing all that walking and work with the move, made the infecion squeeze into my bloodstream from my body I weightcrushing it with every step. I had also used the as seen on tv egg to shave off rough skin on your feet, a couple of days prior and that opened up more avenues for dirt to get into my feet. I recommend not using those feet graters. They open up pores on your feet for infection to get in. I was admitted with vomitting and 104.5 fever and PAIN in every hair follicle. I received antibiotics in drip form for five days! I thought I was going to die and I believe, had I stayed home and treated it ass just having a flu, I would've. If you see an infection that looks like its getting worse or bigger, seek doctor's help! Don't just think it'll go away.