I'm not sure. These questions should be discussed with your doctor. I do know two things: plaquanil greatly helped my dryness, and it rarely has severe side effects ( I've had NONE). Be careful about what you read on the internet: people love to post their horror stories, none of which are the results of controlled studies, and thus statistically not worth a pile of do-do. I can't promise you'll get the same results I have, but at least talk to your doctor about your concerns and get a reliable opinion to benefits vs risks of ANY Medication.