Please share your experience on hydroxychloroquine/Paquinol

Posted by annpeters @annpeters, Sep 23 8:28am

I was prescribed hydroxychloroquine while they try to figure out what’s happening in my system. I believe they’re thinking systemic sclerosis, but no clear answers at this point. Medication seems to have a paradoxical effect on me. Little bit frightened. Thank you so much for your responses.

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I have been on hydroxychloroquine since 2016. Then I had RA which is now changed to Sjogrens disease. I have not had any issues with the medication. I get my eyes checked yearly.

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Profile picture for jonijean @jonijean

@2brussels I was diagnosed with CPPD, also called pseudogout and pseudo rheumatoid. I started plaquenil 6/5/2026 and haven't had any side effects. It takes 3-6 months to start working. Up to 12 months, I've read. I have chronic CPPD so I don't swell up like you do. X-rays will show the crystals of CPPD, also an ultrasound or aspiration of the swollen joint. I was misdiagnosed for approx. 14 years. You have to find a doctor/rheumatologist that has experience with the crystal arthropathies. Not all do. My third rheumatologist diagnosed me. Good luck and let us know what you find out. Reiterating...the plaquenil takes months to work and you need an eye exam yearly.

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@jonijean Thanks for your reply! I as wondering whether my rheumy misdiagnosed me to start as she is CRNP and I wouldmuch prefer to be under the care of an MD.

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Just FYI...My 1st 2 rheumatologists were M.D.'s and both missed it. I saw several osteo docs and all missed it.

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Profile picture for jonijean @jonijean

@rlchn full benefits take months. Hydroxichloroquine is SLOW acting. If you continue you should talk to the doc about your eye exams.

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@jonijean Yes, I do have eye checks once a year, so far no cataracts or glaucoma. Dry eyes are always a problem with RA, so far just uncomfortable, no serious effects. Thank you for your concern!

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Profile picture for suev3sbcglobal @suev3sbcglobal

I have been on hydroxychloroquine since 2016. Then I had RA which is now changed to Sjogrens disease. I have not had any issues with the medication. I get my eyes checked yearly.

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@suev3sbcglobal Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I’m glad you found Mayo Connect and even left a message. So, you started hydroxychloroquine when you were first diagnosed? I know that some members will really appreciate the message you left as hydroxychloroquine can be difficult for some people.
I have a question about your avatar (name). I can’t figure out if it means something or am I just making guesses.

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Hello, I have been taking it for about 3 years for rheumatoid arthritis pain. I can’t speak about negative side effects at all. What I do know is that if I stop taking it, my pain returns. Good luck to you.

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Profile picture for shirleydm @shirleydm

Hello, I have been taking it for about 3 years for rheumatoid arthritis pain. I can’t speak about negative side effects at all. What I do know is that if I stop taking it, my pain returns. Good luck to you.

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@shirleydm love hearing this! Thanks!

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Profile picture for Becky, Volunteer Mentor @becsbuddy

@suev3sbcglobal Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I’m glad you found Mayo Connect and even left a message. So, you started hydroxychloroquine when you were first diagnosed? I know that some members will really appreciate the message you left as hydroxychloroquine can be difficult for some people.
I have a question about your avatar (name). I can’t figure out if it means something or am I just making guesses.

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@becsbuddy Nothing tricky, just my name with an initial!

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Profile picture for Becky, Volunteer Mentor @becsbuddy

@suev3sbcglobal Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I’m glad you found Mayo Connect and even left a message. So, you started hydroxychloroquine when you were first diagnosed? I know that some members will really appreciate the message you left as hydroxychloroquine can be difficult for some people.
I have a question about your avatar (name). I can’t figure out if it means something or am I just making guesses.

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@becsbuddy it’s justmy name.

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I’ve been on hydroxychloroquine for a number of years with no issues. I currently have Sjogrens and small lymphocytic lymphoma, a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. I have also had Hodgkins lymphoma. Has anyone had any problems with bruising and the bruising not clearing up? No one seems to know why I bruise so easily.

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