How to Use Plaquenil for Lupus
The autoimmune disease lupus is characterized by a wide variety of symptoms, but is known mainly for moderate to severe joint inflammation. To help combat inflammation and swelling, Plaquenil is a prescription medicine that is usually used to effectively to treat lupus in many men and women. Doctors often use Plaquenil to help those with lupus to get back to normal activities without worry. Read on to learn how to use Plaquenil for lupus.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Use Plaquenil as directed by your doctor. When it is taken to prevent malaria, the drug is taken weekly. However, to treat lupus, you will probably be taking Plaquenil daily to suppress joint inflammation.
-
2
Swallow each Plaquenil tablet with an 8 oz. glass of milk or as directed by your doctor. It is important to drink the entire glass of milk with each dosage. If you are allergic to milk or lactose intolerant, you should take Plaquenil with a full meal.
-
-
3
Store your medication at room temperature and away from light and moisture. Proper storage is essential because this medicine is particularly vulnerable to changes in the elements.
-
4
Keep track of how many pills you have taken and how many are left so you know when to allow time for a refill.
-
5
Be patient with Plaquenil. It can take several weeks before your body adjusts to the medication. You should see your swellings caused by lupus start to lessen during this time.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, never take a double dose of Plaquenil to make up for the mixed dosage.
If you have used Plaquenil to effectively treat your lupus and it stops working for you, tell your doctor. Like other anti-inflammatory medicine, your body will sometimes build up a resistance to the mediation if it is used for an extended period of time.
Always take your dose with a glass of milk or as directed by a doctor. Milk lines your stomach and will help prevent side effects such as nausea.
Children are very sensitive to this medication. As a matter of fact, small doses have been fatal to infants, so be sure to keep Plaquenil closed up in its container and away from children.
Plaquenil may cause a variety of side effects, including nausea, loss of appetite, headache, vomiting and dizziness. Talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms to discuss treatment alternatives.
