Plaquenil Impact on Health: Detailing Adverse Reactions and Methods for Control
Plaquenil, a commonly prescribed medication for certain autoimmune diseases, comes with potential side effects that patients should be aware of. Here's a breakdown of the key points to consider when taking Plaquenil.
Firstly, eye exams are crucial. It's recommended to have an eye exam within a year of starting Plaquenil, and depending on your risk for eye problems, your doctor may advise annual eye exams while on the medication. The long-term side effects of Plaquenil related to the eyes primarily include retinopathy, a potentially progressive damage to the retina that can persist even after stopping the drug. This retinal toxicity risk increases with long-term use and high doses and can lead to vision difficulties and impaired reading ability.
Regarding the heart, long-term use of Plaquenil may cause cardiotoxicity, including cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease), arrhythmias, and QT interval prolongation, which can lead to dangerous irregular heart rhythms. Cases of fatal and life-threatening cardiotoxicity have been reported, often associated with ventricular hypertrophy and conduction disorders such as bundle branch blocks or atrioventricular block. The risk is higher with high doses or pre-existing heart conditions, and patients should be monitored for signs of cardiac toxicity during treatment.
If you have questions about your weight or dental health while taking Plaquenil, it's important to discuss these with your doctor or healthcare professional. Common side effects of Plaquenil can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, hair loss, headache, and weight loss.
It's also essential to inform your doctor of your complete medical history and all medications you take before starting Plaquenil to determine your risk for retinal damage. Factors that might put you at higher risk for heart-related problems from Plaquenil include having a history of heart disease, having a history of an abnormal heart rhythm, having certain other medical conditions, and taking other medications that can affect heart rhythm.
If you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction while taking Plaquenil, call your doctor right away for mild symptoms, and if your symptoms are serious and you think you're having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should talk with their doctor before taking Plaquenil, as its safety during pregnancy is unknown. Symptoms of serious skin reactions include blisters on your skin, eyes, lips, or mouth, burning or itching skin, rash or reddish spots on your body, peeling skin, body aches, and pain and discoloration in the eyes.
In summary, Plaquenil can have significant effects on both the eyes and heart, and monitoring by specialists is recommended during prolonged Plaquenil therapy to detect and manage these risks early. It's crucial to discuss any concerns with your healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective treatment.
- The effects of Plaquenil on eye health necessitate regular exams, with the first one due within a year of starting the medication.
- Depending on the individual's risk factor, annual eye exams might be advised while taking Plaquenil.
- Retinopathy, a potential eye problem due to Plaquenil, can cause progressive damage to the retina and affect vision and reading ability.
- Long-term use and high doses of Plaquenil significantly increase the risk of retinal toxicity.
- Cardiotoxicity is another potential side effect of Plaquenil, with long-term use possibly leading to conditions like cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias.
- Monitoring for signs of cardiac toxicity is crucial, especially for patients with pre-existing heart conditions or those taking other medications that affect heart rhythm.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, fatigue, hair loss, headache, and weight loss are common side effects of Plaquenil.
- Patients should discuss any concerns about weight or dental health with their doctor or healthcare professional while taking Plaquenil.
- A comprehensive medical history, including heart disease history, pre-existing heart rhythm issues, and other medical conditions, should be shared with the doctor before starting Plaquenil.
- Certain medications can increase the risk of heart-related problems from Plaquenil, so it's essential to inform the doctor about all medications being taken.
- Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should consult their doctor before taking Plaquenil since its safety during pregnancy is unclear.
- Serious skin reactions, such as blisters, rashes, or peeling skin, can develop as a side effect of Plaquenil and require immediate medical attention.
