Within a month of my diagnosis and being prescribed this medication, the swelling in my hands reduced enough for me to put my wedding rings back on for the first time in almost a year. My shoe size also went down a half size and the puffiness in my ankles went away. I have now been on this medication for 11 months and still cannot believe the difference from this time last year. Published: September 26, 2007 ::

I'm also positive for R/A...I've been using this drug 2x daily for 3-4 years now..I believe it has an overall positive effect day-to-day...but I still experience painful and exhausting break-outs from time-to-time. I don't know if the outbreaks would be worse or more often if I didn't take Plaquenil...overall I'm satisfied. I haven't seen on this site the problems that can arise when using this drug with your EYES and VISION..it's IMPORTANT to see A specialist at least every 4 months or so to watch for damage &/or changes...I've had both Published: October 07, 2007 ::

I have been on this medication for 8 mths. I was surprised on how strong and energetic I feel now as compared to last year. I still have swollen ankles and very poor circulation in my legs but at least the flares does not occur elsewhere. With the help of Physical Therapy & this drug I believe my health with continue to improve. Published: October 26, 2007 ::

This medicine was prescribed for my RA & Lupus. It has helped with my chronic pain, so much so, that I have been able to cut back on my pain meds. It has not impacted the number of flares though, but still has been extremely beneficial to me! I would highly recommend. Published: October 29, 2007 ::

This was the first medicine I used to control my RA beyond NSAIDs. A few months in I felt incredibly better, I didn't realize how many joints were affected until the pain and stiffness went away. It did bother my stomach a lot and I still can't take it in the morning because of the nausea is causes. Published: October 31, 2007 ::

I have been taking this medication for four years along with Mobic I have been pain free. No longer do I have pain in my joints or my thigh bones. My hair has stopped falling out and I can work a full time job, type all day and raise 3 boys on my own. I love my life again, and Thank God for this medication. Published: April 25, 2008 ::

I have only been on this drug for a few months and I am noticing a remarkable difference in my achiness and overall fatigue. it is doing exactly what I was told it would do! AMEN! Published: January 10, 2008 ::

I am a 37 year female with SLE, I have been diagnosed for 2 years and I been sick for 8 years. This medication changed my life. I take mine at night because of the nausea. I have also here recently been losing my hair and my sick condition has gotten much worse. But it has been a life saver for me. Published: November 12, 2007 ::

I have had Ruematoid Arthritis for about three years now and this medication has helped me so much. I can actually walk down a flight of stairs without crying, it has been a life saver. I haven't had any other problems while taking this medication either, so over all its pretty great. Published: January 31, 2008 ::

I was diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome about 7 years ago (23), believe that I had had it years before. I was to the point that I could not get out of bed unless absolutly necessary. I found great improvement with a combonations of plaquenil and NSAIDs, but not 100%. If I forgot to take the plaqenil I reverted to a flareup. NSAIDs didn't seem to matter, still had pain. I have been able to come of the NSAIDs with use of diets, but haven't been able to come off the plaquenil yet. It's saved my life. I feel better at 30 than I did at 22. My recommendation to anyone with pain: experiment with your diet. Wheat triggers swelling and joint pain for me, but I have tested negative for Celiac disease twice. Tomatoes, gin, beer, and white zinfendel cause flareups as well. I feel much better when I eat a clean diet. Chicken, veggies, fruit, and rice. It's hard so I allow for cheats but remember that I will feel awful. Also, preservatives make me feel like death. Published: May 29, 2008 ::