Hi
plaquenil takes about 5 to 6 weeks to really see relief from pain.  You have
to hang in there and don't give up on this, it does help a lot people.
Been there done that....  it doesn't wake the immune system so don't worry
Paulette....

Just keep the faith and take your pain pills or what ever you do for pain.
Give it time and good luck to you..

janers

I am a real advocate of plaq/chlor. for lupus joints and skin issues.
Just try to give it the time it needs to build up in your tissues in order to do it's job... for me it took more like 2 to 3 months to get the full effects of it's treatment!
I plan to go back on it  as soon as my field vision test has been approved and I will be put on the right dosage this time for my joints.... my shoulders, elbows, wrists and hands as well as hips and knees are so inflamed, more each month as it is washing out of my tissues now! I had no idea just how well it did work until I had to go off of it for this lengthy period of time!!
So if you have the patience stick with it and you will be glad you did in max. 2 months IMO!  I too will have to await the 2 or 3 months again for ease of symptoms and I look forward to the painfree joints again! For me it was a very successful treatment with my lupus!
Good luck with it and if things get too bad meanwhile, talk to your doc about NSAIDs to help with the pain or something stronger in the opioids if you need it while waiting out the plaquenil .... JMO...
hugs for you,
Shelagh

Good morning,

I've been on Plaquenil for almost 8 years.  Don't panic but it will
take any where from 6-8 months for the meds to kick in.  One day you
will suddenly realize the fatique is barely noticable.  Aches and
pains are always going to be there.  I don't like to push pills and I
waited nearly 5 years before getting a pain medication, but get one
and keep trying until you get one that works for you.  Most important:
STAY OUT OF THE SUN!!! Wear a hat, bring an umbrella, there are some
night classy ones out there , sit in the shade.  A bad sunburn can
lead to sun poisioning and trust me that isn't fun.  Been there, done
that!

I guess, most of all, rest when you need to.  If you have to  take a
nap, take one.  Don't let others  dictate whether or not you need
rest.  It's your body, you know it best.  I've had LUPUS for nearly 9
years, my sister over 10.  

This is my way of dealing with it:  It is a guest in my body and it
will live with my rules!  

Good luck,

Marie

Thank you all for the kind words.
However I can barely type this morning. I have not had this symptom in a few
years. Of a random joint ache (more like a tooth ache) that moves around. My
left hand on my lower joint of my pinky finger is killing me. Need I say
more what that will do to my guitar playing. Pray that it is temporary and
it goes in a few days. Feels like I stoved up my finger playing volleyball.
Believe me I have not been playing. And I had a gastric attack Monday night
of throwing up proportions. Which I stayed home yesterday. Was afraid to
take my meds yesterday so is that what triggered my joint inflamation?
Granted I am working 2 jobs and it is sending me to the ground. Yes I know
I'm burning too many candles. But I have responsibilites I can't do anything
about. If I can just get through these next 2 weeks, hopefully it will be
better or you might read about me in the paper.

Sorry for the whining, but my hand is not fun.

Much love,
Paulette