Autoimmune Gal: Plaquenil

Autoimmune Gal has written a very good post discussing the results of a recent study that looked at the effectiveness of Plaquenil in the treatment of Sjogren's syndrome. Take a look:

For many patients with Sjogren's, Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) has long been the go to drug that their doctors prescribe.  It is often the first line of attack before other more aggressive therapies are added such as methotrexate or rituximab that have bigger impacts on the immune system.

The other day one of my favorite bloggers, Julia from Reasonably Well, wrote about how she's been feeling since discontinuing her Plaquenil. (*Aw, shucks.... -- Julia*)

"I can tell that my meds have changed. I had almost (but not quite) forgotten what these aches and pains feel like, but they're back…I am re-acquainting myself with those symptoms that it tames: the overall flu-like and feverish feeling -- aka malaise -- and joint pain." (Click here to read more).

I had a similar experience when I stopped taking plaquenil.  It was one of those situations where I didn't realize the medication was having such an impact until I stopped it.  My joint and muscle pain went up and my energy levels went down.  Did the drug eradicate my fatigue and pain?  No, but it did alleviate some of the symptoms and improve my quality of life.  I have been on enough drugs to know when one helps.

So I was very interested when I saw on Twitter this study presented at both the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European League Against Rheumatism's (EULAR) annual meetings:  Inefficacy of Hydroxychloroquine in Primary Sjogren's Syndrome: Results of the Joquer Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial in Primary Sjogren's Syndrome.  Yes, that's a mouthful, but for those of us with Sjogren's and on plaquenil, it's a subject that's pretty relevant.......continue reading here. 

I agree with AG's logic. I had read the abstract of this study as well but in all honesty, was frustrated with the authors' interpretation of the results, and decided that I needed to cool down a bit before I wrote about it.

Because I would sound all cranky. I don't write objectively when I'm hot under the collar.

So I'm glad that Autoimmune Gal has said it all so well: in a calm, cool, collected and logical manner. While you're over reading her post, be certain to also read the insightful comments that accompany it.