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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Side Effects Of Taking Plaquenil For Iritis?

Hi, I was recently diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, I ve had Raynauds for many years and I have recurring Iritis for the last year.. The Dr. wants to put me on Plaquenil, not sure if I want to take that with the side effects of if I should get second opinion. Thanks, KAY
Mon, 21 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.

It is not advisable to take Plaquenil for the treatment of iritis.

In addition to causing stomach upset like vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Plaquenil can also cause some important side effects involving the eyes.

1. Corneal deposits have been reported as early as 3 weeks after the initiation of therapy.

2. Retinopathy appears to be dose related and can occur in the first few months of starting the treatment.

These side effects may cause blurring of the vision, light sensitivity, seeing halos around lights, and photophobia.

So, if prescribed for the treatment of iritis, these symptoms would be exaggerated resulting in visual impairment.

Thus, in my opinion it is not safe to take Plaquenil for the treatment of iritis.

Hope these answer your query.

Best wishes.
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Side Effects Of Taking Plaquenil For Iritis?

Hi & Welcome. It is not advisable to take Plaquenil for the treatment of iritis. In addition to causing stomach upset like vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Plaquenil can also cause some important side effects involving the eyes. 1. Corneal deposits have been reported as early as 3 weeks after the initiation of therapy. 2. Retinopathy appears to be dose related and can occur in the first few months of starting the treatment. These side effects may cause blurring of the vision, light sensitivity, seeing halos around lights, and photophobia. So, if prescribed for the treatment of iritis, these symptoms would be exaggerated resulting in visual impairment. Thus, in my opinion it is not safe to take Plaquenil for the treatment of iritis. Hope these answer your query. Best wishes.