Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mildred on September 1, 2015 at 10:59am

I have been doing research on this, and have talked to my PCP about it.  This is supposed to be my next step.  I have concerns about the possible side effects which can be severe.  Did you dematologist explain these to you?

Permalink Reply by Kat on September 8, 2015 at 7:29pm

Yes, there are a ton of side effects and I'm really worried about them. I had my blood levels done right before going on it and I just had them done again. The doc just called to say my white blood cell count was off and she wants me to have blood drawn in two weeks. I am very tired on this drug but was hoping that would go away after my body adjusted. I have no idea if it's helping or if it will help at all. Nothing noticeable at this point.

Permalink Reply by LoriO on September 1, 2015 at 12:10pm

I've been taking for 4 months, and honestly I can't tell if it's working or not.  My hair loss has been so gradual over the past 8 years that I really didn't start to take notice until about 4 years ago, and become really concerned just this year. 

I decided against the steroid shots because of the possible side effects of depressions in the skin.  That's just one too many disfiguring problems to deal with at the moment.

Permalink Reply by Alice on September 2, 2015 at 9:57am

I took Plaquenil for a couple of years but stopped about 6 mos ago, because I wasn't happy about having to get visual field exams and blood tests while on it. I can't tell any difference since stopping. 

I use Rogaine 5% and Elidel daily and Betamethasone or Kenalog occasionally. I decided against Avodart and have been taking spearmint instead. My hair loss has been gradual but I do have lot of itching.

Permalink Reply by ammie on September 8, 2015 at 9:28pm

I am about to enter on fourth month on Plaquenil. I have noticed fewer hairs after I shower and brush. I also have less flakiness on the scalp in the active area but from what I have read it can take six months for it start working. I haven't noticed any side effects. I see a retina specialist once a year anyway for an unrelated condition. He told me the medication has a low instance of causing eye defects. After taking the drug for seven years, there is a 1 percent chance of it causing damage and the key is to catch it early. Good luck let us know if you see results.