Plaquenil For Celiac?

[newgirl88]

I was diagnosed August last year with Celiac. It seems like just yesterday, but seems like forever when I think about how much research I've done every time I wanted to eat something. It's crazy how many of us have this, and so much more. Anyway, my doctor put me on plaquenil when he diagnosed me. I still get pains here and there everyday. I have read a lot about plaquenil, but I'm still not sure exactly what it's doing. Is it really vital for me to be on? The light sensitivity to my eyes that I have developed scares me, as well as ringing in my ears. Online I have only seen people with Lupus and other diseases (not Celiac) taking the medication. Is anyone else taking this for celiac disease? Thanks.

[hayley3]

If you can just quit eating gluten and get better, rather than take pills, it is better not to take the pills.

I was on Plaquenil once and I feel it made my eyes more sensitive to light. It may have just been a coincidence, but I stopped taking it.

[Ann1231]

I'm on plaquenil for rheumatoid arthritis and if anything, my stomach is worse because of all the gas this medicine causes. In fact, I have an appt. this afternoon because of it. I have never heard or read about plaquenil for celiac disease. I'm interested to ask my dr. about that now!

Ann

[newgirl88]

Thank you for your responses! This is the first time I have ever posted anything. I just got back from the ophthalmologist who was checking my eyes because I've been on the Plaquenil for 5 months now. He said my eyes are fine. He is in the same building as my Rheumatologist and he said that my doctor prescribes a lot of Plaquenil to people. He also says that why Plaquenil works is unknown. That is a little scary. I am not sure it is even doing anything for me. I still get pains all the time. I don't know if I am contaminating myself, but I check every friggin' thing that goes into my mouth. I think I will tell my doctor I will go off it. But I hope that it is not another health problem other than a gluten intolerance that is causing all this pain.

[ravenwoodglass]

I would bring up this with your doctor as soon as possible. Although it is rare since you are having problems with your eyes you need to make sure that this adverse effect is not an issue. This drug is not a drug for celiac, there are no drugs 'for celiac' although some are around that will provide symptom relief the only real way to stop glutens effects on the immune system is by being gluten free. I am assuming that you must have some joint problems otherwise this drug would not have been prescribed. For many of us the joint pain and arthritic issues resolve within a relatively short time gluten free. I have been in remission now for almost 5 years, something I was told would never happen. On the rare occasions that I do get glutened now a few baby asprin, gluten-free of course is all I ever need. Hopefully the same will hold true for you.

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beginning hydroxychloroquine therapy should be informed of the possibility, although extremely rare, of retinal toxicity and that periodic monitoring can limit the toxicity by early recognition.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that patients treated with hydroxychloroquine can be divided into two groups: low-risk patients, who receive < 6.5 mg/kg/day of hydroxychloroquine and have used the drug for less than five years, and higher-risk patients, who have used the drug for longer periods, who are taking larger dosages or who have other risk factors such as high body fat level, concomitant kidney or liver disease, concomitant retinal disease or are of an older age (>60 years). All individuals starting these drugs should have a complete baseline ophthalmologic examination within the first year of treatment. This should include examination of the retina through a dilated pupil and testing of central visual field sensitivity by either a self-testing grid chart (Amsler grid) or an automated threshold central visual field testing (Humphrey 10-2 testing). If the patient is in the low-risk category and these examination results are normal, the AAO recommendation is that no further special ophthalmologic testing is needed for the next five years. For patients in the higher- risk category, an annual eye examination is recommended. Should any hint of toxicity appear, more elaborate tests can be performed, such as multifocal electroretinography (mfERG). However, its sensitivity for early screening remains to be determined.

[ravenwoodglass]

Thank you for your responses! This is the first time I have ever posted anything. I just got back from the ophthalmologist who was checking my eyes because I've been on the Plaquenil for 5 months now. He said my eyes are fine. He is in the same building as my Rheumatologist and he said that my doctor prescribes a lot of Plaquenil to people. He also says that why Plaquenil works is unknown. That is a little scary. I am not sure it is even doing anything for me. I still get pains all the time. I don't know if I am contaminating myself, but I check every friggin' thing that goes into my mouth. I think I will tell my doctor I will go off it. But I hope that it is not another health problem other than a gluten intolerance that is causing all this pain.

It appears your doctor was on top of this. We both posted at the same time. I agree become a bear when it comes to CC and be sure to check non-food sources of gluten also. The final link for me as far as the arthritis was concerned was my shampoos and conditioner. I hope you get some relief soon.

[newgirl88]

It appears your doctor was on top of this. We both posted at the same time. I agree become a bear when it comes to CC and be sure to check non-food sources of gluten also. The final link for me as far as the arthritis was concerned was my shampoos and conditioner. I hope you get some relief soon.

I have really been checking my shampoos, conditioners, facewashes, lotions, etc..... I don't see where the problem is. My dish soap is gluten-free, my pots and pans are gluten-free, I don't know what else... Any more ideas? And about the Plaquenil, I would rather just be drug free. I believe that the gluten-free diet works the best as well.

[ravenwoodglass]

I have really been checking my shampoos, conditioners, facewashes, lotions, etc..... I don't see where the problem is. My dish soap is gluten-free, my pots and pans are gluten-free, I don't know what else... Any more ideas? And about the Plaquenil, I would rather just be drug free. I believe that the gluten-free diet works the best as well.

Sounds like you are fairly well on top of the CC issue. One last thing, do you have pets? Are they on a gluten free food? Also are you into arts and crafts or home remodeling? Many home repair and refurbishing items are not safe. I made myself real ill with both drywall hanging and with the nice nontoxic gluten based glue I use in my glass work.

It can take quite a while to for the body to recover, especially in the early months. Also do you consume much mainstream 'gluten free' food, like Frito Lay products? Many items will be safe by ingredients but CC'd in the processing. Have you tried the pain in the rear form of eating where everything is as close to nature as possible? In addition although for many celiacs gluten grain derived alcohols and vinagers are okay that is not true for all of us. If you do consume those it might be good to cut them out for bit and then challenge them when you are feeling better to see if you are one of us unlucky ones who do react.

You may have already thought of all this but it took me a long time to figure out all the ins and outs so I thought I should mention my stumbling blocks in case we share one or two..

[newgirl88]

Sounds like you are fairly well on top of the CC issue. One last thing, do you have pets? Are they on a gluten free food? Also are you into arts and crafts or home remodeling? Many home repair and refurbishing items are not safe. I made myself real ill with both drywall hanging and with the nice nontoxic gluten based glue I use in my glass work.

It can take quite a while to for the body to recover, especially in the early months. Also do you consume much mainstream 'gluten free' food, like Frito Lay products? Many items will be safe by ingredients but CC'd in the processing. Have you tried the pain in the rear form of eating where everything is as close to nature as possible? In addition although for many celiacs gluten grain derived alcohols and vinagers are okay that is not true for all of us. If you do consume those it might be good to cut them out for bit and then challenge them when you are feeling better to see if you are one of us unlucky ones who do react.

You may have already thought of all this but it took me a long time to figure out all the ins and outs so I thought I should mention my stumbling blocks in case we share one or two..

I am VERY strict with my diet. Just because there are no gluten containing ingredients, I don't consider that safe. I call manufacturer's daily and always check online. I have stayed away from everything I can think of. I am highly sensitive and my pain is tremendous when I have it. I suffered from these crippling for 9 months (which I thought was a really long time until I see how many years people go undiagnosed) with no diagnosis. I did so many tests, x-rays, and all that. I had a job where I power-walked all day besides my breaks. I could barely even walk starting January. I had to finally quit my job. So it I don't take many chances when it comes to gluten. Only what companies can guarantee me. But.....I do have a dog who is not gluten free and she sleeps on my bed with me every night. Could that be contaminating me? (thanks for all your help and efforts)

[DebJ14]

I am VERY strict with my diet. Just because there are no gluten containing ingredients, I don't consider that safe. I call manufacturer's daily and always check online. I have stayed away from everything I can think of. I am highly sensitive and my pain is tremendous when I have it. I suffered from these crippling for 9 months (which I thought was a really long time until I see how many years people go undiagnosed) with no diagnosis. I did so many tests, x-rays, and all that. I had a job where I power-walked all day besides my breaks. I could barely even walk starting January. I had to finally quit my job. So it I don't take many chances when it comes to gluten. Only what companies can guarantee me. But.....I do have a dog who is not gluten free and she sleeps on my bed with me every night. Could that be contaminating me? (thanks for all your help and efforts)

My son was on Plaquenil when he was (mis)diagnosed with Lupus. It made his stomach issues worse. When they realized his diagnosis was wrong it was the first drug they pulled. The doctor said it was potentially very damaging. I had never heard of it being prescribed for Celiac. That may not be an FDA approved use of the drug.

Have you considered other food intolerances as a cause of your pain? At the time I was diagnosed as gluten intolerant I had arthritis and chronic tendinitis. The pain quickly went away went I went gluten-free, but returned and I could not figure out why. My doctor put me through a 7 day fast and then I added foods in one at a time like you do with a baby. I started with brown rice and chicken. I did great until I added corn - the reaction was nearly as bad as if I had eaten wheat. I reacted in this manner to almonds, dairy, soy and bananas. Once I cut all of those foods out I was much improved. However, I reached a plateau and would have episodes that were very disappointing. Thanksgiving was the final straw - I cut out all the foods I knew were a problem and still felt lousy. My doctor had blood drawn and they did an IgG4 antigen specific test for 90 different foods. I got my answer - I was reactive to yeast, cranberry, blueberry, beef, milk, chocolate, vanilla, black pepper and cinnamon to name just a few. Once I cut those out of my diet I felt better than I have ever felt in my life. I am on a rotation diet now and at some point in the future will attempt to reintroduce these foods one at a time. For now all my aches, pains, stomach issues and rashes are gone. I mostly eat just fresh organic fruits and vegetables, organic chicken, lamb, pork and wild salmon and tuna. If it comes in a package it is probably not all that good for you anyway.

Good luck

Debbie

[ravenwoodglass]

. But.....I do have a dog who is not gluten free and she sleeps on my bed with me every night. Could that be contaminating me? (thanks for all your help and efforts)

It sure can if he consumes gluten food. Dogs lick themselves a lot, after he has eaten he is going to be spreading any residue he may have in his mouth all over his fur. You have nothing to lose by switching him to a gluten free food to see if that helps. We use Ennova Evo, it is completely grain free, but there are a few, too few IMHO, mainstream brands that will use non gluten grains like corn or rice. Be sure to read the whole label, many add in barley to the forms that have rice as a first ingredient. Don't know for sure that this will help you but it was one of the last links in my puzzling chain. When I was diagnosed all pets ate gluten food and I had a bird. After finding a new home for my parrot and switching the animals to all gluten-free food many of my 'mystery glutening' ended. An added benifit for my pets has been that they are also much healthier. Nice coats and the cat I have that ate till he puked 5 times a day is now happily barf free.

[hayley3]

I have a little yorkie, that I finally saved by taking away the grain type dog foods. She can now walk, whereas before she couldn't. It's been a long road for her and she is 14 yrs old. Wish I'd known so she didn't have to go thru such sickness. She may never recover completely since she's so old and she was so sick.

[newgirl88]

I will definitely try the gluten-free dogfood. I guess I will also have to try cutting thing more things out of my diet, although what I mostly consume now is rice, chicken, turkey, juice, milk, cheese, and vegetables/fruits. I would hate to give up dairy since I LOVE it, but it is worth a try. Thanks for everything!