Lower Dosage of Plaquenil Does Not Affect Outcomes and Supports Eye Health in People with Lupus
A new study examining Plaquenil dosage in people with lupus found that adjusting daily prescription to <5 mg/kg per day of a person’s actual body weight does not have a significant impact on their short-or-mid-term outcomes. A lower Plaquenil dosage can effectively control disease, and also lower daily dose needed of prednisone. the largest European 20 nationwide cohort aimed at investigating belimumab effects on disease activity, damage 21 progression, remission and LDA. the largest European 20 nationwide cohort aimed at investigating belimumab effects on disease activity, damage 21 progression, remission and LDA. the largest European 20 nationwide cohort aimed at investigating belimumab effects on disease activity, damage 21 progression, remission and LDA.
A group of Puerto Rican women with lupus taking Plaquenil for an average of 15 years were studied. Their overall health and lupus disease was documented every 6 months 2 years before and 2 years after their dosage was adjusted. Dosage was changed to <5.0 mg/kg per day according to their actual body weight and 2016 American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines. Overall, 31 persons in the group had a dose reduction of 200 mg daily and 29 people had a dose reduction of 100 mg daily.
Plaquenil treatment reduces disease activity, damage and mortality for people with lupus. However, eye damage is associated with long-term use of the drug. Retinal toxicity (vision loss) is reported to be below 1% during the first 5 years of drug treatment, increasing to 2% during the next 5 years and up to 20% after 20 years of therapy. This study shows promise in safely and effectively treating people with lupus with lower dosage amounts, preserving both eye health and disease activity. However, you should talk to your physician before making any changes to treatment dosing. Learn about protecting your eyesight when taking Plaquenil.