[willoughby]

I am just curious if anyone has any information on taking plaquinil while pregnant. Is it pretty safe? What are the risks? Do the benefits outweigh the risks? My doctor said it was O.K. to be on it while pregnant but I just wanted to know what your experiences were.

 

[Clare.T]

Hello Willoughby

It is often used in pregnancy these days when the doctor reckons it is important to keep lupus under control and lessen the risks of a flare and complications in pregnancy. There are no reports of it causing damage to the baby.

Ideally the mother should be drug free for six months before conceiving but in practice that is rarely possible.
Some people reduce the dose while pregnant or before they get pregnant to see how they get on at a lower dose.

Clare

 

[Maia]

Most rheumatologists keep their SLE patients on Plaquenil while pregnant. Experience over time has shown it to be a very safe drug to take, with the benefits outweighing the possible risks.

My rheumy wanted me to stay on 400mg a day, but I did reduce to 200mg a day after I knew I was pregnant. That was my choice, and actually against his advice, but I knew for me 400 was actually a bit too high for my weight/size anyways. I did quite well during pregnancy - it brought me into remission despite the lowered dose and was even well for a few months after pregnancy.

Good luck to you if you're wanting to get pregnant soon and congrats if you're already there.

 

[hippiegirl33]

Just wanted to chime in

I just wanted to say that I was on Plaquenil (my usual dosage of 400mg/day) during my whole pregnancy. I just delivered in October, a beautiful healthy baby girl. For me it worked fine and there were no problems.

I wonder if you also have to take heparin (very common for lupus pt's with anticardiolipin antibodies). If you do and you need some tips on how to handle it, I wrote a brief article that might help or at least offer some humor to the otherwise pretty daunting task of injecting yourself twice a day.

Hope you're doing great!

 

[x_claire_x]

Hiya, the book I have called 'talking about lupus' says it is usually considered ok to take plaquenil whilst pregnant.... all the best.
Claire X

 

[willoughby]

Thanks so much for the information....it's very much appreciated!