I have been on plaquinel for 5+ years with no issues. I take that and generic celebrex. I'm sorry you had such problems. Hopefully your Dr can find something else that works ☺️

Rhodakozak I'm sorry for your side effects. Plaquenil seemed to work for me the short time I took it but the side effects of the leg and ankle swelling and shortness of breath were too bad for me to continue. I'll even say the severe fatigue also. I hate that my pain has gotten so bad again now that I've stopped thought...these meds!

Hey Shelley3!
I'm currently taking Plaquenil. Soon after I started taking it, two years ago, I noticed the inside of my right ankle appeared to be bruised. I also started having knee joint pain, as well as serious brain fog, forgetfulness, and most certainly, fatigue. Unfortunately, my side effects are pretty common, and far from convenient or pleasant! It is doing something for me, which is evident in my bloodwork, which my rheumatologist sees, and that is encouraging. I've had to get used to feeling crappy these past couple of years.
Over the last few months or so, my primary care doctor prescribed a medication that is used as a weight loss medication. It's a stimulant, so if you don't need to take it for weight loss, or you have a heart condition, then it is not something you should take. It has helped with my energy levels and has helped shorten my downtime due to fatigue. The fatigue still really does a number on me, but not as long. I hope to be prescribed another medication for weight loss, that will actually help reduce my weight to a healthier level.