Seems to help. Minor sideeffects that go way for the most part. I also take MTX and Lodine. Good luck. Cindy

I'm not sure why but she did stress the fact that it could not be genetic. I will ask her next visit.

Was your change gradual? I have aches and pains all over. I am wondering what I could expect.

Cindy.....what is MTX and Lodine used for?

I've been taking Plaquenil since May 2004. It took about 4 months for me to be able to tell a difference. I gradually noticed that my joint pain was less. I also started MTX in July. Plaquenil and Methotrexate (MTX) are DMARDs and Lodine is an anti-inflammatory. It's important that you visit your opthamologist a couple times a year while you are taking Plaquenil because it can cause retina damage, although this is a rare side effect.