It is now commonly used to treat rheumatic diseases, most commonly RA and Lupus, although the reasons it reduces symptoms are not understood. Plaquenil is slow acting, so symptomatic relief may take 3 to 6 months. Plaquenil does not appear to suppress the immune system greatly , but long term use can damage your sight and cause congestive heart failure and muscular weakness. The most common side effects of Plaquenil are stomach irritation, diarrhea, flatuation, itching, psoriasis, sun sensitivity, bleaching of hair color, ringing in the ears and tiredness. Those on Plaquenil seem to be able to use CMO II successfully shortly after discontinuation. .
Short applications can be extremely helpful in emergency situations.
Long term use reduces the body's ability to produce natural cortisone and can produce a myriad of adverse side effects. The major side effect with Corticosteroids is increased risk of infections due to lowered immune system strength, more difficulty in treating resultant infections and Corticosteroids ability to cover symptoms of other, perhaps, serious, maladies. Extreme mood swings and depression are also common side effects. Long term use of Corticosteroids creates a dependency which is difficult to break . One must wean off Corticosteroids slowly and will experience withdrawal symptoms perhaps in addition to a return of the symptoms initiating its use in the first place.