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Does Plaquenil Interact With Prednisone?

Posted on Tue, 28 Nov 2017

Question: I have been taking Plaquenil for 8 years and am currently taking prednisone daily for Lupus. Will that affect my ANA test.

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes levels of ANA affected and reduced by upto 43 %

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. It has been reported that levels of anti nuclear antibody reduced by upto 43 % in compliant use of prednisone and plaquenil and is also used to measure treatment response. Double stranded DNA levels however are effected less. Consult your rheumatologist and let them decide what is best for you. Continue using the immunosuppressants and if no vasomotor symptoms like solar sensitivity or itching face then plaquenil can be stopped.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and dont forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (12 hours later)

Thank-you! I was originally diagnosed with Lupus in my 30's with a positive ANA of 1-640 and was retested 5 times with the same results. When my RA passed away I was being treated by my Primary care. Just went to a new RA who put me on prednisone along with my Plaquenil and then had my ANA run which came back as negative. But my GFR is back down to 55 with a Creatine of 1.13........have been told that kidneys are not treated until my level falls to 30. Is there nothing I can do to keep those levels from falling in the first place?

Thank-you for your help!
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No worries , continue meds, GFR good enough.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back to me

ANA titres reduce upon treatment. Test may come negative as well but it does not mean lupus is treated. Its managed only due to compliant use of medications. Lupus nephritis is a common complication and GFR of 55 is good enough and does not need no treatment. If lupus will be managed , complications wont develop. So dont worry. Compliantly use your medications and stay in touch with your rheumatologist and have a follow up labs bi annually at least.

I hope it helps.
Regards XXXXXXX

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar