Overview
Vision Problems After Taking Plaquenil
Plaquenil, also known by its generic name Hydroxychloroquine, is often prescribed for joint pain to people suffering from Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Plaquenil is used to help control flare-ups in these medical conditions. However, Plaquenil can cause permanent vision loss. The risk is higher for people who have been taking Plaquenil for a longer time or who are being given a high dose of Plaquenil by their Doctors. Vision troubles caused by a long time use of Plaquenil include problems:
- Seeing things on the outside edge of vision (peripheral vision);
- Driving, especially at night;
- Reading; and
- Seeing colors, especially red.
Vision troubles caused by Plaquenil can also include seeing:
- Eye floaters;
- Glares; and
- Flashing lights.
Blurry vision, having a hard time seeing at night, and problems with the outside edge of vision are some of the most common symptoms of vision problems caused by Plaquenil.
These Vision Problems Can Easily Be Prevented
There are tests that can detect vision problems caused by Plaquenil a long time before someone could notice any problem themselves. In fact, one of the best tests to notice these types of vision problems only takes a few minutes and uses a machine that most eye doctors have right in their office. One of the biggest problems with Plaquenil is that even after you stop taking it, vision loss can continue for years before it finally stops because it stays in your body for so long.
Doctors Who Choose Not to Prevent these Vision Problems May Have Committed Malpractice
Responsible Doctors agree that it is their job to find vision problems before the patient notices problems on their own. Unfortunately, there are some Doctors who choose not to make their patient’s safety a priority. These Doctors do not make sure that their patients are having the right kind of tests done and do not properly watch out for vision problems early on. When that happens, a patient’s vision is permanently lost, and their life will never be the same.
Contact Us Immediately If You Are Taking Plaquenil and are Having Vision Problems
If you think that you may have vision problems because of using Plaquenil, please contact us. We have experienced attorneys who will listen to your concerns and work together to help figure out if a Doctor ignored your safety and chose not to prevent vision loss. Since problems with vision can continue for years after you stop taking Plaquenil, and any vision lost is permanent, it is very important to contact us as soon as possible
