Plaquenil for UCTD
Hi,
I recently was diagnosed with UCTD from my rheumatologist after getting a misdiagnosis Of SLE from an urgent care doctor. I was started on Plaquenil by my urgent care doctor and have been on it for about 1.5 months. My main symptoms are a rash but it seems more likely to be rosacea as I’ve had it for almost 10 years. Other than that I have some fatigue and some joint pain, nothing intense so I’m not sure if it’s just from aging/ inactivity. My rheumatologist says I can come off Plaquenil since we’re not sure what I have. My tests that came back positive per my rheumatologist were “low level” anti smith and a positive ribosomal P antibody. My qualitative ANA originally ordered by UC doctor was positive but my repeat ANA by IFA was negative so my rheumatologist is not concerned. I am also seeing a dermatologist now to be treated for rosacea. So I guess after all this I’m quite confused and unsure if I should stay on Plaquenil since we’re not sure what I have and if it is indicative of early lupus or anything like that. She says Plaquenil is not necessary since it does not prevent me from getting lupus in the future. She did say originally I could stay on it for 6 months to see if it makes a difference in my symptoms but after these repeat labs she says I can come off.
I know the medication doesn’t have many side effects other than potential retinal issues and increased skin sensitivity. But to be honest I’d prefer to not be on it if it’s not necessary. I guess I just kind of scared myself and thought it was absolutely necessary to prevent damage to my body since I was originally diagnosed with SLE. Any advice?
(Also some inflammatory markers in UC were high but I did get a five day course of steroids which improved it. But my rheumatologist said steroids should not change my ANA).