Prem Chopra Prem Chopra Asked 8 months ago

Can plaquenil cause weight loss?

My doctor recently prescribed Plaquenil for me. I've been trying to lose some weight, but I'm curious if this medication itself might have any effect. Can Plaquenil actually cause weight loss?

5

5 answers

Karan Johar Karan Johar Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago
Most liked

Well, usually medicines make us gain weight, so losing some might actually be a hidden blessing! Jokes apart, it can cause mild nausea which reduces your appetite, leading to some weight loss. Nothing to panic about unless you are vanishing!

Shalini Kutty Shalini Kutty Joined Mar 2026 8 months ago

Yes, it can cause mild weight loss because gastrointestinal side effects like stomach upset or decreased appetite are common when starting it. Try taking the medication with food to protect your stomach lining.

Powered by

Consult a dietary specialist

Rohan Mehra Rohan Mehra Joined Jan 2026 8 months ago

Some people do experience weight loss because of the appetite suppression. If your doctor allows, keep doing light strength exercises and focus on eating calorie-dense, healthy foods like nuts and paneer to maintain your muscle mass.

Amit Saxena Amit Saxena Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

I panicked when I lost three kilos in the first month of starting Plaquenil, thinking something was seriously wrong. But my doctor assured me it was just a mild side effect and my weight stabilized perfectly by the second month. Just give it some time.

Related reads

All articles
Kavya Sharma Kavya Sharma Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Hey, don't stress too much about it! Plaquenil can make you feel a bit nauseous in the beginning, which might make you eat less and lose some weight. It usually gets better as your body adjusts to the dose.

Evidence-based health, reviewed by clinicians. Free, weekly.