Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) is an anti-malarial medication used for a variety of inflammatory diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus as well as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's Syndrome. Long term use of hydroxychloroquine is contraindicated for Marshall Protocol patients for several reasons.

There are several reasons why use of hydroxychloroquine is advised against.

• If hydroxychloroquine is effective, there is no solid molecular rationale as to why. Some doctors and researchers believe that the drug is immunomodulatory, reducing disease symptoms by limiting inflammationThe complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli such as pathogens or damaged cells. It is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue.. If so, that action may interfere with immunopathology, which is necessary for recovery from chronic disease. Further, there is no indication that hydroxychloroquine interferes with the reproduction and survival of the intracellular pathogens which cause chronic disease.
• Hydroxychloroquine is a powerful medication and has serious and relatively common side effects. One of the most serious side effects is a toxicity in the eye,¹⁾ which requires regular screening even when symptom-free. It is also possible to overdose on hydroxychloroquine.²⁾

Plaquenil lingers in the system at least 50 days and cannot be taken long term while on the MP. Dr. Blaney reports he starts his patients on Benicar while they are waiting for Plaquenil to clear their system and has seen no adverse events. He prefers to wait a couple months before starting minocycline.

Trevor Marshall, PhD