Questioning the use of the drug plaquenil

  I am a 35 year old female who was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in June.
  I have been on several anti-inflammatory meds.  They do not work.  so my doc just
  put me on plaquenil ...which from what I understand is an anti-infective drug used
  to treat malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.   Why on earth would they give this
  to me.  I don't understand the use of an anti-infective drug for RA. For malaria, yes, but for
  RA ....I question that.  Could you please shed some light on the medicine for me and what
  benefits it has for treating RA.
  thanks so much for all your help!!!!!
Dear Debbie,
Many drugs approved by the Food and drug administration (FDA), including plaquenil, are indicated for several different uses. They are only approved after adequate data shows that the medication is beneficial to the patient.  In regard to plaquenil, yes, it is used for the treatment of malaria as well as RA and SLE.  Unfortunately, the precise mechanism of action is not known. Plaquinil, when used for RA, tends to have a cumulative effect and will require several weeks to exert a beneficial effect.  If objective improvement does not occur within six months then the use of the drug should be reassessed and stopped. I hope that this information helps.  Good Luck.