Dec '25 - Sep '26
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr Patrik Dessein
How is Dr Patrik Dessein rated on Hellopeter?
Hellopeter has tracked Dr Patrik Dessein across 1 reviews. Dr Patrik Dessein hasn't collected enough recent reviews — at least 10 in the last 12 months are needed — to calculate a TrustIndex score. Have you used Dr Patrik Dessein? Write a review to help others decide.
Recent reviews (1)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your Experience1 reviews | Active since Aug 2013
Concerns about off-label treatment and lack of informed consent
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 12 years ago and consulted Dr Dessein during the early stages of my treatment journey. At the time, I was prescribed Plasmoquine/chloroquine, both orally and as injections, as well as a sleeping medication that I later learned was given at an unusually high dose. After seeking further medical advice and reviewing current fibromyalgia guidelines, I discovered that antimalarial medications such as Plasmoquine are off-label, not evidence-based, and not part of any recognised fibromyalgia treatment protocols. They also carry important risks, including potential eye and heart complications. I was not informed that this was an off-label treatment, not advised of the risks, and not asked for consent acknowledging this — which is concerning given HPCSA guidance on informed consent. The injections themselves were extremely painful and, based on available evidence, appear unnecessary for fibromyalgia. I have since been seen by other rheumatology specialists, slowly weaned off all the medications prescribed at that time, and have been stable, active, and essentially pain-free for the past 10 years. I am sharing this experience because another person I know is currently receiving the same treatment without being made aware that it is off-label. My intention is to encourage transparency and informed decision-making for patients receiving non-standard therapies.
1 reviews | Active since Aug 2013
Concerns about off-label treatment and lack of informed consent
I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 12 years ago and consulted Dr Dessein during the early stages of my treatment journey. At the time, I was prescribed Plasmoquine/chloroquine, both orally and as injections, as well as a sleeping medication that I later learned was given at an unusually high dose. After seeking further medical advice and reviewing current fibromyalgia guidelines, I discovered that antimalarial medications such as Plasmoquine are off-label, not evidence-based, and not part of any recognised fibromyalgia treatment protocols. They also carry important risks, including potential eye and heart complications. I was not informed that this was an off-label treatment, not advised of the risks, and not asked for consent acknowledging this — which is concerning given HPCSA guidance on informed consent. The injections themselves were extremely painful and, based on available evidence, appear unnecessary for fibromyalgia. I have since been seen by other rheumatology specialists, slowly weaned off all the medications prescribed at that time, and have been stable, active, and essentially pain-free for the past 10 years. I am sharing this experience because another person I know is currently receiving the same treatment without being made aware that it is off-label. My intention is to encourage transparency and informed decision-making for patients receiving non-standard therapies.