Copyright ©1998 by Dr G Chiu - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Antibiotic therapy
Diet
Supplements
Etc
please leave me a message on study problems.
In the meantime, here is a patient handout on minocycline...
Here is the handout from the Centre for Inflammatory and Arthritic Disease Studies 706-233 Kennedy Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3C 3J5, phone (204) 947-1766 or fax (204) 947-1804:
Patient Information Sheet on Minocycline (Minocin)
1. What is Minocycline?
Minocycline is tetracycline antibiotic that is used in certain types of arthritis. Scientifically conducted studies in rheumatoid arthritis and Reiter's syndrome have demonstrated beneficial effects of this therapy. It is considered by some rheumatologists to be a "second line" or "slow acting" anti-rheumatic drug.
2. How does it work?
In rheumatic diseases Minocycline is thought to inhibit the inflammatory enzyme collagenase. It is also thought to have an effect on the immune cells (lymphocytes). These two activities may reduce the degree of inflammation in the joints. Like many other "second line drugs" it may take several months for the full benefit of the Minocycline to occur. Minocycline is not a "non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug" like aspirin, Naprosyn, Votaren, etc. It is thought to be more similar to "disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs" like Plaquenil, gold salts, Sulfasalazinc and Methotrexate.
3. What are the potential benefits from Minocycline therapy?
A number of studies have been performed in North America, Europe, and in Israel on the efficacy of Minocycline in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. As many as 2/3 of the patients with active rheumatoid will experience an improvement in their rheumatoid arthritis after four months of therapy. The drug is also used in the treatment of reactive arthritis and Reiter's syndrome, particularly following Clamydial infection. It is also used to treat Lyme disease although for this indication it is principally acting as an antibiotic.
4. What are the potential side effects?
Most patients never experience any side effects with Minocycline. Every patient must weigh the risks of potential side effects against the benefits which may include a reduction of inflammation in the joints.
Minocycline like all tetracyclines should not be used by women who are pregnant or breast feeding. It should not be used by people who have an allergy to tetracyclines or kidney or liver disease. Patients who are taking coumadin(Warfarin) should have their PT monitored carefully because tetracyclines can increase the risk of bleeding on the anti-coagulant. Women who are taking birth control pill occasionally have breakthrough bleeding and may have decreased protection from pregnancy on the birth control pill when Minocycline is being used.
Children under the age of 13 years should not take any tetracyclines including minocycline.
Patients should avoid sun tanning. Direct exposure to the sun, in some individuals, amy cause sun sensitivity or easy burning. Rarely, patients may develop some skin pigmentation. Patients may suffer from headaches, dizziness or light headedness. The medication should be stopped immediately if these occur.
Some women suffer from yeast infections both in their vagina and occasionally in the mouth. The medication should be stopped and your family doctor should be consulted.
Please let your doctor know if you have a history of allergy, asthma, hayfever, or hives. This will not prevent you from taking the minocycline but a lower dose may be started. Also let your family doctor know whether you are taking any antacids because this may impair the absorption of the minocycline from the gut.
5. When should you be seen by your doctor?
If you develop any of the above adverse symptoms, stop the medications and see your doctor immediately. If you have questions about any of the medications that you are taking along with Minocycline ask your doctor.
Your doctor should do a kidney and liver test in the blood before you start the medication. If you develop any adverse symptoms another blood test may be required. Generally there is no specific testing of the blood required on this medication.
Dr. GTD Thomson
Rheumatologist
Director of CIADS
Associate Professor of Medicine
University of Manitoba
March 1997
Copyright ©1998 by Dr G Chiu - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED