Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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AdrianaIna 07/07/2011

I am wondering if anyone is on antibiotic therapy for RA without MXT or biologics? Curious about how it is working as I examine various treatment options. Thanks

deleted_user 07/07/2011

I am on antibiotic rotation therapy but so far haven't noticed an improvement in RA (11 wks in)
I also have common variable immune deficiency and it has helped me not get pneumonia or bronchitis or sinus infections as much.
I am also on Plaquenil because my rheumy has not ruled out Lupus yet, either. Definitive diagnoses: sero neg RA, CVID - trying to rule in or out Lupus.......

deleted_user 07/08/2011

I did Antibiotic Protocol when I was first dx'd 6 years ago. I had wonderful results - total remission within a few months of starting. I was on cloud nine. Then after a year of total bliss I developed a very rare reaction called Minocycline-Induced Lupus. I had pneumonitis and pleurisy to bad that I wound up in the hospital for ten days and then on oxygen for a month after that. Prednisone was the only thing that would bring down the swelling in my lungs and I had to stay on it for almost three years. Of course, I had to stop the Minocycline which just broke my heart, but there was just no other choice. Anyway, I think Antibiotics are great if you can get them to work. I say go for it! Most people don't wind up like I did. I think the odds are something like 1 in 10,000. Good luck!

sandi7213 07/08/2011

I have heard about that, Minocycline-induced Lupus

but Im interested in this procedure to, hopefully will get more to chime in

deleted_user 07/09/2011

I have been on minocycline theraphy for over 10 years. Initially that coupled with MTX injection weekly put me in a remission. After many years my rhuemy worried about minocycline induced lupus and urged me to wean off it. Within 10 days all hell broke loose. Now my oc is a believer and I am back on the minocycline. I am also now on rituxan because once I weaned off the mino it has not allowed me back into remission. I used to suffer 2 bouts a year of ashmatic bronchitous and don't anymore. Although the minocycline probably doesnot help my RA much anymore it keeps me healthy. Knowing that we have compromised immune systems that is reason enough to stick with it.

deleted_user 07/09/2011

I was on the minocycline treatment for about 6 months with no improvements in RA or bacterial infections.
My rheumy I see now has me on a high dose antibiotic rotation therapy using three different antibiotics all at high doses - not the same as the minocycline low dose treatment program. The "proof" will be whether I get through this next school year with fewer infections (bronchitis, pneumonia, sinus infections, etc.) than in years past. Of course RA pain relief would be most welcome...... I am in a painful flare right now.

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