I have been on just about every DMARD and Biologic currently available. I have had two rounds of Rituxan and this last round really hasn't done much good. When I saw my RD about 2 weeks ago, I asked him if he would support me with a trial of AP. I am very lucky, my RD listens and is willing to work with me even if he doesn't really think it will help. So I have been on Doxycycline for 10 days so far. Since I haven't felt really good have not done much reading, but I know where to get all the info. There is just one question I was hoping one of you guys could answer so I don't have to do any reading. What is the difference between doxy and minocin? I forgot to ask my doc why he prescribed doxy. I notice that most of you that are on AP seem to take minocin.
So, for now could you help me out? Due to all the informative posts when I feel a little better I will be able to do all the research I need, so thank you all for that.
I do a lot of reading, Its just right now, I have Uvietis again and its too hard to read.
Thanks for the info tho.
Hey Crispy!
Congrats!
I've read Doxy is an earlier generation of the tetracycline family. Like GoGo says, they use it for people who can't take Mino mostly. It will work but 'purists' tend to want Mino if they can take it.
My worry is the uveitis. Anyway you can run a search on the RB? The only AP opthmologist passed away and his daughter got out of the biz and went into research. There are no AP opthmologists left. I know I've seen posts that you don't want to use steriods on the eyes - it undoes what you're trying to do. I think you need ABX drops for the uveitis. Any eye doc that can help you?
When you are feeling better please start reading the RB. GoGo is right on - AP has too many variables and you need to learn how to teach your body to heal. Heck, it's been a year for me and I still need to learn more. LOL
Hugs,
Pip
I said in the beginning that I would be reading as soon as I could. I have researched every treatment I have ever been on and did a lot of reading before I asked for AP. No more reminders to read are needed.
I am still on 10mgs pred a day and have had two series of pred drops since the first of the year. I have to handle the uvietis that way or not have any eyes.
Thanks for letting me know doxy is older, I will ask RD why doxy.
Appreciate your response.
Good luck Crispy!! Keep us posted on your progress
You know I wondered about the lupus link. My RD still thinks I might have lupus as well as RA even tho I have always tested negative for ANA. My sister has lupus and I have many overlap symptoms. That may have been the reason he decided to start me off on doxy. I asked all kinds of questions but didn't notice that my script was for doxy until it was filled, so that was one I didn't ask.
I am on 100mg 2times a day. So far no herxing and not really any stomach problems either. I will try to start posting on the new thread Pip started so we can compare notes. But as of now, not really anything to report.
They are two different medications, both in the tetracycline family. Minocycline is usually preferred because of its superior penetration abilities. However, Doxycycline is often substituted. There have been many clinical studies performed with both. Both are bacteriostatic antibiotics, which means they suppress a protein on the inside of the cell of the bacteria which prevents replication. "Mycoplasma is ubiquitous and not at all easy to get rid of, but Brown found that it usually could be controlled by long-term, low-level doses of tetracycline. As that class of antibiotic evolved, he got even better results with the second and third generation, doxycycline and minocycline."
"Treatment is primarily with tetracycline antibiotics which have generally proven to be safe over many years of use. Oral tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline and clindamycin (intravenous or injections) are used although now there are additional options besides clindamycin. As the antibiotics suppress and destroy the mycoplasma, the patient's own defense system, strengthened by the antibiotics, "kicks in" and disease activity decreases. A gradual improvement is often noticed and symptoms can begin to reverse. If treatment is begun early enough, patients are generally able to return to normal activity with little or no permanent damage." --Road Back.
I started on Zithromax instead of Minocycline because I had some high Lupus levels at the time of diagnosis (Chromatin and Histone). However, it should be noted that the reason for the very rare side effect of drug-induced Lupus by Minocycline is unknown. Many believe the patient has a latent form of Lupus that is brought to the surface through a "Herxheimer effect" or temporary worsening of symptoms. I am now on Minocin brand Minocycline and Clindamycin, and am doing fine. My doctor is monitoring my Lupus levels closely.
Congratulations on taking your first step on the road back! The road may be bumpy at times. But you CAN make it to your final destination of health and wellness!
Take care. Be well soon. ~Karin