Great news, but I need your advise

June 3, 1999

Hello to everyone on the list!

I would like to thank all who replied to my post concerning the use of

antibiotics for Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS). I was very impressed by the

number of replies that I received. This seems to be a very supportive and

informative group. I am so happy I found you!

After reading the AP info and The New Arthritis Breakthough, I went to see

my rheumatologist. And the great news is that he has agreed to put me on

minocycline (200 mg per day). I am very excited!!! However, he wants me

to keep taking sulfasalazine (Azulfidine).

I have been taking sulfasalazine for 8 weeks, and it appears to be doing a

pretty good job (much better than NSAIDS). I am in much less pain and my

flexibility has improved greatly. However, the sulfasalazine has some side

effects including terrible insomnia, very sore throat, dizziness and

shakiness. In addition, I have a very impaired sense of taste (metallic

taste) caused by a white coating on my tongue. It is not thrush (I have

seen 3 different docs). Everything tastes so bad that I have lost quite a

bit of weight because I don't want to eat.

Here are my questions:

Are any of you on sulfasalazine? Do you have similar side effects?

I have mentioned these side effects to my rheumy, and he said that if they

bother me too much, he will switch me to methotrexate. Should I consider

going on the methotrexate?

What are your thoughts on taking minocycline concurrently with

sulfasalazine or methotrexate?

My doc has prescribed minocycline at 200 mg daily. The AP suggests 100 mg

M/W/F. Which prescription should I follow? Should I send a copy of the AP

to my doc?

The important thing is that I now have access to minocycline. There is no

law that says I must take the doses and drugs that my doc prescribes. So I

am considering stopping the sulfasalazine and taking minocycline 100 mg

M/W/F. I would absolutely love your comments before I start!

Thanks in advance!!!

Myron

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