Antx Evaluated by Mayo Clinic

[Guest guest]

Hi All

Any comments on this discouraging appraisal of Antx Therapy by the

Mayo Clinic?

Ken.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment: Can antibiotics reduce symptoms?

Date updated: May 23, 2006

Content provided by MayoClinic.com

What is Mayo Clinic's opinion on the use of antibiotics in rheumatoid

arthritis treatment?

, Canada

Researchers continue to explore the possibility that rheumatoid

arthritis may be triggered by some form of infection. If true, it may

be possible to prevent or stop the progression of the disease by

taking an antibiotic. However, studies of the usefulness of

antibiotic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis have produced mixed

results. Here are some conclusions:

Minocycline. Research indicates that minocycline may be effective in

treating mild rheumatoid arthritis.

Doxycycline. One small study suggests that methotrexate combined with

doxycycline may be more effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis

than is methotrexate alone.

Tetracycline and clindamycin. One small study reports that

tetracycline combined with intravenous clindamycin may provide modest

benefit to people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Dapsone. This antibiotic may be effective in treating rheumatoid

arthritis; however, its adverse effects, such as hemolytic anemia,

outweigh any potential benefits of the drug.

Rifampin. This medication is not effective in treating rheumatoid

arthritis.

Antibiotics have many potential side effects, some serious. Also, the

effects of long-term antibiotic use are unknown. More research is

needed to determine what, if any, role antibiotics play in rheumatoid

arthritis treatment.