Re: ANA increase after 5 months on Minocin

[Guest guest]

,

Minocin induced Lupus-like symptoms are a possible, though not very common,

side effect. This will disappear when the drug is discontinued. People

switch to another antibiotic, like Doxycycline in that case. Good for your

doctor to be on it.

Take care,

Ute

At 07:51 AM 9/4/2008, you wrote:

>Hi All - I haven't posted in many months. I started Minocin in April

>and my blood tests for RA at that time were terrible. The recent

>blood tests show significant improvement and my doctor was quite

>surprised, but pleased. However, my ANA test is now very high

>compared to normal in April. The actual ANA test for Lupus was

>negative, but he is concerned. Anyone else have this happen when they

>started Minocin?

>

>Thanks. S.

[Guest guest]

Yes, Don't be alarmed.  It is probably the disease running its' course. 

Sometimes the tests do not show a positive ANA until well into the disease.  And

the Minocin may be stirring up the micoplasmas and / or other bacteria that is

causing the disease.  Have you had that checked? You may herx and feel worse

after starting the antibiotics and the antibiotics take a long time to show any

improvement.  On some people who have not tried immune suppressant drugs. the

antibiotics may show signs of improvement earlier.  Sometimes the results are

delayed depending on how long the disease has been in progress, how much damage

it has caused or what medication you were on prior to starting A/P.  There are

other tests for lupus other than the ANA.  There are also other signs of Lupus

like the red butterfly pattern rash across the bridge of your nose and onto the

upper cheekbones. You may experience low grade fevers, vomiting and diarrhea. 

There is a

lupus anticoagulant check that you can have done.  It is a blood test. 

Actually it is two tests they can do with one blood draw.  It measures your

antibodies. They are called anticardiolipin antibody and antiphopholin

antibody.  Ask the doctor to check those and also do a platelet count.  Get back

to us when you have more information and let us know how you are doing.  Take

care.  The best to you, Dolores & Mke 

>Hi All - I haven't posted in many months. I started Minocin in April

>and my blood tests for RA at that time were terrible. The recent

>blood tests show significant improvement and my doctor was quite

>surprised, but pleased. However, my ANA test is now very high

>compared to normal in April. The actual ANA test for Lupus was

>negative, but he is concerned. Anyone else have this happen when they

>started Minocin?

>

>Thanks. S.