ADVERTISEMENT
Close
In This Issue, Subscribe, Free Issue, Contact Us
ADVERTISEMENT
 
Community > Expert Q & A > Rheumatoid Arthritis > Is Minocycline Safe for Long-Term Use?
Text Size Plus Minus | Print Email

Is Minocycline Safe for Long-Term Use?

Q: I have been taking the antibiotic minocycline as a disease-modifying drug for the past two months to treat my RA. Is minocycline safe for long-term use? Will minocycline affect my health or my liver? 

A: Minocycline, a drug similar to the antibiotic tetracycline, generally is considered to be one of the safer disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The most common side effects with using minocycline for three months or so are upset stomach, dizziness, discolored fingernails and rashes or dark pigmentation of the skin – especially on sun-exposed areas. Is minocycline safe for major organs? It can cause liver damage, but only in very rare cases. Your doctor should be examining you every few months and sending you for lab tests to make sure minocycline is working for your RA and not causing any side effects.   

Minocycline is effective in about 60 percent of people with RA who use it. However, it often is not prescribed because it does not have FDA labeling approval for this use, and it is a relatively weak DMARD compared with methotrexate, leflunomide (Arava) or the biologics (Enbrel, Humira, Kineret, Orencia, Remicade and Rituxan). It isn’t the antibiotic properties, but the effects on the immune system and the ability to inhibit enzymes that break down cartilage and connective tissue that make minocycline (and other tetracycline drugs) so effective.


Don Miller, PharmD, Pharmacist

Susi
19 Nov 2011, 18:16
I am 61 and have been diagnosed with RA for 2 years. I went on prednisone and methotrexate after my initial hospital stay for extreme exhaustion followed a month later by extreme pain in my fingers and knees. My rheumatoid factor was >600. Six months ago, I visited a friend who gave me a book entitled "The Infection Connection" and I "fired" my rheumy, and returned to my regular doctor (an internal specialist). He agreed to put me on the recommended Minocycline regimen suggested in the book, and I eliminated stress (retired) and followed the food regimen and started walking my dogs. Less than 6 months later, I am in remission. It is important to know that I did not have moderate to severe arthritis (you could have fooled me; the initial pain was incredible, I could barely walk and my hands were useless!) However, the rheumy said I reacted immeasurably well to the methotrexate and was on the lowest dose he's ever seen. So..I wanted to find a way to get off the immunosupressants. Read the book and give it a try. It has worked for me, for my friend who has another autoimmune disease, and for a local anesthesiologist who simply went vegetarian for his psoriais. (No minocycline) You should be ready to combine the minocycline with stress relief and some exercise as simple as walking out the front door and taking a few steps. Think positively!
Lathan
28 Oct 2011, 11:51
Can anyone here refer me to an ra dr in the Raleigh NC area that would prescibe Minocycline? Thanks.
Wallace Family
05 Oct 2011, 21:39
My son is 14 , no language, Autism diognosed, he also has an arterio benous angioma, why would he be prescribed the minocycline 50 mg twice a day,thoughts.GW
Teddy
30 Aug 2011, 02:35
I was on minocycline everyday for six straight years from 1994 to 2000 for the treatment of acne and my body still hasn't recovered. My acne went away after a month but i just assumed you had to keep taking the pill to keep the acne away. I've had a myriad of health problems over the years that I believe to be associated with the prolonged use of this drug. These health problems have totally put the kybosh on my quality of life! I don't know what life is like for those suffering with RA, but for those interested in this form of treatment I would proceed very cautiously.
Anne H.
18 Aug 2011, 10:21
I was on Minicycline (50mg 1x day) for about 1 1/2 years. AT first it worked great but over time I noticed worse and worse constipation and gas and bloat until it got so bad I was having trouble eating anything (one cup of soup felt like a 12-course meal) and I had trouble breathing (felt like I was 6 months pregnant, bloated belly etc..) My RA doctor repeatedly denied any connection/problem with antibiotics and gut function when I brought the symptoms to her attention, while my internist immediately diagosed the obvious: anbiotics can interfere with proper gut function. I got off the minicyline and within 48 hours things were getting back to normal, no bloat, no constipation, and have remained fine ever since. The gut/antibiotic connection is so well known and the symptoms of proper gut malfunction so clear, the surprise was that my RA doctor kept denying the obvious. That is very troubling.

In place of the minicycline, I checked the Arthiritus Society alternative treatment book and am trying turmeric as an anti-inflamatory.

So, I would advise caution when using any antibiotic long term and above all, listen to your body and if necessary go get a second opinion from an internist, if necessary.
Ann Calhoun
21 Jul 2011, 08:17
Has any research been done on the long-term effect of minocycline on the structures of the bowel. Normally, antibiotics are given for short term and disrupt the normal flora and fauna of the gut and after stopping you can eat live culture yogurt & etc. to restore normal gut function. But if you're on minocycline for years, there's no chance to restore that flora. Which means bowel problems and I wonder if it also can create changes in the tissue and/or the nerves so you end up with an injured bowel, hence chronic constipation or other bowel problems.
mita
01 Jun 2011, 13:06
i have severe RA. my doctors dont seem to have time to listen or care to listen to the same old story of achy joints, etc. but these are not just achy joints, it has affected my heart, eyes and muscles. there are many time in which i cannot even move from my bed i am in so much pain and the inflammation is so great. how can i find the right doctor to prescribe an antibiotic regimen? at present i am on doxycycline because of the scleritis on both eyes due to the medication i was taking. i am wondering if this doxycycline will help me.
Cindy Slevin
21 Mar 2011, 12:54
Hi All - I've been on Minocin for 3 years. It has changed my life. I was so completely crippled with RA three years ago and wondered what my life would be like in the future with such a disabling disease. I found Road Back Foundation and Dr. Brown's work on antibiotics. I asked my PCP for the prescription because my rheumatologist was against it. It took a long time...more than six months to see significant results, but it worked. I got better with each passing day and now I am in remission. I can do just about anything I want and on a daily basis I am amazed with the changes like when I go to lift something and I do it with ease where in the past it would have been impossible.
I recommend this treatment for anyone, but you have to be patient. It may not be a cure, but it works and it is the least invasive of all of the treatments the rheumatologists offer.
Debbie
19 Feb 2011, 10:06
I too have experienced good results with the mino. My hands seem so much better and such.
I have one big question for all...
Do you have a body swelling too....if you are a female ..do you esp. swell/edema with hormones/ cycles and or taking hrt/or bioidenticals?..w/ the r.a. ?

thank you,
debbieu
Chris
08 Feb 2011, 16:15
It usually takes at least six months for Minocin to start working. Anything sooner is very lucky. If one eats or juices organic vegetables, kale,red cabbage etc, that will definitely help. Krill oil (nko only) at 3 grams per day is a big help as is BCM-95 Tumeric. Exercise is good both aerobic and weights. Akaline diet is very important.

Minocin is not generally suggested by docs due to the fact that it usually takes longer to have an effect and it is "old technology"
and off patent, so anyone can make it. Docs want the latest drugs-don't want to seem old fashioned and not up to date. Newer drugs have more serious side effects. One learns to manage his own RA. Do whats best for you, not to please some doc. Good luck
sharon
01 Feb 2011, 09:14
I have been on minocycline since 1994 off and on. I have RA and had huge nodules on my feet and hands. Within 6 months the nodules were gone. My energy and mobility were significantly better. I was on it for 4 years and then it quit working and I went on Plaquenil until my eyes were affected. I have a great rheumatologist who allowed me to go back on the minocycline and have been on it since then with great results. My liver function tests are fine. Weighing the damage caused by other RA medications and an antibiotic like minocycline are personal decisions that you and your doctor can make. All I know is I feel great and can enjoy life everyday!
KL Wilson
09 Dec 2010, 01:08
I am very early into my treatment for ra/autoimmune disease with minocycline. I have not quite finished my first 30-day supply. Although I noticed great improvement within just a few days it was nothing compared to how well I am feeling now. I also take 1200 mg of omega 3 each day and 800 mg of turmeric. I exercise regularly including yoga at least 2-3 times a week. I avoid wheat/gluten, dairy, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, nightshades (tomotoes, potatoes, eggplant) and citrus. I eat organic as much as possible. I try to focus on green vegetables, gluten free grains, beans, peas, lentils, fruits and some soy foods. I think it all helps but the minocycline really got be back to feeling like myself so far. Worst side effect is it seems to aggravate my acid reflux.
Monalisa
29 Nov 2010, 13:19
Hello everybody,

I have RA and will probably see a rhumato in about 2 months from now. The only med I take right now is tylenol for arthritis. Soon it will not be sufficient. Was wondering if somoene has been on the Marshall protocol? if yes, how was it to be on it?
Best regards
Ann
19 Nov 2010, 17:53
My son who is 34 now went on minocyclin in 2005. He had been on remecade/methrexate from 1998 til 2005. The anticbotic theraphy was great until now. His feet and knees hurt so bad its hard to walk. He is very much thinking seriously of going on embrel soon. He feels there is getting to be so much damage to his feet, that he has to change course. Remecade was way to expensive and the antibotic therapy is much more cost effective.But doesnt seem to work for him now.His fatigue is so bad, hard for him to go about work, we are hoping & praying this will be the answer!
LJ
09 Nov 2010, 11:41
Minocycline saves your life! I have done my research.If you are newly diagnosed you should not second guess this therapy. If someone gave me this info sooner I would have been in earlier remission.
elizabeth
24 Oct 2010, 22:49
I was diagnosed 6 years ago. I have been on minocycline on and off during this time. Also take Naproxen when needed. It has helped me 100%. Side effects include some facial darkening, small cysts under the skin. Being treated for this by taking medication. Tests show no inflammation etc. My rhuemy and complimentary doctor agree to this treatment. Found Road Back Foundation Website helpful (when they are up and running). Recently I decided to stop the mino for awhile and the pain came back with a vengeance. Now I am back on the mino and hoping to become pain free again. Diet also helps no dairy, wheat, coffee, tea, sugar lots of oatmeal, rice milk, salmon, chicken rice cakes, fresh fruit, veggies etc. Only concern I have is the long term effect it will have on my liver. Good luck to everyone and hang in there it does get better hopefully for you.
karin
09 Oct 2010, 22:05
I started taking Minocycline because I was diagnosed with high Rheumatoid Factor and possibly Sjogrens. After taking it for a month I developed serious headaches and pneumonia. The doctor thinks the headaches are from the Minocycline. I did some research and found some articles on Minocycline induced Lupus. Care should be taken Karin
nina trejo
02 Sep 2010, 17:15
i live in a third world country and was diagnosed with ra.in the morning i looked in drmirkin.com +j106(the artcle on arthritis)and WITHOUT A DR.'S prescription went and bought minocycline, in a pharmacy,remember in third w.countries you don't need prescriptions for non controlled meds.and guess what it has already helped the pain in my hands.im going to try it for 2 months and have a drs checkup,but its worth a try.all my aches feel better.just one dose.
TN
13 Aug 2010, 18:20
For the past 2 weeks my lower back has been hurting (somewhere near the hip area) to the point of almost heading to the ER from the pain and limited mobility. I was taking tylenol etc for relief and had many restless nights. Yes, i have been to a chiropractor more than once over the years as the pain comes/goes. I took one dose of minocyclin had it for my acne) this morning and by mid day i noticed i had NO pain what so ever. To add, i have not officially been dignosed w/RA but for the past 8yrs my RH factor has been SKY HIGH but no joint damage on xrays/mri but i do get bad joint pain/swelling off and on. The antibiotic MAY actually be the key to easing RA pain.
Margie
31 Jul 2010, 15:43
I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 40 years. Yuck! Ups and downs and a gazillion doctors and treatments. For those here who have a doctor, a rheumatologist are whoever who is unwilling to be open minded and try the anti-biotic treatment like minocyline then i encourage you to seek a second opinion. Regular medical doctors can prescribe anti-biotics. It's your life and your body and there are doctors willing to do what it takes to assist you, you just have to find them. Good luck!
EN
29 Jul 2010, 00:40
I've had RA since 2002. The doctors have had me on Humira and Methorexate for several years, those drugs work fine for me. Afew weeks ago, I came down with a case of Tonsilitus. i went to the Urgent care and they put me on Docycline. Almost immeidatley I began feeling better. It was the best Ive felt in a long time. I talked to my Rhumy about it and he said that it was an older option. Next time I go in to see him, Im going ot ask about switching off TNF and going to an antibotic treatment.
Ella
01 Jul 2010, 14:25
I had childhood asthma and have been taking lots and lots of antibiotics while growing up. During the last few years all of a sudden I get rheumatoid arthritis. My rheumatoid factor keeps doubling up. I've been on sulfasalizine and hydroxychloroquinine and methotrexate and folic acid. Recently in March I had surgery and was not allowed to take methotrexate because it would interfere with the surgery. It may have been the "normal" progression of the disease, but my RA attacks were so bad that my doctor had me on a round of steriods twice. (It grows cataracts) Now my doctor is continuing to keep me on prednisone until at least I begin to take a biologic injectible. I'm wondering if minocycline could be the answer? Could a drug regimen of sulfasalizine and hydroxychloroquine work with minocycline and replace methotrexate and prednisone?
kathy davis
16 May 2010, 20:51
I was diagnosed w/ RA a few months ago. I was put on sulfasolazene, plaquinil and methotrexate. I was given an injection of methotrexate when suffering from bronchitis and shortly thereafter was admitted to the hospital w/ pneumonia. I feel, from what I read, that I had methotrexate pneumonitis. Since then, I have not wanted to go back on methotrexate. My doctor agreed to discontinue the methotrexate for now, and when I asked him, he agreed to put me on minocycline along w/ the plaquinel and sulfasolozine. I haven't heard of anyone else taking this combo.I wondered if anyone out there had tried these 3 drugs together? Also, I wonder if I should be receiving an infusion of the minocycline along w/ the tablets.Can anyone tell me? Thanks!
C Wood
13 May 2010, 01:58
I was diagnosed with RA about 14 years ago at the age of 58. at this time I take 20mg of Methotrexate once a week and 200mg of Minicycline every day. Flare ups are very rare since I changed from 4000mg of Salazopyrin each day to the Minicycline. It seems to work well for me, no liver function problems at all and only a couple of small skin discolourations which I can live with.
Worth a try, but you have to find a Rheumatologist with an open mind and who is not analy retentive.
Steven
02 Dec 2009, 04:55
It is my understanding that Minocycline must be taken for a long period of time >6 months before it can be deemed a hit or miss.
Jennifer
31 Oct 2009, 01:00
I have been suffering from some time of autoimmune disease for some time now. My quality of life has been terrible. Fatigue, joint pain, lung pain, sgrojens type symptoms, stomach aches during flare ups, even rhinitis--you name it. It seems my body is attacking itself. I know I must see a rheumatologist. Something unusual happened however, I got some sort of infection and was put on Doxycycline. You know what? Except for some nausea, I haven't felt this great in two years. I will definitely insist on antibiotic therapy when I go to a doc. My ten days are up on the meds, sadly, but I can't wait to explore this therapy and go on with my life. It is very frustrating, because I'm only 32 years old. I feel like something as simple as antibiotic therapy might cause some people to lose a little money (big business, meds are). That is tragic. Good luck to all!!
Sierra
12 Sep 2009, 21:48
I had low hopes for Minocycline, especially after having difficulty with a number of other R.A. drugs, but I had read about some successes on the Road Back Foundation website, and suggested it to my rheumatologist. It has put me in remission! I've been on it for three years. It's a very slow-acting medication for R.A.--my doc said it could take 6 months to benefit, but I actually got relief earlier. I had a strong positive anti-CCP, a predictor of severe disease, so to be doing so well is just amazing!
Kim Votava
10 Aug 2009, 12:58
Wehave a daughter who was diagnosed with JIA. As a result of this she also has Uveitis stage 3. She has been on predisone, methotrexate, tries pulse treatments, and eye drops, all in the past 21/2 months. Now the Dr. wants to put her on Enbrel but I am concerned about the side effects of cancer. How does a parents do what is right for their children with such high stakes?
Brigitte Barrera
02 Jun 2009, 11:56
I just started on MTX 5 pills once a week. I wanted to know if I can take the Minocycline with that too. I also take Black Cohosh for Menopause symptoms.I don't know if that is too much for my Liver?
Joy Rayburg
26 Apr 2009, 13:41
I have had a number of problems in past and have been hospitalized a few times. irregular heart beat, high blood pressure, rash on body, weakness and tiredness in body. I used to ahve a very active lifestile. I know that I am now 67 but for a long time have had a hard time functioning. I want so bad to exersise but am in so much pain in joints. Knees, groin, legs and feet the worst. Agreat doctor tested me for viruss and found EBV and CMV antibodies present. I dont know who to see and wondered if there was a program or doctor out there that I could see or participate in. I am now having a hard time working much. I do try and have been taking ibiprofen once or twice a day. My family keeps telling me to try and loose weight as I have gain 30 lbs in last 5 years. I eat a lot of vegetables and am healthy other than this feeling of arthritis. I am a very positive person and do not get depressed but the pain does keep me down. I live off of ss and ssi help. I have no hame or savings to dip into for help. Mdicare is paying for doctors appoint. I need deeper help. Thank you so much for listening. I pray that you can help. Joy









linda nesbitt
30 Mar 2009, 17:13
I've had ra for 8 yrs now and have been on enbrel for 7 and now a low dose of mtx, I've always wanted to try the minocycline but can't find a ra dr. who will do this. I mix my enbrel and I take a lower dose than what is prescribed. My dr knows I do this and is fine w/it b/c I'm doing very well. I'm very active w/bike, swim, weigths and feel very good. Does the minocyline get rid of the ra factor? all my blood work is good except for the high ra factor thank you
Luann Flanders
23 Mar 2009, 15:56
I have been taking Minocycline (100mg daily)for two years for mild Rheumatoid Arthritis. I also take .05cc injection of Methrotrexate sub-cutaneous once weekly. I have had two minor flares in the last year and manage them with tylenol. The flares subside in 2 days. I have had no side effects and plan to continue this prescription indefinitely. I feel well and the minocycline has cleared my chronic sinus infections.

Leave a Comment

The comment function provides the opportunity to comment on the content above.

General comments or questions to Arthritis Today editors and medical experts can be submitted here. Past medical questions and answers are available here.

Promotion of products and services and other inappropriate comments are prohibited and will be removed. If you spot one of these before we do, please send an alert.

All fields are required but only your name and comment will be displayed. Your e-mail address will not be used for any other purpose.

Name:
Email:
Text:

ADVERTISEMENT