Qegateshead.nhs.uk

Rheumatology day unit
Dr J Hamilton
Open 9am – 5pm Mon – Fri
Dr C Heycock
Helpline tel: 0191 445 5240
Dr C Kelly
Answer phone 24hrs
Dr V Saravanan
Dr M Rynne
Patient information sheet: Minocycline
What is Minocycline?
Minocycline is an antibiotic that has been used for the treatment of acne, and is also effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Minocycline works by making arthritis less active and slowing down damage to your joints. Although Minocycline has been used for many years in the treatment of acne and research has shown it to be effective for the treatment of RA it currently has no license for use in RA. Minocycline will only be used if all other options have been explored and it is felt by your rheumatologist that this is the best treatment option. You may have to obtain your prescriptions through the pharmacy department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital – please contact your GP surgery for a repeat prescription in the first instance and ring your consultant’s secretary (numbers above) should you have any problems. How long does Minocycline take to work?
You may start to feel better after four to six months but Minocycline may take up to nine months to become fully effective. We suggest continuing with painkillers or anti-inflammatory tablets during the first few weeks of treatment. Who should not take Minocycline?
You should not take Minocycline if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Please contact your rheumatologist and stop Minocycline should you become pregnant whilst on this treatment. You should not take Minocycline if you have previously had an allergic reaction to Minocycline or Does it interfere with other medications?
If you are on Warfarin the dose of Warfarin may need to be reduced. Oral contraceptive effectiveness may be reduced therefore appropriate barrier contraceptive measures should also What are the possible side effects?
Generally Minocycline is safe and well tolerated but like most medicines can have some side effects. The most common complaints are of nausea and dizziness, which may respond to a decrease in dose. It can very occasionally cause tears and perspiration to become slightly darker in colour. Minocycline can also cause skin pigmentation, which can occur in a proportion of patients if taken for longer periods than 18 months. Rarely it can cause inflammation in the liver, which may require the drug to be stopped. If you have side effects please contact your GP or the rheumatology helpline number (listed above). All calls to the helpline will be answered How often do I need blood tests?
We recommend that liver function tests are checked every three months. Where possible avoid making an appointment for a blood test on a Friday. This makes sure blood results are seen Choosing the right drug to treat your condition is complex. Your doctor or rheumatology nurse will discuss the risks and benefits of the treatments available in clinic and a decision will be reached with you on the most appropriate treatment. If you have any further questions or concerns and wish to discuss alternative drugs, please speak to the rheumatology nurse For additional information please refer to the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine or refer tofor the full summary of the product characteristics. Data Protection
Any personal information is kept confidential. There may be occasions where your information needs to be shared with other care professionals to ensure you receive the best In order to assist us improve the services available your information may be used for clinical audit, research, teaching and anonymised for National NHS Reviews. Further information is available in the leaflet Disclosure of Confidential Information IL137, via Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust website or the PALS Service. This leaflet can be made available in other languages and
formats upon request

Source: http://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/users/user1/PatientLeaflets/Rheumatology/IL128v5%20Minocycline.pdf