AZATHIOPRINE THERAPY FOR RA (RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS) Before starting azathioprine therapy, discuss the following with your physician:• A history of blood problems, liver or kidney disease, HIV infection, or a positive tuberculin skin test or tuberculosis.•   All medications that you are taking, but in particular allopurinol (gout medicine) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (a blood pressure medicine).
While you are taking azathioprine:•   Contact your physician promptly if you notice fever or chills, sore throat, cough, unusual bruising or bleeding, a marked increase in fatigue, nausea or stomach pain, or a change in urine or skin color.•   Take your medication with meals.•   Never take a dose higher than the doctor has prescribed.•   Try to avoid close contact with anyone who has a bacterial or viral infection.•   Frequent blood tests for blood counts and liver function tests are required.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding Because problems can develop in the fetal immune system when the mother takes azathioprine, this medication should not be used during pregnancy, nor should it be taken if the mother is nursing.*100/209/5*

NSAIDs FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS TREATMENT: QUESTIONS ABOUT EFFECTS AND PRESCRIPTION OF THE DRUGSCan NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) cause swelling in my legs?The movement of substances like sodium, an essential mineral, through the body relies on good kidney function. Data show that the NSAIDs can cause sodium to be retained at least for a short time, since this may change with continued use of the drug. If sodium is retained, leg swelling as well as elevated blood pressure may ensue.
What effects can NSAIDs have on my brain?Evidence from ongoing studies shows that NSAIDs, particularly the COX-2-selective agents, improve thinking and the overall condition of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Although research into this aspect of therapy with these drugs is still incomplete, it is clear that improvement in thinking does occur. This, by the way, has nothing to do with inflammation in the brain with this disease, since cortisone given to patients with Alzheimer’s disease has no effect.
Are NSAIDs addictive?While NSAIDs are very effective at relieving pain, they are not narcotics and are not addictive.
Can I use NSAIDs for the treatment of conditions other than arthritis?Yes, these drugs are good for many other problems besides arthritis. For example, NSAIDs can be used to ease pain after surgery, to relieve the pain of sports injuries, and to effectively ease menstrual pain and headaches. Some doctors even use them to relieve pain in patients with cancer. These are just some of the uses of these new drugs.
Might I be allergic to NSAIDs?Yes, some people are allergic to aspirin. These people may experience wheezing and shortness of breath and develop hives after taking the drug. The presence of nasal polyps can suggest allergy to these drugs.
What NSAIDs might be prescribed to me for the treatment of my rheumatoid arthritis?There are numerous such NSAIDs. Here is a list of the most common. The generic name is listed first, followed by the common brand names in parentheses.• aspirin, enteric-coated (Ecotrin)• aspirin, extended release (Zorprin)• celecoxib (Celebrex)• choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate)• diclofenac (Arthrotec, Voltaren)• diflunisal (Dolobid)• etodolac (Lodine)• fenoprofen (Nalfon)• flurbiprofen (Ansaid)• ibuprofen (Motrin)• indomethacin (Indocin)• ketoprofen (Orudis, Oruvail)• meclofenamate sodium (Meclomen)• meloxicam (Mobic)• nabumetone (Relafen)• naproxen (Naprosyn)• naproxen sodium (Anaprox)• oxaprozin (Daypro)• piroxicam (Feldene)• rofecoxib (Vioxx)• salsalate (Disalcid, Mono-Gesic)• sulindac (Clinoril)• tolmetin (Tolectin)*31/141/5*

Therefore I would advise you to put yourself under the care of an understanding physician or practitioner, who is well initiated in nutrition and the principles of biological medicine. Show him this book and let him work out a program of treatments adopted for your specific needs, including diet and/or fasting, which you can then undertake under his expert supervision. Complete peace of mind and trust in the method is imperative for a successful outcome of any and all treatments.

When you undertake your therapeutic program under expert supervision, or in a clinic, the knowledge that your treatment is in professional hands will give you much confidence and peace of mind, which will help your body’s healing forces accomplish a fast and permanent recovery.

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The biological therapies, therefore, are directed at: (1) eradication and correction of the abnormal and health-destroying conditions which have led to the development of the disease; (2) assisting the body’s own healing forces in normalizing all the metabolic processes, cleansing the body of the accumulated toxins and wastes, strengthening the functions of all the vital organs, revitalizing the glandular activity, establishing a chemical balance in the tissues-or, in sum total, rebuilding and strengthening the general health of the patient.

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