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Minocycline vs. doxycycline
I just went for a second opinion yesterday and now have a ton more questions! For now I will just stick with this one. My dermatologist started me on doxy 3 weeks ago. Yesterday's derm recommended switching to minocycline. I asked him what the difference/benefit would be and he said minocycline is more lipophilic (simply put lover of lipids) and is more attracted to the sebaceous gland. Since they are both from the same family of tetracyclines and I've done fine with doxycycline I figured switching wouldn't be a problem.
Decided to do more reading tonight and freaked when I read that minocycline has been associated with thyroid cancer. Having dealt with papillary thyroid cancer 4 years ago, I'm certainly not up for another round of that nightmare! Hair loss is bad enough thank you very much. Mino also has more CNS side effects such as dizziness.
From reading everyone's posts here it seems to me most are on doxy but wondering about how others are fairing on minocycline and if anyone thinks these antibiotics are even effective. I also want to warn do NOT take any tetracyclines after they expire. Generally meds are harmless after they expire, they just lose their potency. However the ingredients used to make the class of drugs in tetracyclines become toxic over time and can cause serious kidney damage.
Decided to do more reading tonight and freaked when I read that minocycline has been associated with thyroid cancer. Having dealt with papillary thyroid cancer 4 years ago, I'm certainly not up for another round of that nightmare! Hair loss is bad enough thank you very much. Mino also has more CNS side effects such as dizziness.
From reading everyone's posts here it seems to me most are on doxy but wondering about how others are fairing on minocycline and if anyone thinks these antibiotics are even effective. I also want to warn do NOT take any tetracyclines after they expire. Generally meds are harmless after they expire, they just lose their potency. However the ingredients used to make the class of drugs in tetracyclines become toxic over time and can cause serious kidney damage.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Celia on
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Hi Anne - I guess we all have to weigh up the possible side effects of any meds we take. I've decided to have some time off. Just take my arsenal of vitamins and turmeric. A friend told me the other day that she takes bromelain as an anti inflammatory - derived from pineapple. Good luck and well done with your research !
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Permalink Reply by MJ on
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Anne,
Just curious if you are also starting the other standard regimens such as clobetasol, hydroxychloraquine, and rogaine? If not, was wondering your reasons.
MJ -
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Permalink Reply by Anne Louise on
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If these meds were just for a few weeks I wouldn't be so hesitant. Or if the doctor said do this regimen and you will never lose another strand of hair I would jump on it. My derm has me on doxy and Clobetasol liquid at night and Latisse for my barely existent eyebrows.
The doc I saw for a second opinion is a 94 year old dermatology guru. He taught at Harvard med school for years and wrote a book on dermatology. I went armed with knowledge of the treatment options and I was still very much overwhelmed. Since he is at a teaching hospital, he had about 5 residents in the exam room with him. He discussed all the various treatment options and came up with the following plan of care: Rogaine 5% to the hairline in the morning and Clobetasol ointment at night, covered with a shower cap to encourage warmth for better absorption (can't think of anything more sexy than that!). Minocycline twice daily and Plaquenil twice daily.
My big concern is the vision side effects with the Plaquenil. I worked as a nurse for years at a school for blind children and I truly treasure my eyesight. Both dermatologists said it is a rare side effect, 2nd opinion guy said he's never had a patient have vision problems with it. I'm nervous to use the Rogaine because I've read on this site that there is often an increase in shedding before any re growth occurs. And ointment goop in my hair followed by a shower cap!? The time and money for all of this is outrageous...I'm a busy mother of three little kids.
I also decreased my thyroid med because I was very hyperthyroid, to decrease cancer recurrence, but I understand that being hyper or hypo can increase rate of hair loss. I see my endocrinologist today and plan to check these meds with her. I will likely undertake this plan, I just don't want to rush into anything, especially where all of this is long term. A dermatologist, endocrinologist and now adding an opthalmologist every six months if I go on Plaquenil...it is crazy! I consider myself a healthy person, I eat well and excersise regularly and get my sleep. But if you were to look at my appointment book or medicine cabinet you would certainly think otherwise. Thanks for listening. This is all so scary and overwhelming and I'm grateful to have this forum for support. -
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