Tips for Using AP
From Patients Around the World

Antibiotic Protocol (AP) has successfully been used by tens of thousands of patients around the world for treating the rheumatic diseases. Many of those patients have contacted The Road Back Foundation to share the ways they enhance the protocol and cope with the Herxheimer response. The Road Back Foundation does not endorse one method of support over another and suggests that you consult your health care practitioner before any new treatment, method or supplement is used. We thank the people who post on our bulletin board discussion forum at www.roadback.org for many of these suggestions.

Beginning AP

• Be sure you have an experienced AP doctor or open-minded practitioner to work with you and solve problems if necessary
• If taking minocycline: many report that they do better on the brand name Minocin now provided by Triax, (previously by Wyeth and before that, Lederle). Not all patients take the brand name and they use generics of minocycline successfully but may have to try generics by different companies if they are not seeing improvement over time.
• If taking doxycycline: some say they do well with the pelleted version. Doryx made by Parke Davis is pelleted.
• Some report that only specific generics work for them so be sure to research your options or troubleshoot if you are not seeing results
• Be aware of fillers in any medication you decide to use (ie: lactose, cornstarch, dyes, etc.) Know what else is used in your antibiotic (besides the active ingredient) in case you have sensitivities.
• Wait 2 hours after food/vitamins/supplements before taking antibiotic and then at least one full hour but preferably two hours before eating a light snack or meal again Some do not take their medication first thing in the morning but wait the two hours until after breakfast is over to avoid nausea. Waiting two hours before you eat again is optimal. If you cannot take the antibiotic on an empty stomach, try eating a few plain crackers, a small amount unsweetened applesauce or what ever your physician indicates is best for you.
• Drink plenty of water
• Take no calcium (including OTC antacids) or other supplements with minerals for two hours before or after taking the antibiotic
• Remain on all your current medications when beginning AP and wean with doctor's help when you begin to feel better. It may take months to begin tapering other medications. Be sure to check that none of your present medications are contraindicated for AP or have the capacity to modify the effectiveness of your antibiotic
• Read material to help you understand the therapy; Road Back Foundation and other web sites, The New Arthritis Breakthrough and/or Scleroderma: The Proven Therapy That Can Save Your Life by Henry Scammell (and other books with comprehensive information) before approaching your physician about AP. This could be one of the most important determinents of your success on AP- being informed BEFORE you see a physician so you can work together effectively.
• Utilize RBF's online discussion forum support on the bulletin board.

Getting Through the Herxheimer

• Rest, drink water, network with other patients who went through it and try to stay optimistic until it passes
• You may have to lower antibiotic dose or have a few days "washout" until inflammation lessens. An experienced practitioner can guide you.
• Don't be discouraged if it takes longer than you expected to feel better
• Consider some of the adjunctive methods mentioned on the bulletin board by other patients to help enhance the therapy or assist in pain relief in the beginning.

Practical Tips

• Use a pill keeper with compartments to keep track of your medications
• Keep your hands and feet warm if you suffer from Raynauds episodes using:
  • Hot wax baths
  • Special wool socks for low temperatures
  • Environmentally safe chemical heat packets from sporting good stores
  • Immersion in warm water
  • Electric mittens
• For itching:
  • OTC Benadryl
  • Sarna skin lotion
  • Peroxide baths
  • Refrigerated purified aloe gel

GI Health:

• Daily acidophilus (and other cultures as needed) dated and refrigerated
• Test for food sensitivities or intolerances (elimination diet) while under the care of an informed practitioner
• Consider the possibility of candida overgrowth and if present treat accordingly
• Angostura Bitters: few drops in glass of water to sip throughout day (antimicrobial) can help with candida. It is in the grocery store
• Replace or disinfect your toothbrush regularly
• Odorless garlic can be of help to some with gastric irritation

Overall Health:

• Eliminate or reduce the use of processed foods, artificial ingredients, sweeteners, refined products and include whole, natural foods in your diet
• Increase Omega 3 fatty acids in diet as an anti inflammatory (in many fish)
• Learn the symptoms of candida (yeast )infection that may affect you systemically and consult a health care practitioner who knows how to treat it
• Practice stress management techniques

Mental Health:

• Network and communicate with others on AP
• Find ways to stay positive and be around people supportive of AP
• During times of flaring/"herxing" remember "This too shall pass," but ask your physician to help you make changes in your dosage if it becomes too intense
• Journal regularly so you can see the physical changes as they occur
• Do not let another's prejudice stop you from getting the help or support you need (medical or emotional)
• Remember that this therapy takes knowledge, patience and time

The Road Back Foundation does not engage in the practice of medicine. Consult with a physician to assess any medical treatment that is being considered. The Road Back Foundation encourages healthcare consumers to thoroughly investigate and understand all treatments and medications before proceeding. This material is for educational purposes only.

The Road Back Foundation

www.roadback.org