Humira Ok'd for RA

Humira has gotten the green light from the FDA to be used for RA patients. Supposedly, Psoriasis is still being considered too.

Shea Butter is also being touted as a treatment for Psoriasis. Never heard of it? Me neither. But, do a search on Google and you will find a ton of references.

Auto Immune Drugs linked to TB

The story is here.

The basic gist is you need to be tested prior to taking the injection drugs like Remicade and Enbrel as well as during the treatment period. Be aware of TB and its symptoms. TB, when diagnosed early, can be treated. It is when left untreated that it becomes fatal.

I really hadn't heard much about TB since the 70's. I remember getting the TB test yearly in school and really hadn't thought much more about it. Nor, have I thought about Nuclear Fallout Shelters, bad school lunches etc... since the 70's.

Be aware and be safe.

Arabidpsis Thaliama (Say That Three Times)

The tie between the plant, arabidopsis thaliama, and a skin disease called psoriasis may not be clear to some people, but Edwin Morales is connecting the dots and slowly, possibly, creating a picture of health for his mother in Puerto Rico.

This is quite an interesting little story. You can read the entire thing here

Oral Methotrexate

There are some new warnings coming out this week about the use of Oral Methotrexate Tablets that are used for severe psoriasis. Used in the right dosage they are very effective. However, used in the wrong dosage is proving fatal. Over 25 deaths have been reported in England alone.

Most importantly, the drug is to be taken weekly and not daily. This is where the overdose occurs.

You can read the full story here.

On another note, I went to my high school reunion last night. Class of 1989 of West Muskingum High School. It was FABULOUS seeing everybody last night. Today, we are touring our old high school and going through the new high school being built. They are going to tear down my old building. Kind of sad... A few of my classmates mentioned seeing my websites. no one said they liked them :)