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Posted: Wed Nov 3rd, 2004 03:23 |
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My immune system seems to be responding to Benicar alone. Why?
An immune system reaction is a temporary increase in symptoms due to the inflammatory response to endotoxins released by dying bacteria.This immunopathology is usually not felt until you begin minocycline.
However, diligently avoiding sun/lights alone may cause a reduction in 1,25-D which allows the immune system to recognize the bacteria, which are protected from the immune system by high levels of 1,25-D.
Should I avoid sun exposure and Vitamin D while I'm waiting to start the MP?
And for some, Benicar alone appears to enable the immune system to function better and thus kill enough bacteria to cause the resulting immunopathology.
"Some folks don't need antibiotics to help their innate immune system to start recognizing, and killing, the intra-phagocytic pathogens. At early stages of Th1 disease there is often enough residual innate immunity for the immune system to protect the body, especially if the level of exogenous Vitamin D (25-D) happens to fall (for example, due to a change in diet), as this secosteroid is an immunosuppressant.
As you become more ill, as the pathogens gradually totally subvert the immune system, those antibodies will disappear. For example, some of the sarcoidosis patients have had rheumatoid and lupus diagnoses in the past, which progressed to diagnosable sarcoidosis over a period of several years. Thats why we talk about "Th1 disease" rather than focus on the particular names which are used to describe specific manifestations of these pathogens.
Benicar allows the immune system to 'see' the bacteria. The immune system will then continue to kill them for a few months, even if Benicar is discontinued. However, if the blockade is discontinued folks feel much worse, and the body's organs will not be protected from fibrotic damage. So that is not a good idea. See How to take a break from the MP.
How Benicar affects the bacterial genome
The job of benicar is to lower the initial levels of cytokines, especially the level of intracellular 1,25-D; so that the immune system can manufacture the proteins it needs to fight the bacterial pathogens. The same effect also makes most folks feel better.
Some, however, find that their immune system immediately starts recognizing and attacking the pathogens when they start taking Benicar, without needing the assistance of antibiotics. Partly this is because of the lowered 1,25-D and partly it is because Benicar also disprupts the bacteria themselves. Here are the first few sentences from a paper I recently wrote for an upcoming conference:
Whenever administering an antibiotic it is important to be aware of the drug’s effect not only on the bacterial genome, but also on the genome of the patient. Some antibiotics, such as streptomycin, have excellent antibacterial activity, but ‘side-effects’ are a problem. The reverse is also true - that drugs being administered to the patient may have a direct effect on the parasitic organisms. Some Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) act in just this way, as ligands on bacterial proteins, and, if dosed correctly, have utility as a new class of antibacterials."
..Trevor..
Hormonal adjustment symptoms
Benicar reduces the level of 1,25-D dramatically. Some of the increase in symptoms experienced when starting Benicar is due to the major readjustment in many hormone levels initiated by the reduction in 1,25-D. This results in neurological-type symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, mood changes, sleep disturbances and photosensitivity. These symptoms may abate in a week or two. This is NOT an immune system reaction.
Symptoms caused by exposure to sunlight
To reduce symptoms, diligent avoidance of light may be necessary. If you are not diligently staying indoors, wearing NoIR sunglasses and covering up completely on the occasions you must venture outside during the day, then you may be getting too much sunlight/bright lights exposure. This exposure causes 1,25-D to rise at the same time the Benicar blockade is causing a reduction in 1,25-D and your body is struggling to maintain homeostsis. This may cause an experience an increase in symptoms. This is NOT an immune system reaction. See:
Why does exposure to natural light increase symptoms?
Why do my symptoms increase after exposure to Light & / or Vitamin D ?
Photosensitivity During Recovery from Th1 Inflammatory
What are the new recommendations regarding sun exposure?
Regardless of the cause of increased symptoms on Benicar only, the recommended first step when symptoms are intolerable is to take an extra 40mg Benicar immediately. Chew the tablet and place it under your tongue for faster absorptiona and relief. See See How to make Benicar act faster
If intolerable symptom/s persist, increase Benicar to every three or fours hours around the clock until symptoms are tolerable.
During a 'crisis' situation, an extra 20mg of Benicar may be taken sublingually with each every three or four hour oral Benicar dose.
See also:
How does Benicar work?
I just started Benicar. Why do I feel worse?
Benicar dosage and schedules
How long should I stay on Benicar? Why don't I feel better? When should I start minocycline?
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