MEDICAL MATTERS
- Medical Matters features questions asked by Members of the ME Association on health-related topics.
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Questions in the Category: Vasculitis
Treatment: Cyclosphosphamide
I was very disappointed to see that the big clinical trial of Rituximab being carried out in Norway had failed to show any benefit – so it looks as though it may be the end of road for this particular drug. But I noticed in the ME Association statement on the trial results that the Norwegian doctors are carrying out another clinical trial to assess the safety and benefits of a drug called cyclophosphamide. I know someone with arthritis who takes this drug and finds it very useful. But why could it be of use in ME/CFS? And am I right in thinking that it can also has some very unpleasant side-effects?
Dr Charles Shepherd
Dr Shepherd has been Trustee and Hon. Medical Adviser to the ME Association for more than 40 years. He is integral to the charity's activities and provides information and support based on his professional knowledge, personal experience as a doctor with ME/CFS, and the understanding gained from helping many thousands of people with the condition. He was a member of the comittee responsible for the 2021 NICE Clinical Guideline and is a recognised expert on ME/CFS in the UK. His knowledge extends to Post-Viral Fatigue Syndromes (PVFS), Myalgic Encephalopathy/Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), and Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or Long Covid.
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Medical Matters is based on the popular ‘Ask the Doctor‘ series featured in the highly-regarded member’s magazine, ME Essential, and in the healthcare professional magazine, ME Medical. Both are produced by the ME Association and published as hard-copy magazines every 3 months and sent to members and healthcare professionals by post to home or business addresses.
If you are a Health Care Professional you can sign-up to receive ME Medical magazine (people with ME/CFS can also nominate their HCP by completing the sign-up form).