May 1st 2013 10:06 am
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We like this and also know several dogs who have been using this effectively. It's ONE more sign of HOPE.. We hope and PRAY. With special KUDOS to our friend Guillermo Cuoto, who is a favorite IMHA researcher of ours, mentioned in this piece too. God Bless you..
Ad no, we cannot make any guarantees, nor do we stand to benefit from posting this. We hold no stock or financial interest of any kind. We just want our FURRY friends to be healthy and HERE..
XO
Mel, Mirra & Angel Mica, aka the Purple Girls of Oregon, and the Girls of May..
THIS ONE IS FUR YOU UNCLE ANGUS..
SUMMARY of artemisinin
Artemisinin is an herb that helps kill cancer cells in the body. It may be used in conjunction with chemotherapy. It may be used before radiation treatments, but should be discontinued when starting radiation therapy, and not resumed until two months after the last radiation treatment. Dosages for each individual dog are usually determined by the owner with the help of his or her veterinarian, oncologist, or by consulting one of the sources at the end of this article. It is given away from food or supplements containing iron, and is cycled, that is given for a number of days, and then not given for a number of days. It has been used for years as an anti-malarial drug, and does not have toxic side effects at the doses recommended. It may decrease the effectiveness of seizure medication. One should monitor blood chemistry, kidney and liver enzymes, while on this drug, as with most other medications.
More information, including suppliers and researchers willing to consult about the drug with you or your veterinary practitioner are in the following article.
WHAT IS ARTEMISININ
Artemisinin is an herbal drug that has been shown to kill human and canine cancer cells in the laboratory. It is also being used to treat people and dogs with cancer.
It has been an effective anti-malarial drug in Asia for decades, so there is long standing knowledge about its effects and side effects. It works because the malaria parasite collects iron from the blood and stores it. The Artemisinin converts the collected iron into a chemical that releases a free radical, which then kills the malaria parasite.
It is one of four compounds derived from the herb Artemisia annua L., also known as sweet wormwood, annual wormwood, or sweet Annie. (It is not the same plant as perennial wormwood.)
HOW DOES IT WORK ON CANCER?
Cancer cells also collect and store iron because they need extra iron to replicate DNA when they divide. Therefore, the cancer cells have a higher concentration of iron than normal cells, and can be differentiated from normal cells. Two researchers at the University of Washington in Seattle, Professors Henry Lai, PhD and Narendra Singh, MBBS, began to study the use of Artemisinin in human patients. Then, in l999, working with a vet, they began to study its use in dogs with cancer.
Their experience has confirmed that Artemisinin helps stop the growth of cancer cells in dogs. Numerous anecdotal reports from people using Artemisinin for dogs with osteosarcoma, lymphoma, and metastases from osteosarcoma claim that it has extended their dogs lives beyond what was expected.
ARTEMISININ DERIVATIVES
Artemisinin has two derivatives: Artesunate, which has a relatively short half-life; and Artemether, which may be a more effective derivative, because it stays in the body longer. It also may be more effective than Artemisinin alone in brain cancers, because it penetrates the blood-brain barrier more readily.
A product called Artemix is available from Wellcare Pharmaceuticals. It contains Artesunate, Artemether, and Artemisinin. The combination capsule may be more effective than Artemisinin alone.
HOW TO GIVE ARTEMISININ:
The optimal treatment regimen has still to be determined, and researchers are conducting trials to determine the best combination of derivative form, dosage and timing. In the meantime, the following protocols have been recommended.
PROTOCOLS
Dosage: Initially, Dr Lai recommended a dose of 2.2-4.4mg of Artemisinin per pound of bodyweight. More recently, he has said that it may be preferable to use only Artemether and give it two times a day, 12 hours apart, keeping some in the blood stream at all times.
Dr.Singh believes taking all three forms of Artemisinin at the same time (bedtime) once a day is the most effective treatment protocol.
Dr. Cuoto recommends 6.6-8.8mg Artemisinin per pound.
Holley Pharmaceuticals is recommending up to 11-16mg Artemisinin per pound.
(For kilogram dosages, multiply the dose per pound by 2.2)
Timing: Again, there is some variation in timing. Some people split the dose, giving some in the morning and some before bed. Some give it all just before bed.
There is agreement that Artemisinin should not be given within 3 hours of food containing iron – for example, meat. It may also be better given away from anti-oxidants since it works by creating free radicals that attack the cancer cells, and anti-oxidants are harmful to free radicals.
Giving it with some fat is recommended, but not necessary. Many people disguise the capsules in cream cheese or other dairy product, or peanut butter. If your dog won’t take capsules, it may be emptied into whipped cream or other non-iron containing food. (It is quite bitter tasting.)
Cycling: Herbal remedies are thought to be more effective if they are “cycled” or “pulsed”, that is, given for a certain number of days, and then not given for a certain number of days. It is believed that if the body rests between doses, it will be less likely to build up a resistance to the herb, which will then be more effective for a longer period of time. Artemisinin may be cycled or pulsed by days or weeks.
Examples: One protocol for a 70-pound dog with OS consists of a 100 mg capsule of Artemisinin (Art-E) in the morning, and a capsule of Artemix before bed. This course is followed for two weeks on and then one week off.
A 60-pound dog is given 200mg of Artemisinin in the morning, and 40 mg of Artemether in the evening, 5 days on and 2 days off.
Another dog has been given mega doses one day per week.
Each person needs to determine the amount and frequency of giving Artemisinin and its derivatives to his or her dog, taking into account how the dog responds to the treatment, and other factors. Your holistic or conventional veterinarian or oncologist may be willing to help you with this. (There is contact information in the resources at the end of this article for further individual help, either through email to Dr Lai or Dr Cuoto, or through the BCD members or the Artemisinin yahoo group members.)
TOXICITY
When Artemisinin was tested with monkeys, they showed no toxicity after they received up to 292 mg/kg (642 mg/pound) of Artemether over 1 to 3 months.
Animal research has shown neurotoxic results with massive doses of Artemether—150mg/kg/day (330mg/pound).
Generally, at the lower recommended doses of 2-16 mg/pound, there is no reported toxicity.
BLOOD WORK
It is recommended that kidney and liver enzyme levels be monitored though out your dog’s treatment with Artemisinin or other herbal or alternative therapies.
SIDE EFFECTS
Reported (Oral): Artemisia may cause abdominal pain, bradycardia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, flu-like symptoms, fever, and decreased reticulocyte count. (Bradycardia is a resting heart rate of 60 beats or less.)
(BCD: One assumes these oral reports were from humans!)
RADIATION
Radiation releases iron stored in cancer cells into surrounding tissue. Therefore, it is recommended that it be used before radiation treatments, be discontinued during radiation treatments, and not resumed until two months after the last radiation treatment.
CHEMOTHERAPY
Artemisinin was tested in combination with 22 chemotherapy drugs and was found to enhance the drugs’ effectiveness. If used in conjunction with chemotherapy, it should be taken several hours after the chemotherapy treatment ends. (Artemisinin does not alleviate possible chemotherapy side effects.)
Butyrex or Butyrin
May increase the effectiveness of Artemisinin, but there is no certainty of this.
INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTIONS
Professor Narenda Singh, MBBS is reported to have developed an instruction page for physicians considering intramuscular injections of Artesunate.
ARTEMISININ PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM:
Holley Pharmaceuticals 1-866-846-5539, 714-871-7070
Wellcare Pharmaceuticals 1-877-728-2073
International: A person in Germany was able to reach an International Pharmacy that ordered Artemisinin from: Nutricology
Make sure the Artemisinin product you buy comes from a source that certifies the strength of the dose as there is wide variation in the amount of Artemisinin collected from plant to plant.
DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS
As with other complementary or alternative therapies, Artemisinin’s effectiveness is enhanced by a good diet, high in protein and low in carbohydrates. (See files.)
Antioxidants help to clear the body of the waste from Artemisinin’s action on cancer cells. Dr. Singh recommends Vitamin C for its anti-cancer properties, but does not recommend glutathione, which may reduce the efficacy of Artemisinin.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
Herb-Drug Interactions
Antacids: Artemisia interferes with antacids, sucralfate, proton pump inhibitors, and histamine-receptor antagonists because it increases the production of stomach acid.
(BCD Note: Many OS dogs are on some form of over-the counter antacid for other medications they are on. You might want to add one if your dog exhibits gastrointestinal symptoms when taking Artemisinin, or if the drug is less effective while the dog is on it. Pepcid AC is well tolerated.)
Antiseizure medications:
According to Dr Lai, after long term use at high doses, Artemisinin increases an enzyme in the body that makes some anti-seizure drugs less effective. He recommends increasing the dose of the anti-seizure drug, if possible, or stopping Artemisinin for several days, and the enzyme levels will return to normal.
(BCD Note: One person using Artemisinin for her seizure grey reports no ill effects from the herb. Consult with your vet if your dog is prone to seizures.)
CONTACTS
Dr. Lai; Professor; 206-543-1071; Email: hlai@u.washington.edu
Questions About Artemisinin: (Dr. Lai’s group); Email: qinghao@u.washington.edu
Dr. Singh; Professor; 206 685 2060; Email: Narendra@u.washington.edu
University of Washing Link to research articles http://depts.washington.edu/bioe/about/news/artemisinin/arte misinin.html
Dr. Cuoto; Veterinarian (Conducting Artemisinin study at Ohio State University, and a friend of Greyhounds); Email: couto.1@osu.edu
References
Yahoo Artemisinin_and_Cancer Support Group
Information about a clinical trial at Ohio State –not necessarily in effect currently, but one might inquire.
Whole Dog Journal;New Hope for Treating Cancer, May 2003
Dr. Singh’s recommendations:
Keep a record of the animal’s weight, before and during therapy;
Diagnostic x-ray or biopsy before and after two months of treatment;
Measurements of maximum and minimum tumor sizes before and after 2 months of therapy;
Observe for fever on 2nd or 3rd day and make a note to give enough water during the night;
Keep Artemisinin in dark, indirect light, and keep in cold – 4 degrees centigrade, or 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
Avoid iron-rich foods such as meat 3 to 4 hours before Artemisinin dose. Make sure dog has an adequate supply of vitamin A D and enough exercise. (Active, healthy, younger dogs are said to do better with the treatment, but older, less active dogs have done well also.)
February 14th 2013 3:11 pm
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Dogster is not working well for us, but trying to resolve too.
cannot send PPRs, gifts etc.. We wanted to wish everyone a YAPPY day and say TY to every pup who sent greetings & treats. We love you right back!
m, m & angel m, as the purple girls of oregon
January 21st 2013 12:45 am
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Entry Body:
https://www.facebook.com/mel.lewandlebens?ref=tn_tnmn
Posted here is a url link to my Facebook page.
Here is why..
Just saw someone dump an absolutely lovely 8 yr old Blind Siberian Husky in a CA shelter. He is reposted on our Facebook page.. First saw the kind link made by a fellow friend & Dogster favorite Teresa Hicks, Angel KISKA'S, and of KJ & Rain's mom.. I have Always known the HUSKY lovers around here to be some of the most loyal, loving, big hearted folks we have ever met..
Does AnYoNe know of a Sibe Rescue Group in CA that can help this fella?
The Baldwin Shelter is where he is. More info available through that link!
We see and speak out against animal neglect and cruelty, recommend adoption, spay & neutering but as you know our main emphasis is to help fund a cure for IMHA. For more informtion PAWlease see ecollage.org
Regarding Mica's IMHA Research & Fund
And her & Mirra's advocacy work... We can use all the hlp we can get. We are dying FUR a cure.
There are lost dogs, which we ALWAYS advocate for, but as you know we cannot do it all, just like no one person can. But if anyone can help this handsome lad, I just feel that we are in it with Mirra FUR as long as we can get with her..
How can someone just dump off an 8 yr old blind dog like this and sleep at night? Its not my dog, and evidently I am losing sleep over this.
We work with Belgian Tervuren Rescue, and Belgian Groendael Rescue closely. We have advocated for Newfoundland Rescue and helped others. There must be a Siberian Rescue out there, that might know a placement for him, or help find him a good home. Won't someone come take a look or contact us here or though Mica's Foundation at ecollage.org
Or on Facebook? PAWlease? Thanks FUR hearing us BOL!
This saddens me, and makes me mad as hell at the same time.
This is a defenseless and blameless animal, once again a victim of some selfish individual out there. If we can be of further help, please contact us.
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Dogster Obsessions: The Starter Kit for Dogs by Wildebeest
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