INTERNATIONAL STILLS DISEASE FOUNDATION
JANUARY/FEBRUARY  NEWSLETTER

Welcome to the Stills Dragon, the ISDF Newsletter!  We hope you will find
helpful, interesting items in the list-  the mailout version will go out on
Feb.  13, 2000 (look for the ever humorous Cat's Corner in that edition. 

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Our History

Welcome to any new members that have signed on recently!  You will find not
only valuable information through the mailing list and website,  you will
find answers to your questions and support from the entire group.  This
mailing list was orignially formed by Tom Kufahl approximately five years ago
(thank you Tom).  Fortunately for the original members,  more and more Stills
Patients are finding their way to the list.  During the past year,  the
mailing list has added the International Stills Disease Foundation,  an
organization a long time in the making!  We now have an award winning
website,  thanks to Jennifer Jay.  So please feel free to join in and let us
know if we can help.------- Beth

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Year 2000 Conference-  Plans are currently in flux for this convention-
please be patient,  we will email the list asap!

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Grapefruit Juice and Medicines Don't Always Mix

Some immunosuppressants,
Some calcium-channel blockers commonly used to treat blood pressure or angina
Some sedatives and anxiolytics,
Certain hormones and Antihistimines
Certain antiseizure medications,
Some of the statin drugs used to lower blood lipids

*** If you take any of the above listed medications,  you can go to
www.DrKoop.com where there is a database available to check drug interactions
and drug/food interactions.
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"HEARTBURN" MEDICATION - FDA ADVISORY

Propulsid is a drug that is commonly used in the treatment of heartburn in
patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In the U.S. it has been
prescribed since 1993. It has now been found to possibly be the cause of
dangerous heart irregularities. All patients taking the drug should contact
their doctors immediately.

The FDA is advising a new label be placed with the medication listing the
contraindicated drugs and underlying conditions which might put patients at
increased risk. The FDA says Propulsid should not be used by patients taking
some of the following types of medications: anti-allergy, anti- angina,
anti-arrhythmics (irregular heart rhythm), antibiotics, anti-depressants,
anti-fungals, anti-nausea, anti-psychotics and protease inhibitors (anti-HIV
infection).
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Stilligan of the Month-  Drumroll Please.........................
Ryan Catherman!    
 
Ryan is a very special young man that has achieved a major accomplishment,
never letting anything stand in his way.  Ryan was just beginning his
"career" at Penn State when he began his own journey with Still's Disease.  
While continuing with his schooling,  an electrical engineering
major/computer science major he has been a major asset to the mailing list
since its inception.  Ryan has a young person's perspective of the "disease"
that he willingly shares with all who ask.
Good Luck with your new journey Ryan!
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If you or anyone you know could use some help paying for all too often
expensive medication,  you can check out the website:
www.needymeds.com   
they list suggestions for helping to get those in need valuable medications

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