Clinical Observation on Side Effects of Various Tripterygium Wilfordii Preparations

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Clinical observation on side effects of various Tripterygium wilfordii preparations

Objective: To observe the side effects of various Tripterygium wilfordii (TW) preparations in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: The total of 271 patients with RA were treated with various TW preparations to observe the occurrence of side effects. Results: The influence on reproductive system with TW preparations extracted from the TW leaves (Leino ester tablet, LE) was milder than that extracted from the roots (TW tablets and TW polyglycoside tablets, TWP). In the TWP group, the rate of side effect of 60 mg daily was higher than that of 30 mg daily, P <0.01. The main effects on digestive system and irregular menstruation occurred before 50 years in age, while it was kidney impairment after the age of 50. Those side effects occurred within the first ten years in long term application. The side effects of TWP produced in the Damp Heat Stagnation type of RA was much lower than Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency type of RA, P <0.05. Conclusion: TW Leino ester tablet is indicated for young woman, and small dosage of TWP tablet is indicated for maintenance therapy, particularly to the Damp Heat type of RA.