I want information on a drug that was banned in the U.S. but available
in Mexico to treat arthritis. The name of the drug is Butagen or
Butazol.
Interested in knowing long term effects and side effects if stopped taking it.

The antiinflammatory in question is probably PHENYLBUTAZONE. This site
(http://www.consultaremedios.com.br/consulta.php?uf=&nome=neo%20butazol)
suggests as much. I am a veterinarian, and phenylbutazone has been
used for many years, and continues to be used to this day. Horses are
the most common species given phenylbutazone. The side-effects of
phenylbutazone include gastric ulcers, kidney damage (reversible if
medication stopped soon enough), and in rare cases a bone marrow
suppression/aplasia, that can prove fatal. The bone marrow effects on
humans would be the most potentially dangerous. Some years ago I dosed
myself with phenylbutazone for a refractory headache (with great
results, I might add); BUT, nowadays, I would opt for ibuprofen or
naproxen. There are better and safer drugs than phenylbutazone
available OTC at your drug store. Regards

Hi Wrenna:

I'll start by saying that I live in Mexico City, I'm now 40 years old
and I am NOT a doctor. When I was 11 years old, I was diagnosed with
Juvenile Rheumathoid Arthritis. The treatment for this incapacitating
desease was 6 aspirins a day and 3 tablets a day of a medicine called
BUTAZOLIDINA, where the active ingredient is the substance known as
phenilbutazone.

I also took a spoonfool of Maalox 3 times a day, to prevent any damage
to my stomach by the aspirins, but it had nothing to do with the
treatment of the arthrithis.

Butazolidina, as any medicine, may cause some undesired effects, but I
can tell you that after an 18 month treatment, I never suffered of any
of the possible side effects and my recovery was complete and I became
an active teenager, able to run, jump and play soccer like any other
child my age and, as an adult, I don't have any sequels or remains
from the arthritis. My joints in arms, hands, legs, and feet are fully
functional and don't show any sign of deformation.

As you can imagine, Butazolidina has had a huge and very positive
impact in my life.

This medicine is still being manufactured and sold in Mexico, by
Novartis Labs. Although it is supposed to be sold only if you show a
prescription by an authorized doctor, most pharmacies and drugstores
in Mexico will sell it to you just by asking for it and won't ask you
for any written prescription.

Before attemptimg to buy this, or any other medicine, in Mexico, my
best advise is to discuss it first with your doctor, who knows better
than anyone if Butazolidina is the right medicine for you.

I hope this little story helps, and good luck!

Sam Bejar - Mexico City.