Chinese patent medicines for treating rheumatism include Kunxian Capsule, Tongzhi Su Runjiang Capsule and Si Miao Pill.
1. Kun Xian Capsule: It is composed of Epimedium, Fructus Lycii, Kunming Begonia and Semen Cuscutae, which has the effect of tonifying the kidney and opening up the collaterals, dispelling wind and removing dampness (dispelling wind and dampness in the body). It is mainly used for treating rheumatoid arthritis identified as kidney deficiency as well as concomitant rheumatic paralysis.
It has adverse reactions such as nausea, stomach upset and abdominal pain. Contraindicated in pregnant women, lactating women or those suffering from hepatic or renal insufficiency and severe systemic diseases. It is also contraindicated in the active stage of peptic ulcer.
2. Tongzhi Sulunjiang Capsules: It is composed of box elder, Batanren, Crocus sativus, Senna, Colchicum, Chebulin, and Scammonium. It has the efficacy of opening and blocking, reducing swelling and relieving pain (eliminating swelling and pain), and is used for joint and bone pain, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions.
There are adverse reactions such as abdominal pain, nausea and headache. Contraindicated for those suffering from chronic diarrhea, dysentery. Contraindicated for pregnant, lactating and menstruating women.
3. Si Miao Pill: It is composed of Cang Zhu, Cow Knee, Salt Cypress and Coix Seed, with the effect of clearing heat and inducing dampness (removing heat and dampness from the body). It is used for paralytic diseases caused by dampness-heat underflow (dampness and heat evils invading the intestines, bladder, pubic region and lower limbs). Adverse reactions are not clear. Use with caution in pregnant women.
Chinese medicines or proprietary Chinese medicines need to be used under the guidance of a Chinese doctor for identification of symptoms, and individuals should not use them blindly to avoid adverse effects.