Ankylosing Spondylitis

NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and indomethacin) relieve spinal pain and stiffness by inhibiting COX, while sulfasalazine is a DMARD effective for peripheral arthritis. Both drugs are metabolized through the liver and kidneys, and monitoring for elevated liver enzymes and decreased renal function is necessary during long-term use. Since herbal medicine also undergoes liver metabolism, it is crucial to design a prescription that minimizes the burden on the liver when taking them simultaneously. If you already have liver enzyme abnormalities, the dosage of the herbal medicine prescription must be adjusted. From a Korean medicine perspective, long-term use of anti-inflammatory painkillers damages the digestive system (spleen and stomach) and places a burden on liver energy. Considering digestive damage caused by Western medicine, Dongjedang designs prescriptions by combining herbs that protect the digestive system and selecting ingredients that minimize the load on the liver and kidneys. Additionally, we periodically monitor liver function indicators (AST/ALT) during the combined use period to adjust the direction of internal treatment. You must inform the Korean medicine doctor of all medications you are currently taking before the prescription is issued to ensure a customized prescription.