| abstract |
Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with substituted cysteine compounds having a lower toxicity-to-effectiveness ratio than penicillamine. Such compounds are specific alpha-substituted cysteines, beta-monosubstituted cysteines, beta-di-substituted cysteines other than penicillamine, N-acetyl penicillamine and the N-acetyl derivatives of the alpha and beta-substituted compounds mentioned above. Any of the compounds may be used synergistically in combination with suitable copper compounds or with suitable gold compounds in the treatment of arthritis. The same compounds are effective in the treatment of cystinuria and heavy metal poisoning. The same compounds as well as penicillamine are effective in combination with copper in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning. |