Mac + lung cavity

I use Mucinex LA 600 mg twice a day - it is guaifenesin extended release. I use the plain version without decongestants or anything else added. If you look in the stores, it is quite expensive, so I order mine on-line, often from e-Bay (where it comes in the factory-sealed boxes, often for 1/4 the price of the drug store) Most of the generic brands are not time-release, so don't be fooled by the lower price - you have to take it 4 times a day, and the action is not the same.

It effectively thins all the secretions - nose, ears, lungs... I have used it for over 30 years without any bad effects. My husband uses it too. I use the singulair and during bad allergy season a non-steroid saline spray. Years ago I was cautioned that incorrect use of nasal lavage can force germs deeper into my sinuses, so I don't use it - don't really need it with the Mucinex keeping things moving.

Sue

Sue-
Have you ever tried the CVS liquid guaifenesin? What are your thoughts about the CVS liquid?
Is there a best time, etc. to take the Mucinex LA 600?
Did you start out with 600 or a lower dosage?
Do you still take it 2x a day?
I just finished Paxlovid.
I am having head congestion, could the mucus have anything to do with the feeling of head congestion and ear feeling stopped up.? I'm not having pain at this time. I did have a couple of times a quick shooting pain in the ear. Hard to get into see the PCP and the ENT as soon as I would like. I may go to Urgent Care. Any thoughts?

Hi Ric,

How do I avoid that?

Doctors say the Mac is flowing in my lungs. I have had 2 cat scans. But the problem is I am very uncomfortable and I have a lots of sputum. I feel like I have infection all the time. And my life quality has changed. 🙁
I also have tow cats and I am sure my cats are not helping my situation. I love my cats but everyone is telling me I should give them up. I am so confused. I wonder if anyone else hear has cats or dogs?

Thank you,

Suzanne

The big 3 does not cause a cavity. If you have Mac + cavitation, they might add Amikacin or Arikayce in addition. If Mac does not respond to the big 3, Arikayce may be added

I have never used liquid guaifenesin, only the long-release tablets, so have no idea of effectiveness. I have been taking it for so long (decades) that I have no recollection of the dosage when I started.

Also, not being a doc, I don't feel qualified to comment on you head congestion and ear pain. My personal rule of thumb is, if it's a cold, it will either begin to clear up or get worse in about 7 or 8 days. If not, I see my doc. Or if I am running a fever for more than 3 days or get sudden ear or sinus pain, off to the doc or Urgent Care.

Do you have the option to call your doc for advice?
Sue

The big 3 does not cause a cavity. If you have Mac + cavitation, they might add Amikacin or Arikayce in addition. If Mac does not respond to the big 3, Arikayce may be added

I think we've talked before and you mentioned that you tried to take Arikayce for 4 months but you didn't tolerate it well. I've had one dose so far which left me short of breath for days. So the doctor said to wait a week then try again. i have COPD and Arikayce can worsen COPD. I'm wondering if you could share your reasons for not continuing with Arikayce. I understand everyone is different but I'm nearly 80 years old and I just fear that going down this path (of Arikayce) is going to take such a toll on me it won't be worth it. On the other hand I'm scare not to take it. I'm exhausted just thinking about it. Any thing you feel like sharing would be helpful. And I know everyone must make their own decision.

At first it was like vaping, no problem. Then a series of headaches and tinnitus. Coughing continually increased each week, by month 5, I had to stop the daily 14 minute treatment somewhere between 7-10 minutes due to heavy unmanageable coughing. With no guidance on reduced dosages, my pulminologist had me stop. I would have stopped anyways.