1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Is MAC abscessus treatable if I it is Clarithromycin rsistant?

Posted by kathyjjb @kathyjjb, 1 day ago

Just recently diagnosed with MAC Abscessus. My Pulmonologist referred me to an Infectious disease doctor and told me my treatment may be either (or combination) of IV treatment, pills, and/or inhalant. In reviewing the lab report, it looks like the MAC abscessus is Clarithromycin resistant. I'm confused as I was reading online that Azithromycin (or Clarithromycin) is needed. Can anyone help me with this clarification? My appointment with the Infectious disease doctor is a few weeks off and I'm getting very concerned. Plus I have one cavity and opacity which my doctor said was fluid.

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Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 1 day ago

@kathyjjb Welcome to Mayo Connect, there are a number of members who have been treated for M Abscessus, and it seems not uncommon to be resistant to clarithromycin. A number of different drugs can be used to treat this type of NTM.

This recent video from National Jewish Health (NJH) provides a great overview of when and how to treat various types of NTM:


Are you seeing an infectious disease doc or pulmonologist experienced in treating this rare infection?

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2 replies
irene5 Irene Estes | @irene5 | 23 hours ago

There are several other macrolide drugs that can be used for treatment. Your ID doctor will know what to give you instead of clarithromycin or azithromycin if both are resistant for you. Good luck. Irene5

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1 reply
kathyjjb | @kathyjjb | 15 hours ago
In reply to @sueinmn "@kathyjjb Welcome to Mayo Connect, there are a number of members who have been treated for..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@kathyjjb Welcome to Mayo Connect, there are a number of members who have been treated for M Abscessus, and it seems not uncommon to be resistant to clarithromycin. A number of different drugs can be used to treat this type of NTM.

This recent video from National Jewish Health (NJH) provides a great overview of when and how to treat various types of NTM:


Are you seeing an infectious disease doc or pulmonologist experienced in treating this rare infection?

Jump to this post

Thank you, Sue, I deeply appreciate the information. The video was very helpful.
Kathy

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kathyjjb | @kathyjjb | 15 hours ago
In reply to @sueinmn "@kathyjjb Welcome to Mayo Connect, there are a number of members who have been treated for..." + (show)
@sueinmn

@kathyjjb Welcome to Mayo Connect, there are a number of members who have been treated for M Abscessus, and it seems not uncommon to be resistant to clarithromycin. A number of different drugs can be used to treat this type of NTM.

This recent video from National Jewish Health (NJH) provides a great overview of when and how to treat various types of NTM:


Are you seeing an infectious disease doc or pulmonologist experienced in treating this rare infection?

Jump to this post

Yes, I have an appointment with an infectious disease doctor in 2 weeks. My last CT scan showed an improvement on nodule sizes, but it also showed a cavity that wasn't there in the earlier CT. My pulmonologist said there was improvement due to the nodule shrinkage but now with the cavity-not sure what to think. Kathy

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kathyjjb | @kathyjjb | 15 hours ago
In reply to @irene5 "There are several other macrolide drugs that can be used for treatment. Your ID doctor will..." + (show)
@irene5

There are several other macrolide drugs that can be used for treatment. Your ID doctor will know what to give you instead of clarithromycin or azithromycin if both are resistant for you. Good luck. Irene5

Jump to this post

Thanks Irene! Fortunately, I see the ID doctor in 2 weeks.
Kathy

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1 reply
irene5 Irene Estes | @irene5 | 11 hours ago
In reply to @kathyjjb "Thanks Irene! Fortunately, I see the ID doctor in 2 weeks. Kathy" + (show)
@kathyjjb

Thanks Irene! Fortunately, I see the ID doctor in 2 weeks.
Kathy

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Oh good!! You should get your answer there! Best wishes! I see mine soon as well. She and my pulmonologist have literally saved my life. (UMASS, Worcester) ( Irene)

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1 reply
kathyjjb | @kathyjjb | 10 hours ago
In reply to @irene5 "Oh good!! You should get your answer there! Best wishes! I see mine soon as well...." + (show)
@irene5

Oh good!! You should get your answer there! Best wishes! I see mine soon as well. She and my pulmonologist have literally saved my life. (UMASS, Worcester) ( Irene)

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I'm so happy to hear that. I'm just trying to stay calm and positive. Kathy

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1 reply
irene5 Irene Estes | @irene5 | 9 hours ago
In reply to @kathyjjb "I'm so happy to hear that. I'm just trying to stay calm and positive. Kathy" + (show)
@kathyjjb

I'm so happy to hear that. I'm just trying to stay calm and positive. Kathy

Jump to this post

That is hard sometimes. I was pretty overwhelmed when I was diagnosed. I probably was not calm although I did try to stay positive. I was anxious pretty much 24/7. I found this group, and it and the people here have made a tremendous difference for me. I am grateful for information gleaned, glad to give information to others, and grateful for friendships formed. I am glad you found this group to give you information, caring, and comfort. Two weeks may seem like a long time till your appointment, but it will go by in a blink. Write down questions to ask and bring that list with you! Irene

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