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NAC does it work?
Now I’ve read a lot of people on this forum saying they use NAC to help thin the mucus for us who have Bronchiectasis. I would like to know how long using it before people started seeing a difference in the thinning of the mucus. Now again I know the old cliche everyone is different, and I realize some members also regularly take mucinex. So how can you tell it’s JUST the NAC that’s helping to thin it? There must be a rough idea of the length of time taking it before you see a difference. I have a Pulmonologist in Vermont that I see when I’m up North and also one at Mayo Jax, when I’m in Florida, and both will only say that”It’s generally considered safe to use” I think a lot of providers are timid of recommending it because it’s NOT FDA approved, and just that reason alone is why alot of providers won’t recommend different treatments. Anyway a rough estimate of using before seeing a difference would be appreciated. Again just your experience with it. Thank-you we all take enough pills now as it is, no sense taking another one if it’s not working.
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Do you mean oral or inhaled? My pulmonologist recently gave me a prescription for the inhaled version as my last CT did not show improvement on mucus impaction despite regular AC. I am on the fence about it and would be interested in hearing about others use of it (again, inhaled version, not oral).
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1 ReactionI’m wondering about the oral right now 600mg. That’s the usual strength that I’ve heard. But would be curious to hear about the inhaled version as well.
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1 ReactionFor me, adding NAC to my management plan had an immediate and dramatic effect. I was unable to produce sputum, but that changed drastically once I started taking NAC. Interestingly, I recently cut down to one dose per day in the morning because I read in this forum that it was causing sleeplessness for some, so I thought maybe that was the culprit for my own nocturna tossing and turning. (I am sleeping better as a result.) I again noticed the change - this time to less production - so much so that I am thinking about adding the second dose back with plans to take it earlier in the afternoon. It’s a question on my list for when I go to National Jewish Health in April!
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2 ReactionsI use oral NAC 750 mg, every 4-5 days. It doesn’t sound like much but does thin the mucus within a day or so. In my case, taking it more often can provoke mild hemoptysis. I haven’t tried inhaled
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2 ReactionsJill6063. Please share after your visit what your doctor at NJH thinks about NAC
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2 ReactionsI've used both the inhaled and oral tablet versions. Can't say that I noticed much of a difference between either version and with or without it.
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2 ReactionsBayarea58, can you share what inhaled version prescription your doctor gave you. I was given nacetylcysteine nebulizer 6 ml but I cannot use it- I cough bad during and after the inhalation.
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1 ReactionThank you
Have you tried to nebulize albuterol or levalbuterol solutions? I have mucus plugs on my scans. I feel the nebbing levalbuterol seems to work better to get mucus out.
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"@"bayarea58 "@"jill6063
I wonder if the two of you will be in Denver at the same time.
Any information you would feel comfortable sharing, once you are back in home territory, that would apply to most of us BE patients would be helpful and most appreciated.
The one thing that my lead doctor at NJH said to me that is somewhat interesting, he didn't believe it would be harmful if I didn't nebulize for a period of time, say a week while on a trip. Wonder if that is what other lead doctors at NJH are comfortable with, with BE patients. Overall, in reality, I could do most all other techniques for airway clearance if I didn't take the compressor and cups for nebulizing.
I realize it also is possibly one's own degree of illness, comfort level, philosophy and belief that must also come into play about the nebulizing while away from home on a week long trip....of course that's with the assurances you will make it home to the "sidekicks" , the nebulizer cup and compressor. Well, I guess I just answered that one as I wrote this. Need to take it 'just in case.'
Any feedback on this doctors statement to me from anyone?
Barbara