Does anyone take Azithromycin and Ethambutol every day?

Posted by annagh @annagh, Dec 11, 2025

After being diagnosed with MAC in December 2022, I have been seeing Dr. Winthrop, ID doctor at OHSU. I was on the clofazamine trial, got the placebo, but only one sputum sample since then has indicated MAC, and my CTs were relatively stable, so in spite of the coughing which gets better and worse, I thought I was doing okay with airway clearance. But this visit he’s not happy with the pattern of the CT scans, no big decline, but over the three years it’s showing more and more tree in bud. So now he wants me to start just the 2 drugs, but daily. I’ve never heard of that. I thought it was either 3 day or 5 day.
By the way, he did say that the clofazamine study which is to be released soon does show that it does have positive results. Whether that means it’s good enough to use on its own or not, I did not have the opportunity to ask, but I will.
Thanks to all who share your experiences.
Anna

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the MAC & Bronchiectasis Support Group.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 19, 2025

In reply to @sonofrio "@sueinmn Hi Sue, Could provide a telephone number for me to call into Mayo in Minneapolis..." + (show)

@sonofrio It takes several days before you get a response from either the on-line form, or a phone call. But if you prefer to call, the number is (507) 538-3270.
The way it works, in either case, is that basic information is taken, then routed to the most appropriate department. Someone from that department will call you for an in-depth phone interview, and explain the next steps and probable timeline to you (this varies from one department to another based on staffing.)

taracronwall | @taracronwall | Aug 19 7:09am

I was just out on azithromyacin 250 I had an undetermined sputum culture too many epithelial cells, but in a report of my chest CT it suggests possible MAC infection. My pulmonologist don’t even share this with me, I read it months after. He just suggested putting me on antibiotics because long term shows to keep infections smaller level when I do get sick. He also wanted to put me on another drug but it causes your mouth and gums to deteriorate and no thanks I already need a gum graft from radiation to my neck for a rare paraganglioma tumor as well. My question is can anyone tell me if their symptoms and imaging improves to warrant a possible antibiotic resistance when I ingesting antibiotics daily? He had me 3 x’s per week and now two because it was upsetting my stomach. Also I thought I would share things I am going to try: Res B lung support probiotic which was created by a pulmonologist and I wish was more known by the medical community, I am on supplemental oxygen but I have been reading up a lot n hydrogen therapy and am thinking about getting my own machine, also copper peptides which have actual human studies and trials and people are actively injecting themselves with it, however not sure if the studies are done ☑️ n people with MAC or bronchitis asthma or other lung diseases, Photobiomodulation a specific red light at a certain prescribed setting is supposed to knock down the inflammation on cellular level. A home machine can also be purchased I believe the clinical studies Mito light is be in looking at purchasing. Inhale II model of hydrogen therapy at home use just like an oxygen machine is the other brand. When medications cost ridiculous amounts of money it’s worth it to me to try things that may actually renew lung tissue while also killing the bacteria. There was a man on this forum recently that was taking a drug that was some u godly amount $28,000 per month Trimfecta???? Something like that and he said he was having g incredible results. Can we all do ya t Mark Cuban to help us get our hands on that ??????? I can’t believe there is a treatment out there but keep it can afford it. Peace to all blessings in your journey.

kasper1 | @kasper1 | Aug 20 7:06am

I was diagnosed in December of 2025 with Mac and cavaitary and bronchiteisis. And I'm on all 3 daily saying I could be for 18 months .

westcottkm3040 | @westcottkm3040 | Aug 20 9:20am

I’m on the 3 daily. Have been for over a year. 3rd time as it keeps coming back over the last ten years.
My doc added clofazimine in Dec 2035. Finally got a negative sputum sample. So it does work. And in Canada it is free unlike the rest. I’m also on an anoro puffer. It’s help reduce coughing a lot. And thinned the mucous.
I need 3 neg samples. Then on meds for 12 more months after that.
It’s a long road. And I’m not even 60 yet.