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Doses for the Big 3 meds for MAC

Posted by deb62 @deb62, May 16 8:09pm

I have had MAC for about 3 or 4 years. I’ve been in the “watch” stage with no meds. I also have Wegeners Disease which is under control but the meds bring down my immune system. I’ve had pneumonia for the last couple of months so my ID doctor is starting me on the Big 3 this week. I’m curious about the dosage that others are taking. Here’s what I have been given:
Azithromycin- 500mg
Ethambutol HCL - 1600 mg
Rifampin - 600mg
All 3 x week starting with the Azithromycin 1st & gradually adding the others.
Does anyone think the ethambutol a high dosage? Im 5’4 & weigh 145lbs.
Thanks for your input.

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galec | @galec | 1 day ago
In reply to @sueinmn "@deb62 I don't remember which, but only one of these meds has a different dose depending..." + (show)
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@deb62 I don't remember which, but only one of these meds has a different dose depending on weight. But your prescription is the same as mine was when taking 3' per week. The rifampin and ethambutol were lower doses when I took them daily.
You should also get a baseline hearing test and be alert for any changes.
I am glad that your doc is starting the meds one at a time to let your body adjust.

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@sueinmn
What was your dose when you took them daily?

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Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | 1 day ago
In reply to @galec "@sueinmn What was your dose when you took them daily?" + (show)
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@sueinmn
What was your dose when you took them daily?

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@galec I'm sorry but I don't remember! It was almost 7 years ago that I stopped the meds, too much has happened since to retain those details.

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kris2468 | @kris2468 | 23 hours ago

My dosages are azithromycin 250 mg, rifampin 600 mg, ethambutol 800 mg daily. I’ve been on 12 months with no issues. If my next sputum culture is negative I can stop in January. After 6 months my CT scan had improved. All the best to you!

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ingrid1947 | @ingrid1947 | 22 hours ago

What I recall is that Ethambutol was by weight. My optic nerve was also looked at regularly to make sure no changes in, besides hearing. I couldn't take rifampin and had to discontinue it after struggling, but the two drugs worked without it.

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mollyfoxalden123 | @mollyfoxalden123 | 14 hours ago

My Ethambutol is 800 mgs …but that is everyday so my dosage is higher than your 3 day dosage,

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44tankie | @44tankie | 9 hours ago

I began one year ago taking the Big Three after my CT scan was showing more consolidation. I had no visible symptoms of infection. I recently began seeing new pulmonologist and infectious disease specialists. The new ID changed one of my prescriptions from Clarithromycin to Azithromycin, leaving the Rifampun and Ethambutol the same. The dosages and times on my prescriptions are exactly the same as what you have been prescribed. I'm feeling so much better taking the Azithromycin in place of the Clarithromycin (no diarrhea or other gut issues). I'm hoping to be able to go off the antibiotics in four months, as my last two sputum tests were negative and my latest CT showed slight improvement. Good luck with your treatment!

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