Antibiotic side effects

Posted by diane36 @diane36, Mar 12, 2018

Diagnosed nine months ago with MAC and bronchiectasis. Taking azithromycin, ethambutol and rifampin. In the last two months have developed severe itching of arms and legs, which pulmonologist does not attribute to meds. Neither dermatologist- prescribed creams or change of bath soap, lotions and laundry detergent have helped. I am wondering if similarly diagnosed patients taking the meds I am taking have experienced this unpleasant, ugly itching.

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I had this problem when I was on meds. I understood from my doctor that the rash on my lower legs was indeed related to medicine. I know, however, I am allergic to many meds but the area of lumpy rash was on things and bottom of legs.

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@macjane

I had this problem when I was on meds. I understood from my doctor that the rash on my lower legs was indeed related to medicine. I know, however, I am allergic to many meds but the area of lumpy rash was on things and bottom of legs.

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"Lumpy rash" describes the condition of my legs (below knee) perfectly. Because I had no ill effects from the three antibiotics for first six or seven months, my doctor thinks it unlikely that the itching I have now is caused by the meds, but I can't seem to pinpoint, with help of dermatologist, any other source.

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Has anyone felt weakness in their Arms and Legs. I was reading that Azithromycin can cause a Myasthenia Gravis symptom and Eaton Lambert syndrome. Has anyone heard of that.?

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@macjane

I had this problem when I was on meds. I understood from my doctor that the rash on my lower legs was indeed related to medicine. I know, however, I am allergic to many meds but the area of lumpy rash was on things and bottom of legs.

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I was on azithromycin for over six months when I suddenly loss hearing in my left ear. Seems the longer I was on it the risk I took.

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@macjane

I had this problem when I was on meds. I understood from my doctor that the rash on my lower legs was indeed related to medicine. I know, however, I am allergic to many meds but the area of lumpy rash was on things and bottom of legs.

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How awful. Did you stop taking it? Did hearing ever return?

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Hi I'm sophie. I had to come off ethambutol. It affected my vision. I take the other two mess also, no problems...

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How long did you take it take before you noticed problems?

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@macjane

I had this problem when I was on meds. I understood from my doctor that the rash on my lower legs was indeed related to medicine. I know, however, I am allergic to many meds but the area of lumpy rash was on things and bottom of legs.

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Yes, Diane. My pulmonary doctor took me off it immediately. I just had a follow up hearing test today. I will likely get hearing aids. But, the good news is that the lost has not progressed. I felt very relieved. I'll wait a while before I decide on the aids. Just not up to decision making right now.

Has anyone notice an improvement in fatigue by taking B complex vitamins?

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@sophie1019

Hi I'm sophie. I had to come off ethambutol. It affected my vision. I take the other two mess also, no problems...

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I like that you called them "other two mess." The subconscious never sleeps.

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I think half the battle is keeping from driving myself nuts with all the thoughts and what if's.

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