@joanden I started on this journey in 2016. I was diagnosed a bit earlier. In the beginning I was on all three meds and seven days a week. Since I had lost 18% of my body weight, I struggled a great deal with that treatment. It was switched to the three day, but I still struggled. For me and for many others Rifampin seems to be the culprit. Studies have shown that there is little difference in results if you eliminate one. My understanding, and I am not a doctor, is that if you can tolerate two and then add Arikayce there is a higher “cure” rate. MAC can always come back, but after reading what @rits posted today I am encouraged as well we all should be by her positive result - or I should say “negative” result really:). irene5

I lasted two doses of rifampin before having a very bad reaction. There are ongoing studies designed to show whether rifampin is necessary. My doctor told me that it was too late for her to enroll me in the study but she was so sure if the outcome that she did not substitute a third drug. Until the studies conclude whether rifampin is required, the protocol calls for three drugs.

I think most patients start with 3x per week but if that doesn't work after a period of time, we are moved to 7 days. Another drug like amakacin or more recently Arikayce may be added.

Good luck to you. I hope the drugs work quickly for you.

@joanden Hello Joan, and welcome to our group. Can you share more about yourself? How are you feeling?

Joan, you can click on my photo icon to read my succesful treatment plan. There are other possible options if it agrees with the suseptibility test. Please feel free to ask questions about mac or on how to navigate this site.