Just started big 3 for MAC: Questions about dosing and more

@bmiller57 There are different schools of thought on that subject. When we lived in Tennessee I was on all three meds at the same time. I struggled with that and the doctors “assumed” it was the every day dosing causing the problem. I was switched from Clarithromycin to azithromycin and to a three day a week schedule. Now I am being treated in Massachusetts with the same meds and schedule but was introduced to them one at a time over a three week period to determine which was the culprit causing issues for me. The dosages of Rifampin and ethambutol were adjusted accordingly. I am also starting Arikayce. So the bottom line is that everyone is different in the line of treatment for MAC based on age, tolerance, and comorbid conditions. It is not a one size fits all treatment as many have mentioned on this site. Some members are fortunate not to have disturbing side effects and others have difficulty with the meds. If you go back in the site you will find a good schedule of taking the meds from Katherine (former mentor) and others. Good luck! Irene5

Hello bmiller, Welcome to the group, there is a wealth of information here. I have been taking the big 3 for about 7 months, 3 times weekly all 3 antibiotics on the same day. The Azithromycin was causing major diarrhea until I started taking 2 Imodium pills on an empty stomach 1 hour before taking the 500mg Azithromycin pill. Now I have no issues. Good luck to you. Bill

@bmiller57, Hi there. Welcome to our group! I am so glad that you found us. Can you tell me more about yourself? For example: had you suffered with mac very long before getting your diagnosis? Are you experiencing many symptoms right now?

@bmiller57 Now to specifically answer your question. It took me one year to feel better after being on my meds. You can click on my photo icon and read how I was treated. Treatment plans should be tailored specific to each patient. So many things factor into what gets prescribed for various patients. Probably the main thing is having a 'Suseptibility' test done on your sputem to see what antibiotics will work for you. I did catch pseudomonas in the Spring of 2016 while on my antibiotics, so they switched out my doxycycline for inhaled tobramycin. That treatment totally wiped out the constant cough I had had for 10 yrs. Have you had a chance to read over much of our older posts here? Are you able to navigate this site alright?

i honestly dont know how long ive had mac i am a heavy smoker so i just figured the cough was from that my primary doc thought i had pneumonia sent for xray didnt like what he seen sent for ct scan then off to ER was admitted they did many blod tests and a ct with contrast tht showed a large cavatery lesion in my left lung more testing finaly diagnosed with mac this all took place end of feb. as far as symptoms i have shortness of breath that set in when i had the pneamonia hasnt let up discomfort in chest dull aches and dizziness

I am taking the Big 3 3 days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.....

Hi @bmiller57, I'd like to add my welcome. Please take some time to browse through all the discussions in the MAC & Bronchiectasis group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mac-bronchiectasis/
Members have shared a treasure trove of information that will help you as you get to know more about this condition, treatment and living life. Heck you'll even get answers before you knew you had questions. 😉

To get you started, here are some discussions that will help answer the initial questions you asked:
- MAC Treatment: When will I see side effects? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/when-will-i-see-side-effects/
- MAC antibiotics and side effects https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mac-antibiotics-and-side-effects/
- Supplements and the Big 3 https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/supplements/
- The big 3 antibiotics for MAC https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/the-big-3-antibiotics-for-mac/
- NEWCOMERS .. ONE EXPLANATION I FOUND ON MAC/MAI TO HELP YOU https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/newcomers-one-explanation-i-found-on-macmai-to-help-you/

BMiller57, What dosage and schedule are you on with the big 3?

ive suffered with symptoms about year before getting diagnosed now i have been on the big 3 for 3 weeks my symptoms have not improved and some days worse this is really playing hard on my mental state not doing well

@bmiller57 Boy do I get that! I am so sorry. I am suffering debilitating migraines and GI symptoms. Many days I am not able to get out of bed. Call or email your doctor! Maybe there’s something he/she can suggest. My ID doctor recently changed my dose of Rifampin. This a difficult journey for many of us. Sending you a hug and positive thoughts. irene5

@bmiller57 I have spondylitis and a precarious spondylolithesis so I understand that pain as well so you are definitely not alone! Adding your AS to the mix is, I’m sure, even more frustrating. irene5