auntnanny. Arikayce is a liposome antibiotic Amikacin that is specifically for MAC. Because it is delivered as a liposome, it is delivered directly to the receptors in the lungs and it bypasses the systemic type of reaction that would naturally occur if one was taking oral meds or even intravenous meds. That is why it was recommended for me because of heart rhythm condition that I have. This medication still has many side effects for which it needs to be carefully monitored, but thankfully heart rhythm is not one of them.

@auntnanny after being on the big 3 for a year w no improvement, an inhaled medication Arikayce (Amikacin liposome inhalation suspension) was added to my regiman of meds. I was diagnosed w bronchiectas, MAC/MAI and Pseudomas. My doc said its good for knocking out Pseudonomas too. I have been MAC and Pseudonomas free for 5 months, but I never experienced the violent coughing you speak of. I have had absolutely no problems w the Arikayce aside from a low voice for a few days when I started.