Rifampin discontinued due to side effects. Looking for feedback.
Pulmonologist stopped Rifampin after 4 months. I have been sick with nausea the whole time and starting to bruise. (I have a coexisting bleeding disorder). He said continue Ethambutol and Azythromycin 2 more months then repeat CT and culture. I am worried that I will be off and on these meds for years, so tried to stick it out, but now my teeth are stained, I have lost weight and now the bruising. (I must have been a sight as I was neaseated and then tried to avoid the elevator by walking up 3 flights with a mask on then became short of breath and dizzy). Poor judgement but i never had trouble with stairs before. It scared me.
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@poodledoc I am sooo happy for you! I was changed from the azithromycin to clarithromucin because the combo (Arikayce) gave me tinnitus as well. Since the change I have no more tinnitus. God willing your second sputum will be negative as well, but if you have to go back on the “mix” maybe changing azithromycin to clarithromycin might do the trick. So glad for you! irene5
Irene, I am having trouble finding that Clarithromycin is less likely to cause tinnitus than Azithromycin. Did one of your doctors mention that to you? Thanks, Bill BTW my tinnitus is much better after stopping the Arikayce for 1 week, so probably not a permanent side effect as I had feared.
Oh good. Mine wasn’t permanent either, and I was on azithromycin for ever! I don’t know about the stats or studies concerning clarithromycin and tinnitus compared to azithromycin and tinnitus, but I am on it everyday. It does not upset my stomach either. Again I am thrilled for you! Irene
Hello Rita! This post here of yours got by me because I was working on a remodel of my rental property. Yes indeed! When this pandemic ends we will def have to visit each other's city, in my case Town. To date, I have had four members visit Bluffton.