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(MAC/MAI) Mycobacterium Avium Complex Pulmonary Disease: Join us

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Nov 21 5:21pm | Replies (9354)
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@colleenyoung

@cacallahan, this is exactly the place to bring such problems. Here is where you can talk frankly about your fears and concerns with people who've been there. Tell us a bit more about the meds you'll be taking and what concerns you the most.
What 4 medications will you be taking?
What side effects have you been told about? Which ones concern you the most?

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Replies to "@cacallahan, this is exactly the place to bring such problems. Here is where you can talk..."
cacallahan | @cacallahan | Apr 30, 2016

Hi. Thanks for asking about my situation. I don't have one single person I can talk too and I am so stressed out. The meds I am supposed to have started taking are as follows:1)AZITHROMYCIN 500 MG 2 TABS 3 X WEEK2) RIFAMPIN 500 MG 2  TABS 3 X WEEK3) ETHAMBUTOL 1200 MG 3 X WEEKSThe last one is for nausea & vomiting called " ondansetron" 8mgI spoke with the doctors & pharmacist and they said I would be very sick by throwing up, diarrhea, dizzy & vision problems. The pharmacist said it wasn't going to be easy at all. I am my parents caregiver & I have an adult handicap son who depends on me for everything. I am so worried I will be so sick I won't be able to take care of anyone, and worried I will be so sick I won't be able to go do everyday things like grocery shopping, doctor appointments. I am seriously thinking of not taking it and just putting my life in Gods hands. I already am so overwhelmed I haven't slept in 3 days. This is too much, and all I do is secretly cry in the bathroom or in the garage. I just am beside myself.Thanks, Cheri  

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e345l | @e345l | May 3, 2016

Hi, just wanted to comment on your situation. I am sorry you got so sick!<br />
I was very lucky and never got sick on taking 3 meds-every day practically<br />
all day long to avoid getting sick. For one year I did the azithromycin,<br />
rifampin and ethambutol, the concentration as yours. Didn't stop it. Next<br />
9 months I took clarithromycin, 2 tablets daily, ethambutol 2 tablets daily<br />
and 2 rifabutin daily.<br />
Never got sick. I separated them from morning, noon and evening and it<br />
worked great. I took heavy doses. We'll see what the next meds I will be<br />
on do, but so far I am grateful. Hope it gets better for you! Never took<br />
the pill for nausea that you take. Hang in there!<br />

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