Sorry -- computer glitches. Hi Jennifer @jr2366. I haven't started the Aricayce yet -- it might take a month or longer to get it from the USA (I am in Australia). Heather (@heathert) is the 'expert' on Aricayce right now, so I'd ask her about it.
I think when I do start Aricacyce, then I will be on 4 drugs altogether -- the 'big 3' plus Aricayce.
Don't worry too much about the big 3. Each drug has its side effects and many people only get some of the minor issues.. It really seems to be about how long you have to take the meds. For some people it needs to be 3 years or longer. Taking anything for that long might give some people a few more problems.
If you have mycobacterium Avium maybe you will need to be on the drugs for a shorter time.
Like I think Irene said, I'm surprised your pulmonologist has put you on only 1 drug. Possibly there is more risk of developing drug resistance that way. That's why they usually put us on 3 drugs at the same time -- partly it is to slow down the development of drug resistance to the macrolide (Azithromycin or Clarithromycin).
Good luck Jennifer