After being on two antibiotics for 15 months 8 years ago, my recent bronch culture showed recurrence of MAC. I am being encouraged by my pulmonologist to use AriKayce inhalations along with Azithromycin for at least 12 months. I'm very reluctant since I have bronchiectasis I feel sure the MAC will recur at some point and, meanwhile, I have chronic kidney disease and am afraid these drugs will damage my kidneys.

I am seeking a second opinion from an Infectious Disease MD who is also trained in Nephrology. I am on Medicare, but don't have Plan C ( it was not available when I signed up for Medicare and now the penalty added to the monthly premium makes signing on prohibitive). Without drug insurance, the cost of AriKayce is out of reach for me.

I'm 79 years old and would like to know if/how anyone is doing okay without taking this drug regimen. Side effects are worrisome and seems like recurrence is likely anyway.