Starting MAC treatment with "big three" drugs: What to expect?

Posted by ritapearl @ritapearl, Oct 24, 2021

I am beginning the “big three” therapy what should I expect?

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ros | @ros | Jul 14, 2022

I have just begun treatment with the Big 3 meds.
What is the best way to take the meds?
Spread out or all at once? With food or not?

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 14, 2022

In reply to @ros "I have just begun treatment with the Big 3 meds. What is the best way to..." + (show)

Hello, and welcome to Mayo Connect. There are many people in this group with a lot of experience taking the "Big 3" - if you click this link, it will take you to a recent discussion. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/starting-mac-drugs/
Once you have done some reading, feel free to respond with questions -each of us reacts differently to the meds, and can offer suggestions to you.
Sue

ros | @ros | Jul 15, 2022

In reply to @sueinmn "Hello, and welcome to Mayo Connect. There are many people in this group with a lot..." + (show)

Thank you, Sue!

cappidog16 | @cappidog16 | Sep 5, 2022

I intend to start the 3 antibiotics soon. When someone stated they think it’s good to start meds one at a time-what does that mean?
Also it seems that someone has taken all antibiotics at once right before bed. Is this correct.
I have a sensitive stomach and just need lots of advice. This sight is a Godsend.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Sep 5, 2022

In reply to @cappidog16 "I intend to start the 3 antibiotics soon. When someone stated they think it’s good to..." + (show)

@cappidog16 Good morning and welcome to Mayo Connect - if you take a look at this discussion (just follow the link) you will see a lot of good information about getting started.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/starting-mac-drugs/
Feel free to respond to any of the posts there with more questions as they come up!
Sue

cappidog16 | @cappidog16 | Sep 5, 2022

In reply to @sueinmn "@cappidog16 Good morning and welcome to Mayo Connect - if you take a look at this..." + (show)

Thanks so much Sue. I am so grateful for all the information I can get from this site.

extracare808 | @extracare808 | Sep 5, 2022

In reply to @cappidog16 "I intend to start the 3 antibiotics soon. When someone stated they think it’s good to..." + (show)

I started my meds all on the same day. I initially took Azithromycin and Ethambutol in the morning and Rifampin before bedtime. I had no side effects after the first couple of weeks, so I started to take all three meds together (with one saltine cracker) in the evening without any issues.

crepass | @crepass | Sep 5, 2022

In reply to @cappidog16 "Thanks so much Sue. I am so grateful for all the information I can get from..." + (show)

I take ethambutol and azithromycin 1/2 hr post dinner. Due to reflux, i try to eat by 5 on Monday Wednesday and fridays (3 days a week). It may be my stress levels or slow digestive system, but if i take antibiotics later, i feel like i have a more difficult time sleeping. Cindy

cappidog16 | @cappidog16 | Sep 5, 2022

In reply to @extracare808 "I started my meds all on the same day. I initially took Azithromycin and Ethambutol in..." + (show)

Thanks so much. It truly helps to have an idea of what has worked for others.

cappidog16 | @cappidog16 | Sep 5, 2022

In reply to @crepass "I take ethambutol and azithromycin 1/2 hr post dinner. Due to reflux, i try to eat..." + (show)

Thanks so much for your response. Every single response helps me in understanding what might work for me.

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