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Just started big 3 for MAC: Questions about dosing and more
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Feb 18, 2023 | Replies (51)Comment receiving replies
Hi! I have been following and have a few questions. I am getting ready to start the 3 antibiotics for MAC. My disease has started to progress on the CT scan. Does everyone get sick on these antibiotics?? Any other helpful advice or tips for things to do in your home to decrease the exposure to MAC? Also, does everyone need to do lung clearance and how is that done if so? Thank you!
Replies to "Hi! I have been following and have a few questions. I am getting ready to start..."
It is recommended that everyone does airway clearance at least once per day. We all differ in which techniques but exercise, diet and airway clearance are paramount.
I take all three of my meds at night which helps mitigate the side effects for me. Side effects differ for each of us. I will just say I'll be glad when I finish them but I feel bullet proof while I'm on them and they've done their job.
I hope all goes well for you.
Welcome @masydnor. You're asking great questions. I see @tconz and @suethenanny have responded with helpful tips.
I moved your post to this existing discussion where others have offered their experiences.
- Just started big 3 for MAC: Questions about dosing and more: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/just-started-the-big-3-for-my-mac/
Here are some related links to answer parts of your other questions:
Does everyone get sick on these antibiotics??
Any other helpful advice or tips for things to do in your home to decrease the exposure to MAC?
Also, does everyone need to do lung clearance and how is that done if so?
- Questions for fellow members: Fireplace, whirlpool and other things https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/questions-for-fellow-members/
– How To Prevent Re-Infection of MAC/MAI https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-to-prevent-re-infection-of-macmai/
- Why do daily airway clearance? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/why-do-daily-airway-clearance/
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I was very nervous about starting the Big 3 but I have now been on them for 1 month and only had a little stomach upset for 1 day. I definitely spaced the meds apart so I could tolerate them better. I take Azithromycin and Ethambutol in the morning with breakfast. I then take Rifampin right before bed on an empty stomach. No problems so far. I took the advice of many in the group and got a LifeStraw Pitcher and LifeStraw Water Bottle along with the Bololo Baby bottle sterilizer for all my equipment (No more boiling it) and such a time saver. Everyone reacts differently to the meds and once you get on a schedule for everything much of the stress goes away.