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(MAC/MAI) Mycobacterium Avium Complex Pulmonary Disease: Join us
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Nov 21 5:21pm | Replies (9354)Comment receiving replies
My main concern is vision impairment from Ethambutol. I am already blind in one eye due to repercussions from Multiple Sclerosis. I already have enough issues due to MS itself but feel that blindness would be the absolute worst. I saw that Ethambutol was discontinued in the US at one point. Does anyone have any other viable meds that they are aware of that do not cause vision impairment? Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Replies to "My main concern is vision impairment from Ethambutol. I am already blind in one eye due..."
I believe vision impairment from ethambutol is not very common. I've been on it for a couple weeks and I have not had any side effects from any of the medication. I'm only on zithromycin and the ethambutol right now but an inhaler is the next thing he's going to be adding. For some reason he is not having me take all three antibiotics, and I'm not really sure about that. He did tell me that it was mild right now, even though I have us 3.7 CM hole in my lung, or cavity. The last CT scan from a couple weeks ago showed that the walls had thinned out tremendously on the cavity, and most of the satellite nodules had disappeared, and that was before the antibiotics really would have had a chance to work so he said that was a good sign. I'm not sure if that's why I'm not on the full boat of antibiotics or not. But as long as things are getting better I'd rather stay on as little as possible. I wish you all the best though! But, I don't really think that going blind or having vision problems is what most people have, I think that's something that can happen sure with almost any medication their side effects. Good luck with everything!
I can't offer on alternative meds, but I have been seeing an ophthalmic surgeon twice yearly for decades. I was born blind in one eye and have cataract and glaucoma in both eyes. The OS is aware
I'm on MAC meds and after 15 mths on ethambutol, there is no change in my good eyè. If you are not already seeing an eye specialist, then it may be worth getting eye checked. Wishing you all the best. J
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MAC/MAI can be treated without Ethambutol in some cases. It is just that the 3-drug regimen seems to be the most effective, but there are options. I hope the ID doc can find the right combination for you.
Sue