1. < MAC & Bronchiectasis

Azithromycin, Ethanbutol, & Rifampin Drug Therapy for MAC

Posted by cmi @cmi, Dec 11, 2020

I have just begun my drug therapy for MAC. Question, does anyone have any advice on how to take the cocktail of azithromycin, ethanbutol, & rifampin, and suffer the least discomfort. I am taking my meds at night 4 hrs PO after I go to bed (set alarm clock and wake up to take) 3 days a week. I was very discouraged by pharmacist and ID doctor on how brutal the meds are to the system.

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healthybon | @healthybon | Jun 15, 2023
In reply to @sara10 "Sue I am having trouble with supply of 7% saline. Walmart is backlogged until late May..." + (show)
@sara10

Sue I am having trouble with supply of 7% saline. Walmart is backlogged until late May and two other pharmacies said they had no idea when they would get more.
Where else can I look?
Tried CVS, Walmart and independent pharmacy

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I get mine on Amazon

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sissir10 | @sissir10 | Jun 16, 2023
In reply to @jj123 "This is Golfy. I also started on big 3 two weeks ago. I take them Monday,..." + (show)
@jj123

This is Golfy. I also started on big 3 two weeks ago. I take them Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I have no idea what to expect. I have had a little queasy after I go to bed. Forgot to say that I take them two hours before bedtime. The last two mornings I have felt totally wasted, kind of dopey, I just sit. Not sure if it is from the drugs or from the disease. I am totally confused about all of this. Sorry if I sound negative; don’t mean to. Will mention that I am 90 years old. I would think old age would make it more difficult. I will keep you posted on my situation, and I wish you all the best with your health issues.

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l

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jj123 | @jj123 | Jun 17, 2023

As I posted previously, I started drugs 2 1/2 weeks ago. Had problem when I added the third drug, ETH. Doctor said wait one week and try it again which I will do. How are you doing now that you have been taking the big three for quite some time? I hope they are helpful to you and you are tolerating them well.

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2 replies
Rick | @rstel7272 | Jun 17, 2023
In reply to @jj123 "As I posted previously, I started drugs 2 1/2 weeks ago. Had problem when I added..." + (show)
@jj123

As I posted previously, I started drugs 2 1/2 weeks ago. Had problem when I added the third drug, ETH. Doctor said wait one week and try it again which I will do. How are you doing now that you have been taking the big three for quite some time? I hope they are helpful to you and you are tolerating them well.

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I handled Ethambutol along with AZ and rifampin OK for about 40 months. I got eye check regularly.

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1 reply
jj123 | @jj123 | Jun 17, 2023
In reply to @rstel7272 "I handled Ethambutol along with AZ and rifampin OK for about 40 months. I got eye..." + (show)
@rstel7272

I handled Ethambutol along with AZ and rifampin OK for about 40 months. I got eye check regularly.

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How are you now after taking meds for 40 months? Still taking them?

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1 reply
Rick | @rstel7272 | Jun 17, 2023
In reply to @jj123 "How are you now after taking meds for 40 months? Still taking them?" + (show)
@jj123

How are you now after taking meds for 40 months? Still taking them?

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No MAC now but a fungal infection so I am in my 7th month of voriconazole. I developed Supraventricular tachycardia so I take metoprolol also.

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lauraadam2425 | @lauraadam2425 | Jun 18, 2023

I was on the big 3 for 8 or 9 months and my eye specialist took me off ethambutol after failing 2 field eye tests. My infectious disease Dr concurred with taking me off the medicine. I am just on the remaining 2 until another round of cultures. Everyone is different.. .

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suzyqueue | @suzyqueue | Jun 19, 2023
In reply to @jj123 "As I posted previously, I started drugs 2 1/2 weeks ago. Had problem when I added..." + (show)
@jj123

As I posted previously, I started drugs 2 1/2 weeks ago. Had problem when I added the third drug, ETH. Doctor said wait one week and try it again which I will do. How are you doing now that you have been taking the big three for quite some time? I hope they are helpful to you and you are tolerating them well.

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I had "digestive' issues at first but with 2 Imodium every morning the symptoms of that side effect got much better to where I don't need to take the Imodium anymore.

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healthybon | @healthybon | Jun 19, 2023

Why did they decide to give u the meds? Did you go to your local pulmonary?

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bdr | @bdr | Jun 19, 2023

I’m on the same regimen plus inhaled arikayce as prescribed by my infectious disease Dr.

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