irena@8, yes, it is confusing. Both zinc and copper play parts in body processes. From what I have read, many people supplement with zinc for respiratory infections, and they may unknowingly create an imbalance with copper. Your body needs both. Since the Azithromycin also affects at least zinc, I wonder if doctors can check patient levels of both metals and monitor them when these MAC drugs are taken. Maybe the hearing and vision side effects could be minimized?

Since many patients on these drugs experience some degree of GI upset, they may also not be absorbing the nutrients in the foods they eat as well. Just telling patients to eat more to help fight the MAC and maintain strength is not enough, especially since these drugs must be taken for such a long time.

I looked on my multivitamin, which is taken twice daily in divided doses. It does not have copper. I googled good food sources of copper to see if I eat enough of those. You might also consider doing that with both minerals and try to adjust your diet. Supplements might be easier for some people. I wish that the doctors had nutritionists they they refer to.