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Does Anyone take MAC medications Monday thru Friday
I’m scheduled to begin the triple antibiotics to combat MAC Monday thru Friday and would like to know if this seems normal. Most of the comments refer to either 3 times a week or every day. I haven’t seen any referring to M-F. I actually read using AI that this is a very unusual timing for these drugs. Appreciate any comments.
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I took the big three every day, it was a lot and I could only stay on it for 6 months. It seems that the every other day is the most preferred timing, and better tolerated.
@jessmac - Here is it - I found an explanation of the treatment protocol from National Jewish Health (NJH), the premier provider for those with MAC, also known as NTM (non-tubercular mycobacteria.)
If you are still seeing the pulmonologist who has been treating your COPD for many years, they may not be an expert in treating MAC/NTM, which is very rare. Perhaps they can explain why the 5 days a week protocol, but if not, maybe it is time to see either a pulmonologist or infectious disease doctor who specializes in this specific infection.
Other ways to know if this doctor is familiar with the rigors of treating MAC are:
They start the medications one at a time to give your body time to acclimate
They recommend "baseline" vision and hearing screening and frequent follow-ups since these medications can affect both.
I take the three meds on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Just follow the pharmacy instructions and all goes well. The first 8+weeks was rough of tummy but now all seems fine. It is nice to have the weekend free. Yes, I have lost considerable weight.
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1 Reaction@annescoln Do you take all three at the same time, or spread them out through the day, such as one kind with each meal?
I was diagnosed with copd 15 years ago. Use my trilogy for that. Feb. 2025 diagnosed with Mac. My lung went from 58% to 23% in 1 year. Started the 3 and iv in June. Amikacin iv daily for a week then switched to 3 times then 2. Now back up to 3 . Not sure when they are stopping it. Each week they change , depending on how I'm tolerating it. Rifampin in morning it's 2 -3 hours after food and 1 hour before. Ethambutol and Azithromcyin at night so I can hopefully be asleep before the nausea starts. The Azithromcyin they want eye and hearing tests monthly. I started this in June and so far so good. Make sure you eat some yogurt or take pill form of probiotics. Only thing so far is the pooping and exhaustion. When you have to go . You have to go . Make sure your always close to bathroom lol. Goodluck sweetie.
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1 ReactionSorry. Your ? I take the 3 daily
@marieaw I received the following prescriptions and directions:
Azithromycin 250mg 1 per day
Ethambutol 400mg 3 per day
Rifampin 300mg. 2 per day
My plan is to take an E and an R in morning
An E at lunch
an A with dinner and E and R at bedtime
Have not started taking the meds yet.
@sueinmn thanks for the information. Sounds extremely complicated, don't think I have the right doctor.
I received the following prescriptions and directions:
Azithromycin 250mg 1 per day
Ethambutol 400mg 3 per day
Rifampin 300mg. 2 per day
My plan is to take an E and an R in morning
An E at lunch
an A with dinner and E and R at bedtime
I haven’t started taking the meds yet.
Thanks again, Jess
@kimmiek
Thank you for the input.
I received the following prescriptions and directions:
Azithromycin 250mg 1 per day
Ethambutol 400mg 3 per day
Rifampin 300mg. 2 per day
My plan is to take an E and an R in morning
An E at lunch
an A with dinner and E and R at bedtime
I haven’t started the meds yet.
@kimmiek thanks!