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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Hi Sue. Saw my cardiologist today and inquired about correlation between lung infections and beta blockers as opposed to calcium channel blockers. He acknowledged a slight increase with beta blockers. However, in his opinion, the beta blocker better controlled Afib than the calcium channel blocker. We all have our individual unique set of circumstances and factors to consider in the decision process. The older I get, the more I realize the medical profession is risk assessment. No easy answers for anyone. If only there was a magic wand!

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@1065408

Hi Sue. Saw my cardiologist today and inquired about correlation between lung infections and beta blockers as opposed to calcium channel blockers. He acknowledged a slight increase with beta blockers. However, in his opinion, the beta blocker better controlled Afib than the calcium channel blocker. We all have our individual unique set of circumstances and factors to consider in the decision process. The older I get, the more I realize the medical profession is risk assessment. No easy answers for anyone. If only there was a magic wand!

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I'm glad you asked, and that he had considered the issue. His explanation is a good example of exactly why I am reluctant to recommend specific medications or exercises to other people - the total picture is really important, as long as the patient makes sure the doctor knows all the details.

I am very fortunate that 90% of my care is in a single network with a unified record system including all lab work, tests, medications and supplements. It helps them treat the total person instead of one organ, ilness or pain.

Sue

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I take Rifampin 1 hour before lunch with some crackers and apple sauce.
Then an hour before dinner I take the other two with some crackers and jelow.
So far no problem good luck!

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@sueinmn

I get my 7% saline with a prescription for less than half what it costs without. I use the higher strength because I still have MAC but cannot tolerate the antibiotics anymore. With my pulmonologist's blessing I neb once a day with the saline. If I am having an asthma exacerbation I neb first with Levalbuterol then saline. If I am congested or coughing a lot I use saline twice a day. Usually I only neb about 3/4 of the solution.

This has been working for me since last December.
Sue

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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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@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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The only place in my area is Walgreens.

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@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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My daughter suggested the hospital pharmacy at one where you have been a patient or where your pulmonologist has admit privileges. She said that is where they refer their ER and surgery patients who have trouble getting needed prescriptions. Maybe that would be worth a try?
Sue

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@sueinmn

My daughter suggested the hospital pharmacy at one where you have been a patient or where your pulmonologist has admit privileges. She said that is where they refer their ER and surgery patients who have trouble getting needed prescriptions. Maybe that would be worth a try?
Sue

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Thank you I will try NJH going Tuesday.
What about online resources?

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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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I see I got my handle wrong. I am JJ 123. I am Golfy on other site. My mistake.

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I take all three at night before I go to bed. I don't eat 2 hours beforehand. For me this mitigates some of the side effects, not all. I can then also have plenty of probiotics during the day.

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