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Ethambutol
I've started the medication! I started the first week with 500 MG. of Azithromycin and then they added on 600 MG. of Rifanpin this week. Next week they will start me on Ethambutol. I watched the videos and they said an average dose is 600 MG. My doctor prescribed a total of 1600/ 2 pills at night and 2 pills in the morning. The nurse thought it went by weight. My weight is 167. NO! I haven't lost any weight! What doses are others taking of the Ethambutol. They have to order it, so I probably won't start it until Wednesday.
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@tinaesims When I was on the meds I was on a total of 500mg of Ethambutol daily (two in the morning and three at night). They were 100mg tablets. They are based on your weight. Mine were based on me being at 80 pounds. I had lost 18% of my normal body weight.
Thanks that helps. I hope you have gained some of your weight back.
@tinaesims God knows I try! When my appetite is good I eat lots! One of my children brought me a large container of frozen yogurt from some takeout place on his way home from work. Yum!
Hi, This is just my experience, probably your doc has already given you warnings. It is helpful to have hearing and vision tests done as a base line for future comparisons, in case there is side effects from the meds.
I was taking azithromycin, ethambutol and rifampin three times a week (June 2018-June 2019). During the treatment I had ophthalmologist monitoring my vision. About the 11th month of treatment, I was warned with diminished vision field. I also lost a lot of weight. At that point I was free of mycobacteria (sputum test) for more than 14 months (I was germ free when I started treatment). My treatment was stopped even my lung doc would like me to take the med for 4 more months. Then was referred to a neurologist (specialty in eyes), went through head and neck MRI to rule out any tumors. It seems not everyone would have this kind of side effect. There is no treatment, however, sometimes it is reversible after stopping the med. It could take up to 9 months. I'm off the med 3 months now, will go back to visit the neurologist in March 2020. Hope the damage is reversible!
Have a nice weekend.
Why did you start if you were germ free?
Showed positive sputum test 2017-2018 on and off. 2018 March and June showed negative results, however, was advised to start treatment.