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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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My Ethambutol was increased to 1400 3.5 tablets 3 x week when my weight got up to 127 from 104 (I'm 5'2"). Originally I was on 800 mg, as I gained weight that was increased.... I was getting a field test done from my eye doctor monthly just to make sure all was good. Ears were every 3 months, I had no issues with hearing or eyes, although I do have tinnitus. Currently I am not on meds., did my 18 months, thought I was cleared of MAC but got a positive sputum sample a week later from a sample three months prior. Just waiting and watching at this point.
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2 ReactionsAppreciate the info. Never heard about check ups with ear doctor. Doc did mention the eye dr. I was on all 3 since April, I was taken off the Rifampin after 2 months.
I take 3x a week and take all pills at once.
I do have pain in my back and no one discussed the airway clearance. I’m working with my pulmonary doctor to add the airway clearance.
I’m finding temperatures over 90 with high humidity make it pretty hard to breathe.
Best thing I can do to push on is exercise.
Appreciate this group!
Prayers to all.
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2 ReactionsYou should get hearing baseline and have that checked while on meds. I also could not tolerate rifampin… Best of luck
I have read that several folks had to come off the rifabutin. What were the side effects that caused them to take you off. I have been on the 3 antibiotics about a month, might white cells are low, 3K , so wondering nit that might be the cause. good luck to you all.
Im 140 lbs taking 1500 mg 3X a week all at one time with my evening meal. It is based on weight.
Also, you need to have blood work done to check for liver toxicity. I have CMP and CBC with differentials done on a regular basis. Rifampin, Ethambutol and Azithromycin can all cause liver issues. I have been on these three for 4 months and am starting with elevated liver levels and some side effects. I am taking a holiday for 2 weeks from the Rifampin and then they will test the liver levels again to see if the improve.
I check my eyes at home every day in addition to going to see my eye doctor every 4-6 weeks. At home I check by looking at an eye chart, a document with small print and an online app for color blindness. The eye doctor is also going to do a visual field test every 3 months because this is hard to test at home.
Doc was concerned with tingling in hands. I was also getting some strange like electrical pulsing in legs. It was very strange. Like a small shock. I have not had any more of those since I have been off the medication.