How MAC patients have tolerated taking the 3 antibiotics

A few years ago I took the 3 Abx for almost a year. My body tolerated well. No adverse reactions . My lungs have been MAC free ever since and my O2 Sats have been in the 90’s. You may be surprised how well you tolerate the ABX.

I did 28 months and another 12 month stint. Tolerated them very well once AZ switched to with dinner.

I shared your terror of the 3 antibiotics and avoided them for a year, until I decided things would likely just get worse and be harder to resolve if I waited any longer. I've now been using them for a month, and found I'm managing them much better than expected. I have a fairly constant mild headache (not at all disabling), occasional periods of light-headedness about an hour after I take the pills. Some days, but not all, I'm extremely fatigued and have recently been having problems with achy legs. I'm sorry I let my fears delay this for so long. My ID doctor says the side effects will likely lessen as my body adjusts. I take them 3 days/week-- I take the Rifampin in the morning on an empty stomach and if I don't wait any more than an hour for breakfast, I don't have the dizzy spell. I take the rest with lunch and an hour later often feel lightheaded. I may switch to taking the rest at with dinner instead. Everyone, of course, has a different reaction, and I send you good wishes.

I started the Big 3 in Dec. after one of my CT scans showed deterioration. Thus far, I have tolerated them well. I take the Arythromycin after breakfast, Ethambutol after lunch, and Rifampin on an empty stomach before bed. I also take a probiotic and try to drink lots of water. Good luck.