Long Term Azithromycin

[asthmaticclimber]

Hi,

I’ve been on Azithromycin for about 5-6 weeks now on the advice of my respiratory consultant. He suggested we try switching from 250 tablet every day to every other day but it’s been a couple weeks and I have ALOT of mucus and it’s getting a little mucky coloured.

When I was on the higher dose my chest was much better and mucus was a lot less thick/yucky. I’d really like to try and persist with the lower dose because I’m already on a lot of medications for severe/brittle asthma and I’m only 21, but I don’t know if I should speak to my consultant or GP regarding going back up to the higher dose.

Had anyone had a similar experience?

[Poobah]

I first had Azithromycin about 3 years ago; a 4 month course taking 3 tablets a week. Before that I had suffered from constant lung phlegm for at least 18 months. It took a good couple of months to feel it was having an effect. By the end of the 3rd month I was much better.

If you think your symptoms are worse then definitely talk with the doctor who approved the treatment, I assume that's your consultant. They should be available by phone. In my experience, I telephone the respiratory clinic and speak with one of the nurses who then arrange for the consultant to phone me. If they suggest soldiering on with the lower dose then try and get a them to follow up with you in 2 or 3 weeks so that they can assess your progress and change the treatment, if necessary.

Stepping down a treatment should be reviewed after a set time or at least a clear message to the patient to contact the doctor if their symptoms become worse.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

I’d say speak to them (both) now and go back onto our old dose. I know it’s not nice being on so many drugs but it does sound like the azithromycin was working for you and helping improving things at the higher dose. If the lower dose does nothing then it’s a situ of ‘what’s the point - taking drug for no reason’ here as if the higher dose helps then it should also calm any asthma down too which will help and make the extra tablets ‘worth it’.

I hope this helps