itraconazole

[Sunshine404]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share my experience and get some insights or advice from others who might have gone through something similar. I have bronchiectasis and Asthma along with sinus issues.

Last month, I developed a fever and experienced an exacerbation of my symptoms. I visited my doctor, who prescribed me levofloxacin for a suspected Haemophilus influenzae infection, which was present in my culture from earlier tests. Despite completing a 15-day course of antibiotics, my symptoms did not improve. The doctor then advised another culture, and the results came back showing Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Rhizopus species, and Penicillium species. Interestingly, I had Aspergillus niger and Rhizopus in my cultures two years ago as well. Additionally, the culture revealed numerous gram-negative bacteria, indicating a bacterial infection. I also have Asthma.

Due to this, my doctor prescribed Itraconazole 400 mg per day for 4 months to target the fungal infection. However, he also warned me about the risk of liver damage, which has left me feeling really anxious. I’ve been reading about potential side effects, and the thought of liver damage is really freaking me out. The doctor also changed my inhaler and prescribed Augmentin for the bacterial infection.

I’m 23 years old, and this is all pretty overwhelming. Has anyone else had a similar treatment or experience with Itraconazole? Any advice on how to manage the side effects, or tips for protecting the liver during this treatment, would be greatly appreciated. I’m just hoping the treatment works without causing any more health issues.

Thank you for your support!

[janedivney]

There’s a lot going on in my lungs too. I’ve been on itraconazole intermittently at least 10 years, and permanently for the last 3. I have a blood test about six-monthly and so far my liver is fine, despite regular rounds of IV antibiotics for various gram negative bacteria. To protect my liver I barely drink alcohol, except a glass of Buck’s Fizz at Christmas!

Anti-fungals are vicious drugs but the alternative is to let the aspergillus take over your lungs, which would be catastrophic. So I put the possible side effects to the back of my mind and just crack on 🤷‍♀️

[peege]

Hi, I can only truly sympathise Sunshine. I was investigated for Aspergillosis in 2013 because it always showed in sputum tests. Under hospital consultant allergy tests showed only a mild reaction to aspergillus (bright red turned to pink before almost disappearing whereas the mould test remained bright red). I was greatly relieved as I'd read up about it on the NHS website and learnt that it's not curable but managed. I'm sure both janedivney and another knowledgeable member Swizzy will tell you that it's vital to be under a bronchiectasis specialist rather than a straight respiratory consultant.

There's a helpline:- 0300 222 5800 open 09.15 to 5pm Mon to Friday (option 3 I think), do give them a call for guidance on getting the best from your medics & respiratory physiotherapists etc

To the right there's also the Related Posts section with posts & replies which may help a little as well as the NHS website.

google.com/url?sa=t&source=...

google.com/url?sa=t&source=... Good luck and wishing you the very best. P

[Sunshine404 in reply to peege]

thank you for your response peege. I have not been diagnosed with aspergillosis until now. Thank you for the links. They are helpful.

[AsthmaandLung Administrator]

Hi Sunshine, as peege suggested, please do give us a call, we're always happy to chat - 0300 222 5800. It's option 3 for the Clinical Team. All the best, Helpline Team

[Sunshine404 in reply to AsthmaandLung]

Thank you for your response but I reside in the UAE. If it is possible I would love to chat.

[Rosydays]

Hi Sunshine404 I was on a different azole drug recently( voriconazole) and while I was on it, I had my blood taken and tested to check that it wasn’t adversely affecting my liver. Could you maybe tell your doctor your concerns and ask if they would test your blood while you are taking itraconazole? I also found that my skin became very sun-sensitive so I had to wear sunscreen while I was taking it. Call the helpline -they are so knowledgeable and helpful.All the best to you.

[Biker88]

I have been on Itraconazole regularly for several years, providing you are getting monthly liver function blood tests you should be ok. If the blood test show a change in liver function they can stop the Itraconazole

[Biker88]

For reliable info on aspergillosis Aspergillosis.org and aspergillosistrus.org both managed or reviewed by UK NHS experts

[Nula2]

Hi Sunshine, I was put on it for Aspergillus but couldn't deal with the side effects, there are others you can try. I was changed to another one which I tolerated better, sorry I can't remember the name, but your health provider will know 🙂 xxx

[watergazer]

Sorry you’re not well Hope things get sorted x