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Azithromycin

Time_2_drink profile image
95 Replies

Just had a day out at the hospital lol Been given azithromycin. It may seem Daft but told take 3 per week But not told is that consequtive days. Or take one miss 1 consultant wants to see me in 6 month and has recommended. Me for pain management and possible PR again next year oxygen nurse tomorrow then hopefully quiet day saturday had to cancel councillor for today good job only just got in but wanted to ask about the tablets also intrested on your experience of them Thanks

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Time_2_drink
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95 Replies
sassy59 profile image
sassy59

Hi Margaret that was a good result then. Pete takes Azithromycin Monday Wednesday and Friday. Hope that helps. Lots of love xxxxxx

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to sassy59

Thanks going to take one now that helped a great Deal. Been along Day appointment was 12 had to go for xray first so glad to be home hope the tablets do the trick love margaret xxx

TyneandWear profile image
TyneandWear

I have been taking Azithromycin for a couple of years now.

They have been excellent in greatly reducing the number of exacerbations I had been having. Dropped from about six a year to zero. On saying that, I have just completed a one week course of antibiotics and steroids for my first flare up for over a year.

Hope they work well for you.

Thérèse. xxx

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink

Thanks very much they certainly worked for you hope this is your first and last for a long time hope they work as good for me xxx

oooodicky profile image
oooodicky

Mags what are these tabs for? And why three a week are they for chest infection 😩

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to oooodicky

Hi They are to try and keep the amount of exacerbations Down not sure why 3 a week but if you Do a post someone who has Been on them for a while will know .Seen the physio when On way for appointment its Becky isnt it cant remember she said I should put my name Down for PR again 😷

Grimsweeper63 profile image
Grimsweeper63 in reply to Time_2_drink

Hi, I have been on these for 8 or more years and they have definitely cut down the amount of chest infections I have had. I have bronchiectasis and c.v.i.d hope they work as well for you .

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to Grimsweeper63

So good to hear people having good results will make such a diffrence if I can stay out of hospital .Take care

Hi yes it is 3 days on alternate days..it lowers the rate of exacerbation in the long run..take good care xx

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink

Thanks wasnt explained by consultant just gave me the script xx

My wife has been taking Azithromycin (500mg) tablets for the past 16 months post Bilateral lung Tx....she takes half a tablet Mon-Wed-Fri....the tablet is an antibiotic to treat or prevent bacterial or mycobacterial infections...unsure what their use is for with respect to other lung diseases

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to

Hope it has helped your wife to have less infections .

annenic profile image
annenic

Hi, I was on these for 3 months, I was told Mon, Weds, Fri worked well for me x

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to annenic

Why only 3month I thought they where permanent x

annenic profile image
annenic in reply to Time_2_drink

Not for me. It was to aid in clearing up a bad flare up and it really worked. I do have them in the house all the time and can start them I immediately feel the need. Doc says short term is effective with my stage Emphysema which is mild. x

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to annenic

Thats good you at mild stage im end stage good that you can restart them if the need arises x

jamorro profile image
jamorro

I have been on azithromycin 3x a week. As has been said, Monday, Wednesday, Saturday. I have been taking them for about 10 yrs. I was having exacerbations about once every 2/3 weeks and was in a bad way. Since taking them I’ve not had a bad one since. It is an antibiotic specially for lung infections. Do not let your GP take you off them. I had a new GP, an older man, who told me I shouldn’t be taking antibiotics all the time and he stopped them. I had a chest infection within the week! So new GP and back on them. Best of luck and keep your emergency supply close.

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to jamorro

Seems like they are working well for you hope they continue to do so .Seems like you were like I am with exarcebations Hope Gp Does not take me off them I got them from hospital pharmacy yesterday so hope Gp puts them on my prescription What do you mean by emergency supply please .

jamorro profile image
jamorro in reply to Time_2_drink

Emergency supply is a packet of steroids - Prednisone - and antibiotic Doxycycline. Enough for a week. Your Gp or COPD nurse should give them to you. It saves you having to wait to see the doctor if you get an exacerbation. Let me know if there’s anything else. I’ve travelled through India and South East Asia with COPD and have had very few problems. If going abroad get a letter from GP covering the medication your are carrying.

Ern007 profile image
Ern007 in reply to jamorro

I was given the same script Steroids + Doxycycline as a rescue medication.I did not like taking Doxycycline as I have has severe acid reflux in the past and got Oxytetracycline instead which free you to have a drink with a movie without risk . Azithromycin seems to have worked for Time -2-drink reducing exacerbations. so I would not change...

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to jamorro

Thank you I Do have abs and steroids. In But usually when I have infection lots of abs wont work for me so i usually end up on ciproflaxin. But cant have them in my emergency pack .

piping profile image
piping in reply to jamorro

How did you get health insurance and what stage are you at?

jamorro profile image
jamorro in reply to piping

I tell them I have COPD and insurance does not cover it. I either carry enough medication or get local stuff. In India and SE Asia it’s no problem. You can get most stuff over the counter. And I have had COPD for over 12 years. And I exercise regularly so I am better than I was 12 yrs ago.

piping profile image
piping in reply to jamorro

Hello Jamorro.......thank you for taking the time to reply!You didn't say what COPD level you are?....Peter

jamorro profile image
jamorro in reply to piping

I have no idea what level. I assume I am moderate as I can get around ok. I cannot run, I get breathless climbing stairs or doing too much. As long as I keep exercising I am ok.

piping profile image
piping in reply to jamorro

Thanks Jamarro.....my FEV from lung function tests is29% so am at stage 4..Yo encourage me to exercise more .

noraskye profile image
noraskye

I been on them for six months, felt great no exabarbations. My tummy was a bit funny with them at first so I now take them at night, MWF and works great.

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to noraskye

Hope you continue to feel great I took my first last night my tummy a bit iffy this morning But then again it was earlier this week .

in reply to Time_2_drink

Rice and probiotics and rice..😊

whit profile image
whit

Me, same as most people on here ,take them mon, wed, friday, i have not had an exaberation for 18 months,

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to whit

Great news hope I can do the same .

Aqua65 profile image
Aqua65

Hi, I’ve been taking them for five years, three tablets a week on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I’ve found that since taking them my flare ups have reduced. I also take a probiotic drink Actimel every day to balance the good/bad bacteria in the gut, I hope the tablets work for you they’ve really helped me, best wishes

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to Aqua65

Thanks Donna I will get hubby to get me some probotic Drink even though I Dont like the taste glad tablets have helped you .Take care

noraskye profile image
noraskye in reply to Time_2_drink

I've got probiotic capsules Optibac they work for me but don't take it at the same time as the antibiotics as they fight lol. Generally I take it at lunchtime along with my VitD and VitC and Zinc.

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to noraskye

I have asked my husband to get me some probotic drinks though I dont like taste of them .

in reply to Time_2_drink

Live yoghurt is good, add a little honey. I get Acidophilus tablets from Solgar, it settles my tummy.

PollyP profile image
PollyP

Hi,

been taking them since June this year to manage chronic severe inflammatory exacerbations ( without accompanying infections) .

They seem to be a big help-I take one on alternate days. See how you go with them?

Pp.

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to PollyP

Thanks polly hope to follow your lead and hopefully keep out of hospital I am putting my Faith in them .

PollyP profile image
PollyP in reply to Time_2_drink

Good oh!!! They work really well with all the other great self management techniques, eg Exercise, super healthy diet and pma!

I have had only 2 hospital admissions in 14 years 😊

Keep well and happy too

Pp

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to PollyP

Hi whats PMA please Great news on the hospital admissions Ive had At least 4 this year so to keep out of Hospital would Be Good Take care .

PollyP profile image
PollyP in reply to Time_2_drink

PMA = Positive Mental Attitude 😊

4 hospital admissions this year ???? That is far more than you deserve !!! Hehe !

Keep well

Pp

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to PollyP

And thats not counting December last year and november so putting a lot of faith in these tablets fed up of hospital food lol

Take care

santisuk profile image
santisuk

Have taken for bronchiectasis for 18 months now. Like many bronchX sufferers I have found them to be great in reducing the number of infections I get. In addition to having an anti-bacterial effect they stand out as being the antibiotic that is also an anti-inflammatory capability which is why many sufferers regard them as a bit of a miracle drug and why pulmos appear increasingly to be prescribing them, subject to cost constraint*. Most bronchX sufferers that have found them take 3-a-week on a day 2 + day 4 + day 7 basis (ie two 2 day breaks followed by a 3 week break.

Good idea, as suggested by previous poster to take them on Mon/Wed/Fri - avoids needing to take them on weekend days when many people have more diversions than otherwise. Take at roughly the same time each day (though I don't think that is absolutely essential) but it has to be in a window that is at least two hours after eating and one hour before. Take them - with a glass of water - when you wake up/get up if you don't need to eat immediately on waking (I find that I more easily forget meds that are taken at a later stage of the day).

When I get an infection that is sufficiently troubling that I call it an exacerbation I take a week of daily azith. If that doesn't kill it in the second week I revert in the 2nd week to 3-a-week azith and supplement that with a daily 500mg dose of levafloxacin. That latter regime was suggested by my Thai pulmo (I'm a Brit expat here) on the basis that my sputum never shows any result of specific bug in a culture test and levafloxacin is a pretty effective muti-bug antibi. Those who can give bug-identifiable samples should work out their own tailored rescue plan with their own medical adviser, preferably an experienced pulmonologist.

*Azith is more expensive than some of the earlier stage antibis like amoxycillin and doxycycline, but less expensive than levafloxacin and avelox (if the prices I pay in Thailand are indicative of their western source pricing!)

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to santisuk

Glad they are working for you However I wouldnt Be able to take a full weeks course Necause only prescribed correct amount of 12 tablets per month so no room for manouvere just hoping that my Gp Takes notice of the consultant and supplies them Best wishes .

Shirleyj profile image
Shirleyj

Glad you got your arizmothycin , I take the tablet 3 times a week, it's a maintenance amount to keep your flare ups to a minimum. Because they are an anti inflamatory , I found they helped my hay fever this year. I have been taking them since january, and have only had one flare up. Hope they work well for you, keep us informed.

,

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to Shirleyj

Thanks a Bonus for you with helping to manage hayfever hope my Gp continues to give them got yesterdays from hospital pharmacy. Consultant wrote to Gp also I found out he contacted Gp 3weeks ago to get me some Build up Drinks not Been prescribed yet Hope they keep working for you .

helenlw7 profile image
helenlw7

I take Azithromycin on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. For seven weeks I was completely symptom free, and then got a bit of a chesty cough but nothing like before.

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to helenlw7

Good that your cough was lessened by the tablets long may you Benefit from Them .

helenlw7 profile image
helenlw7 in reply to Time_2_drink

I hope so - I’d been coughing all day, every day since July 2012!

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to helenlw7

That must be so tireing .

helenlw7 profile image
helenlw7 in reply to Time_2_drink

It was! And I was was working for three years of it - I was a primary teacher and the children were so understanding. I used to run out of breath when reading a story, or cough in the middle of answering a question. In the end it got too much so I stopped working a year before I wanted to. Life hasn’t become easier just different! Hope the azithromycin works for you.

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to helenlw7

Thanks and i hope it continues working for you .

B0xermad profile image
B0xermad

Hi I also take azithromycin 3 days a week for 18 months now ,Monday weds Fri .its well worth it.

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to B0xermad

Thanks good to hear positive results .

Rosie69 profile image
Rosie69

My husband was taking azith three times a week but, after seeing consultant in hospital, he is now on daily tablets? He was not advised to take them two hours after food or an hour before - i must get him to check the meds info!! He hasn't been told to take a break for three weeks either! So much conflicting advice!! He has just had the endobronchial valve implants in one lung(replacements for the ones which stopped working) and is recovering in hospital atm - good time to ask, I suppose!!

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink

Hi. Consultant Didnt give me any info on how to take them and I was that p.eased he gave me them that i didnt think to ask just Been listening to a programme on radio 4 about valve implants Hope your husband has a speedy recovery if you Ask hospital for info would you pass info on please Best wishes .

Linda8p profile image
Linda8p

I was on these. They had no adverse effects. Took 3 per week every other day worked for me. Good luck. X

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to Linda8p

Have you Been taken off them Glad they worked for you .

Linda8p profile image
Linda8p in reply to Time_2_drink

Yes was on these for 3 years. Worked well but I became so used to them they stopped working.

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink

Thats a shame hope a alternative is found .

MfgWorriedmum profile image
MfgWorriedmum

My 14 year old son has to take these on and off to prevent his bronchitis flare ups or to treat them sometimes instead of co-amoxiclav. His dosage is 500mg 3 times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He was on them almost a year at one point or just through the winter months or just for a month recently. They work brilliantly to treat infection and have anti-inflammatory properties in them too. Can make yiur tummy a little iffy so be aware of that, I give his after food which seems to help. Hope they work well tor you and you feel better soon X

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to MfgWorriedmum

Thank you for the information Hope they continue to help your son x

Jummie profile image
Jummie

Hi I've been in and out of hospital since January. I have been taking Azithromycin on Mon Wed & Fri have worked fab for me. I've now been out of hospital for 8 weeks, longest time this year so far. xx

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to Jummie

Have you just started the azithromyciin. So pleased for you to keep out of hospital long may it continue since november last year I have Had 6 hospital admissions so hope I can follow your lead and stay out xx

Jummie profile image
Jummie in reply to Time_2_drink

Hi Time_2_drink Ive been on them for a few months now and I think it's helping me stay out of hospital. When I last came out 8 weeks ago I've been on 24 hour oxygen. Plastic tubing all over the place. 2 litres but I can turn it up to 3 if I'm getting showered etc. Takes some getting used too.

Hope the tablets work for you xx

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to Jummie

Glad its keeping you out of hospital its horrid this 24 hour oxygen dont think i will ever get used to it I started on 1and2 then put up to 3and 4 and yesterday oxygen nurse put my rest oxygen up to 4 and other 5. She put them back to 3and4. But wants to keep a eye on it ive had it since Dec 23 never got used to. It yet hope you do better than me .

Keep-positive profile image
Keep-positive

Mon, Tues & Wednesday's usually 🙂

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to Keep-positive

Thank you. I will start those days next week 😷

Kpacific profile image
Kpacific

I'm wondering if Azith. works for bronchx with pseudomonas. I was diagnosed with both this past January. I've had exacerbations every 2 months since then. I'll see my pulmonologist in January, so will ask him about it. (I take Levaquin for the exacerbations.)

in reply to Kpacific

I’m colonised with pseudomonas & azith worked brilliantly for about 5 years, reducing inflammation & helping prevent exacerbations. Unfortunately it’s stopped working now, which I’m told is common. Apparently, doxycycline has some anti-inflammatory effect too

T2D, I hope it works for you. Have a nice quiet day tomorrow 😊

Kpacific profile image
Kpacific in reply to

Thanks for the info Hanne. Five years sounds good to me!

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to

Hope you get something to replace it and it works for you yesterday was a bit manic oxygen nurse who put my oxygen up then put it down again sitter from the hospice whilst frank at carers group. Friend who lives in turkey all at the same time feeling very low today must make effort to go downstairs been sat on end of bed since 11am take care

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to

Thanks Hanne do hope it does work for me Bit of a off day today. Just done a daft thing got last tablet of a strip put the tinfoil in bin then promptly through tablet in loosing my marbles me thinks 😷😷

in reply to Time_2_drink

A minimum/maximum of 48 weeks for it to work properly..if you do get an infection ask for an extra prescription from the GP..

Take good care x

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to

Fingers and toes crossed i get a Break from infections now I need this pain sorting that will be when pigs fly lol x

in reply to Time_2_drink

Which pain? The tummy pain?

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to

Under left Breast. Sometimes goes across to right had it since january take oramorph and 40mg mst tablets twice daily

dogcyrus profile image
dogcyrus in reply to

I was told by respiratory nurse and consultant to take 250mg Azithromyocin three times a week during the winter months to protect oneself from exacerbations. Interestingly I was told not to use a nebuliser as in some cases they have been the source of infection and no proof that they help. Instead take Ventolin through a spacer if there is difficulty breathing. Far better I was told.

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to Kpacific

Hope you get sorted out 😷

in reply to Time_2_drink

amjmed.com/article/S0002-93...

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to

Thanks will look at it .

in reply to Time_2_drink

To read if you wish..😊

in reply to Time_2_drink

Or thelancet.com/journals/lanc...

SquirrelsHolt profile image
SquirrelsHolt

Look at you Time_2_drink and 65 replies!!! I take my azi's on a Mon,Wed &Fri as well. To be honest, you've had excellent replies and there doesn't leave much other to say than ,fingers crossed,you'll find they do keep the colds and sniffles at bay!

Another pill to take eh? Cx

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink

I took one on Thursday and one today then starting MWF next week will be great if they can keep me out of hospital and hopefully help me feel Better xxx

Ann6854 profile image
Ann6854

I have copd...pulmonary hypertension. when I. take erythromycin my heart races does any one have this problem...also doxycycline breaks me out. Allergic to penicillin.

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to Ann6854

I am sorry to hear that I have problems with my heart rate my resting rate is over 100 often 120 plus and can go up to 150. I have mentioned it to Doctors and matron But nothing done about it other than told keep a eye on it .

Suggest you start your own thread for this one, Mags 😊I’m sure lots of people will have an opinion

Mags1953 profile image
Mags1953 in reply to

Hi yes just realized I'd put this on a reply and not a new thread doh!! Thanks x

in reply to Mags1953

Hehe good cause I’ve definitely got an opinion ☺️

Mags1953 profile image
Mags1953 in reply to

I've deleted it but couldn't copy and paste so can't be bothered re posting haha xx

in reply to Mags1953

Oh Mags 😊I’m going to pm you then!

angelasilk1959 profile image
angelasilk1959

I've had these. Monday, Wed and Friday I was told.

Time_2_drink profile image
Time_2_drink in reply to angelasilk1959

Hopefully. I will BE RESTARTING ON WEDNESDAY hopefully i fiinish my ciproflaxin on tuesday but i am still bringing up lots of mucus and unsure if i will be able to restart them Matron is coming tomorrow havent seen her since before i was in hospital really unsure if she will be sending me Back. Hope the tablets helped you .

Sohara profile image
Sohara

I take on one Monday/Wednesday/Friday, which I believe is the usual way to take them

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