Has anyone else read this article on Azithromycin?

[qbjb]

pulmccm.org/2013/cardiovasc...

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Not read this one but there was a similar one a few weeks ago, not quite so strongly worded, when I had just finished a course. Whew! Glad I'm still here to read it!

[qbjb in reply to Hidden]

Lol - lucky by name and nature!!

[Hidden in reply to qbjb]

Guess my heart's still OK then! lol

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This has been known about for some while, I mentioned it to my dr last yr but I was told it isn't a problem provided you don't have one of these cardiac issues, especially the long QT interval, which I believe is something to do with the time it takes for the ventricles to contract & relax. Worth checking with your gp if you're concerned tho

ff x

[qbjb in reply to Hidden]

I thought I'd seen something about it somewhere on this site but it isn't tagged so I thought it would be useful to warn all who might be at risk from this. I do have a heart problem but thank goodness have escaped this particular prescription!

Jude x

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I can't access the article at work but can guess what it says. Its very difficult and I can understand why folk would be reticent to take it but I think a balance has to be struck. Certain drugs will always have worrying contra-indications and these may be very very rare but I look at what azithromycin has done for me and I am willing to take the chance because its benefits to me and my life outweigh the possible side-effects.

I also trust my consultant and GP to do the best for me. Maybe I am being a bit too blind here but its just how I feel.

Marie x

[pollyjj in reply to Hidden]

I feel the same way Marie, I have been on this for about 2 years now 3 times a week and it has kept me free from infection. There will always be side effects from drugs but I am also willing to take the chance.

polly xx

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My husband is taking this it has made a huge difference to him in over 3 months no new infections where he was getting them every 3 to 4 weeks. His consultant did cardiac echos and tests prior to prescribing the drug and followed it up with further tests to ensure his heart was ok when he had been on it for a month, all was ok. You have to look at the quality of life these drugs give you recurrent infections just have a very bad effect on the lungs. I would just add that we get excellent care from his consultant just lucky to life where we do - Dorset.

[qbjb]

Absolutely agree with you all - it's whatever works for the individual. So far I haven't been offered this drug so it's not an issue for me.

Jude

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doesn't clarithromycin have the same problem ?

[qbjb]

I didn't realise it was on a par with Azithromycin but it looks a very similar risk, having checked it out. Even more worrying is that I take 2 weeks at a time and apparently even 1 week is risky!

Many thanks for pointing it out - I already have a heart problem which I suspect is causing more of the breathlessness than COPD so it doesn't look good.

My doctor isn't always terribly helpful. She sometimes indicates that some problems aren't worth bothering with as I have a limited lifespan anyway - at least that's what it feels like.

I think I'll phone the surgery anyway!

Jude

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My consultant mentioned it to me last time I saw him he arranged an ECG there and the results were border line ( whatever that means ) So he asked my GP to do another one a few weeks later again the results were borderline going to see consultant again on the 25th to see what he decides

[qbjb in reply to Hidden]

It's good to know you're being well monitored - very reassuring. Good luck - hope you're the right side of the border!

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Me too, thanks will let you know what the consultant thinks about it all