Rifaximin Side Effects

[EmmaThom]

Hi all, I've been taking 550mg of Rifaxamin for around 6 months. I'm now struggling with joint pain especially in my knees and elbows, and my leg and arm muscles constantly feel tight and ache. Has anyone else had similar problems?

[AyrshireK]

My hubbies been on Rifaximin since June 2014 - no significant joint pain issues.

[EmmaThom in reply to AyrshireK]

Many thanks Katie. I think I'm just unlucky as joint pain and muscle tightening is a known side effect. But I can live with that if it keeps the dreaded HE away 👍

[Shep666]

Hi Emma

on 110 of Rifaxamin a day for about 8 months. Really cleared up a lot of my slowness and balance issues - but in the last couple of weeks I hae had worsening pain as you describe.

I was told by my liver consultant it may be down to Spironolactone (100mg a day now) - although he admits he was far from certain.

I have been on both medications for the same time. I am loathe to change the meds as the liver team have after much tinkering stabalized my condition somewhat.

Happy to keep you updated if you wouldn't mind doing the same?

Ian

[EmmaThom in reply to Shep666]

Would be happy to stay in touch regarding this. My consultant has recently stopped my furosemide and lowered my spirolactone from 100g to 50g last month. But my joint pain and sore muscles haven't changed. I'm very prone to bouts of HE so I assume my Rifaxamin will stay at 550g twice a day. I quickly became tolerant to lactulose and it stopped being effective so now I'm on up to 8 sachets of Laxido per day.

[Shep666]

Hi Emma

furosemide has just been increased to 80g a day. I don't suffer the need for lactulose anymore so lots of toxins being flushed that way (small meals, high in protien etc) and Creon with all meals. Same problem with HE for me, I joke I take the Rifaxamin to keep my partner sane!

I have booked a massage and will let you know if that helps.

Kindest

Shep

[EmmaThom in reply to Shep666]

Enjoy your massage and let me know if it helps!

[Shep666 in reply to EmmaThom]

Hi Emma

Just had the massage - it has helped me. It has reduced the tighness and made the leg/arm joints less sore. I have another booked on tuesday - will let you knowthe outcome.

Cheers

Shep