Phenoxymethylpenicllin

[Royston123]

Because of lymphedema in my left leg from prostate surgery I was getting cellulitis every couple of months . So I was prescribed 500mg per day phenoxymethylpenicillin . I have now been taking it for 2 years with no recurrence of cellulitis.

So, Should I stop. ? Should I carry on. ? What are the chances of cellulitis coming back if I stop ? Is it wise to stop at the moment with hospitals full of covid patients ?

[Lynora]

Do not stop taking it until you have spoken to your prescriber. Many people are on ‘prophylactic antibiotics’ for the same reason - to prevent cellulitis. Some people are on it for life. As long as you have a healthy diet, use of this drug should not cause problems with your gut - you could get advice from a qualified nutritionist to check this.

[Royston123 in reply to Lynora]

Thanks Lynora.

[AnneBury]

My sister has been taking antibiotics for well over 10 years. She has primary Lymphoedema in both legs (like me) and got lots of cellulitis (so far, not like me). She has learning disabilities. She is very good at wearing her compression garments but the subtlety of changes that might cause cellulitis, or recognising cellulitis developing, pass her by. I am not aware of any plans to stop the antibiotics.

[Marjol80]

I take prophylactic antibiotic since 2011. I had almost 3 years without infection. My professor told to reduce a dose from twice a day to once a day and after few weeks I developed cellulitis. So I am.now on even higher dose (3 tablets a day) due to pandemic. My doctor said to not reduce, but even increase the dose during pandemic. It was advice from lymphoedema clinic in Derby.

[Royston123 in reply to Marjol80]

Thanks marjol80. Very interesting.

[Microsurgeon]

Cellulitis is a common problem in lymphoedema. You should speak to your GP regarding a sensible plan for coming off antibiotics. I suggest you and your GP should read the BLS consensus cellulitis guidelines. lymphoedema.org/wp-content/.... These are essential reading for the management of cellulitis in the long term and for short term treatments. Always worth having a copy or referring to it if you need to go the A+E / acute GpP with a problem. Good luck

[Royston123 in reply to Microsurgeon]

Great stuff, thanks.

[On_porter]

I have taken x2 penicillin 250mg a day since I had a BMT in 2001, which is when I developed lymphoedeama. I didn't get cellulitis for about ten years then all of a sudden did. I take stronger anti-biotics and have some as a ''just in case'' but often end up in hospital as they dont work! I'd continue taking them if you're not getting any bouts for sure.