Doxycycline

[joannebond360]

Hi everyone. I am on rituximab and having various frequent infections because of it, this one being a chest infection. I was out on amoxicillin but after a few days after it getting worse changed the antibiotics to doxycycline, I have just read that it can flare lupus, has anyone experienced this or has anyone taken it and been ok?

Thank you

[Tigerlily4]

Yes, me Joanne. I've been battling SLE, compromised immunity and various infections for 30+ years. Doxycycline, like all the tetracyclines, made me really ill while other a/biotics such as Amoxicillin and Cephalexin are no longer effective. I find Augmentin works best, with few to no side-effects. Hope this was of some help.

[joannebond360 in reply to Tigerlily4]

Hi Tigerlilly.

Thank you for your repply.

I am so surprised the doctor has prescribed them knowing I have lupus. I haven't taken them for years and don't know how they are going to effect me.

I normally take amoxicillin for everything which is probably why they are less effective for me.

I wonder what it is that interferes with the lupus. Have called the lupus nurse to get some advice on what to do.

Jo

[Hidden]

Hi Joanne,

Has anyone checked your gamma globulins as hypogammaglobulinaemia is a recognised side effect of Rituximab and some patients need IVIG infusions as well to combat this?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biom...

[joannebond360 in reply to Hidden]

Hi. Thank you for your reply.

I've not heard of this and no not as far as I know. I know they check my B cell levels. The lupus nurse will call me back today so will ask her. Sounds like that could apply to me.

Jo

[Hidden in reply to joannebond360]

I would Jo, the IGG levels are particularly important.

I was at a conference recently and it seems that young people are particularly at risk with hypogammaglobulinaemia and Rituximab.

[Fennella02]

Doxy makes me very sun sensitive thus more prone to flares. I'm happy to take it in the winter. Clarithromycin works well for me - I'm allergic to penicillin.

[joannebond360 in reply to Fennella02]

Ah ok, I will take it then as it's winter. Will remember that for the summer.

Jo

[misty14]

Hi Joanne

I hope you get good advice today from the lupus nurse. I took doxycycline and had a flare so really wouldn't recommend it!. Sorry your suffering and hope your better soon. Roll on Spring!. X

[Barnclown]

Am sorry you're grappling with this issue, but am vvv glad you posted because immunology have mentioned doxycycline for me should infection break through the daily antibiotic treatment immunology has prescribed ongoing due to my hypogammaglobulinaemia (way prior to taking immunosuppression, I developed consistently below range immunoglobulin G, A & M + lymphopenia), but immunology settled on clarythromycin instead of doxycycline for any breakthroughs

The daily antibiotic Immunology has prescribed me ongoing is coamoxiclav (aka augmentin) 625mg twice daily.

This link from the NHS approved Patient UK website confirms doxy & all tetracyclines should be avoided if you have lupus...maybe this is where you got your info:

patient.info/medicine/tetra...

For anyone reading this post who is curious, here is the most relevant excerpt from that link:

"If you have an inflammatory condition called systemic lupus erythematosus (also called lupus, or SLE), or if you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis. Tetracycline can make these conditions worse."

Hope your infection clears soon

Also, hope you'll let us know what your lupus nurse says

🍀🍀🍀🍀 coco

[joannebond360]

This is so interesting. Will ask the nurse when she rings. I have had my last infusion, I've had a course of 6 over two years so the next stage is to wait and see if it keeps me well. Don't think I could tolerate any more because of all the infections.

Thank you for all of your replies. Helped so much.

Jo

[soootired]

I know this thread is old, but have been prescribed doxycycline for a lung infection and wondered what your outcome was.

I've finished a course of amoxycillin and they didn't work, so now been prescribed these.

Did you have any adverse effects?

Many thanks 😊

[Carriecromy in reply to soootired]

How did you end up doing on the Doxycycline? Any lupus issues?

[soootired in reply to Carriecromy]

They caused me to flare so I was switched to something else.

My GP apologised and I won't be given them again

[joannebond360 in reply to Carriecromy]

I was ok on them, actually on them again for a sinus infection 🙈