Hello, ladies. I am on cisplatin and Gemcitabine (Gemzar) and have developed an infection near an ancient root canal that I believe has finally failed. Has anyone safely taken a basic antibiotic such as amoxicillin while on this chemo combo? I have emailed my oncologist, but it’s just 6:00 am here, so I thought I would check in with my Teal sisters across the pond.
Best to all.
Sashay
Hi Sashay. I had azithromycin once on carbo taxol and doxycycline during carbo doxil. They were fine. However recently while on Olaparib I took augmentin and azithromycin for pneumonia and got liver toxicity. I would avoid augmentin.
Thank you much, Delia. I should have known someone in the US was up and about, too. Have a great day.
Sashay
Hi Sashay, I’m in the states also. When I had a uti or sinus infection, I was put on antibiotics. My Dr. advised me to stop niraparib until I finished my antibiotic. I had my blood checked also when I was finished with the course of antibiotics. Best wishes to you with your tooth problem. Donna xx
Thank you, Donna. My dentist had a cancellation, so I am relieved that I have an appointment tomorrow morning. Best wishes,
Sashay
That’s good! I have had a few root canals also with a problem on one of them. I know these things aren’t pleasant at all! Good luck with your appt.! 🤞
When I was having chemo (Carboplatin) I picked up an infection and needed antibiotics. I was advised to wait until I'd finished my course of antibiotics before having my next chemo session. I only needed to delay my chemo by a week but my consultant oncologist advised me to do this.
My understanding is the antibiotics will be fine for you to have but you don't want to have your next chemo session if you're still taking antibiotics as they may decrease the benefit of the chemo.
Thank you for sharing this information, SarahBa. I appreciate your response.
Best wishes,
Sashay
Hi. Have taken antibiotics on chemo several times no problem.
That’s encouraging. Thank you so much for responding.
Hope 2023 is good to thee.
Sashay
I took antibiotics for a tooth infection while on chemo. My oncologist delayed the chemo until the infection cleared up, mainly because my neutrophils still hadn't recovered, but also because infections in teeth can be extremely serious and she said it was important to clear the infection before proceeding with chemo. I can't take penicillin or any penicillin derivatives, so I was prescribed erythromycin.
I hate to delay this week’s chemo, but I will let my oncologist know of my situation so he can make the call as to whether chemo must be delayed. Thank you for sharing this valuable information.
Sashay
I'm on permanent daily Amoxicillin since having my spleen removed in 2018. My oncologist didn't mention stopping it when I had my last recurrence & was on caylex/carbo so I suppose it was ok. It worked well & now on Avastin for maintenance. I hope it's ok for you too. xxx
Rats! Looks like my oncologist wants me whatever works is needed on tooth and will push my chemo back. Thanks for responding, AuntyO
Sashay
I am on niraparib and had to have a particularly nasty absess drained. Luckily I work with a Pharmacy lecturer who checked whether I could have metronidazole (allergic to amoxy) which I could, and I also made by dentist aware of it. I presume there are also drugs that are okay with chemo. I also had some UTIs when having carbo and caelyx and was given antibiotics then as well but didn't need to stop chemo. Good luck!
I’m glad you didn’t have to postpone your treatment, Lesley. I just my tooth cannot be saved. Oh well. Thanks again for chiming in!
Sashay
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