Rifampin and opioid meds for chronic back pain

[Milo0413]

I ..66 year old male..have been on rifampin about a two months for latent tb. I have been taking tramadol and hydrocodone for many years for chronic back problems. I am now dealing with tremendous back pain I haven't felt for many years. I read that rifampin lessens the effect of opioid medicine. I would like to complete the 4 months but this pain is unbearable. Anyone else dealing with these issues..thanks in advance

[JamisonTF]

I would contact your specialist, or consult with whomever is overseeing your treatment immediately.

[Milo0413 in reply to JamisonTF]

Thanks for the reply..have a call into rheumatologist..I wouldn't even been taking rifampin if it weren't for a blood test I had to take to start methotrexate for arthritis so goodness only knows how long I have carrying this latent tb bug around with no side affects. But I get why folks are apprehensive..it's just a 10 percent chance of getting active tb or start this serious drug with its side affects and maybe why completion rate isn't always 100 percent.

[Glosboss]

As someone who has had active TB (twice) I think I should say that whatever you do, don't stop taking the treatment without talking to your consultant. He might be able to give ethambutol instead of rifampicin and that might solve your problem. I didn't have any issues with rifampicin but I wasn't on any other meds. Good luck!

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi Milo0413, I am sorry to hear of the pain you are in having begun treatment for latent TB. As well as talking to your TB consultant, you may want to talk to a pahrmacist about the drug interactions - they are truly the experts in this field.

You are correct that for most people the chance of reactivation of latent TB is reasonably low, but if you are taking immunosuppressive medications this would increase your chance of reactivation. Again, your TB consultant or a pharmacist are the bext people to confirm all this.

Good luck with it all.

Best wishes,

Helen

[rosegardens]

Hello Milo,

Hope your treatment is going well! I have exactly the same situation: I have an autoimmune disease I was going to start Methotrexate, and screening showed I had Latent TB. I'm now deciding on treatment options Rifampin vs Isoniazid? Wondering which is more tolerated? I do tend to have a bit of a drug sensitivity.. I worked in hospital many years as a social worker.

Have you finished your treatment?

Do you have any advice for me please?

Thank you

Take care,

Sue