I’m taking Azithromycin antibiotic long term for the treatment of bronchiectasis. I am now suffering chronic fatigue. Could this be linked?

[Lolndol]

Azithromycin and Fatigue

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Lolndol

I have been taking Azithyromycin 3 times a week as a phropylactic antibiotic for Bronchiectasis for 3 or 4 years now. For me it has not caused chronic fatigue (although I have been hypothyroid for over 45 years and like a lot of Hypo patients I still suffer an amount of fatigue). However, that doesn't mean that someone else wont suffer fatigue. The patient information leaflet lists "sleepiness" under the "Uncommon - may affect up to 1 in 100 people" list

Fatigue can be caused by other things which may be worth looking into. Maybe ask your GP for tests:

Underactive thyroid

Anaemia

Iron Deficiency (a full iron panel not just ferritin)

Diabetes

Heart disease

Also, are you overweight?

Do you suffer sleep apnoea?

Do you suffer from coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity?

Did you know that when taking Azithyromycin it can cause liver problems and regular liver function tests should be carried out? My GP didn't tell me this, I actually found out about it on the British Lung Foundation forum here on HealthUnlocked and when I mentioned it my GP he immediately gave me a form for a test and I now am tested every 3 months.

It might be worth you following the Lung community and maybe ask your question there, there are quite a few members who take Azithromycin long term:

healthunlocked.com/blf