1. Community
  2. Chest and lungs
  3. Bronchiectasis

Azithromycin

Posted , 9 users are following.

mo_69
mo_69

Diagnosed about seven years ago with Bronchiectasis after asking to be referred to hospital as sick of just being fobbed off with antibiotics by the doctor. 5 lots at the last visit. CT scan showed bronchiectasis caused by childhood Bronchitis. Kept emergency pack at home but recently different bugs in phlegm so have had to have different antibiotics. Am allergic to Penicillin. Last year had 3 or 4 infections in 4 months so hospital have given me Azithromycin to take alternate days 3 times a week. Have taken twice and have really bad back pain between shoulder blades. Felt a little unsteady the other day was told about side effects of liver and deafness,. Anyone else had any problems. Want to stop taking but frightened.

0 likes, 34 replies

34 Replies

Next
  • Operalyn
    Operalyn mo_69

    Posted

    Hi mo. Trouble is with bronchiectasis is there are limited options. You have to clear the rubbish off your chest by physio or using something to help like a flutter. And if you are infected then antibiotics are the way. Some specialists think that taking azythromycin three times a week helps keep inflammation down and prevents you getting too many infections.

    However this treatment doesn't suit everyone. I got appalling stomach problems so it was decided to discontinue it. I have tried other things too that didn't work.

    Don't be afraid. If you haven't taken many tablets its unlikely your hearing has been permanently damaged. Go and talk to your doctor and ask advice. Lots of people have taken this treatment with good effect - its just that I am allergic to tons of drugs.

    Keep smiling. I've had this thing for over 60 years. Don't let it get you.

    • mo_69
      mo_69 Operalyn

      Posted

      I am quite prepared to try this medication. I also know the list is never ending on all medication. You could frighten yourself. But it was the fact that the Bronchiectasis specialist nurse who gave me these warned me that they could possible affect my liver and I would need regular (6 weekly ) checks on my blood and that it could quite possibly affect my hearing. I take it three consequtive days have only taken two so far but the pain in my back is worrying me.
    • mo_69
      mo_69 Operalyn

      Posted

      Hi I am like you seem to be affected by lots of drugs. Tummy problems etc. It is the devil you know or the devil you don't isn't it
    • RAK
      RAK Operalyn

      Posted

      Hello Operalym, what kind of stomach pbs?i've been taking zythromax since sep 3 times/week but now i moved ito apo-azythromicin since i cant find zythromax, but since then i feel like my stomach is bloating so much every day and my stool is soft, but the bloating is so annoying i am not sure if it's related to the antibio

      thanks

    • Operalyn
      Operalyn RAK

      Posted

      I used to get agonising stomach cramps and diahorrhea. The pain used to double me over. This was when I took it three times a week. I was usually ok by the third day but it would start again the next week. In the end it was decided that the side effects were too miserable for me to carry on. Antibiotics can upset your gut. Some people find live yoghurt helps but I am allergic to dairy products.
  • joy23863
    joy23863 mo_69

    Posted

    I have bronchiectasis for over 60 years and it's a difficult one to treat, Physio is the way to go to keep the sputum from building up in the lungs, antibiotics are a problem and finding one that suits the bug as well as your gut is hard, I find what ever one I,m given it causes tummy upsets, indigestion,blurred vision, ear problems and the list goes on, I always take them on a full stomach and drink yougurt drinks to help with tummy upsets and indigestion. I hope this helps mo, e problem is there are so many bugs it's hard keeping up with them. 
  • miracle_man
    miracle_man mo_69

    Posted

    Hi there. I have copd and bronchiectasis. Used to be on oxygen 24/7 and frequent infections and hospital visits. Was given Azithromycin 5 years ago and soon had a normal life and no need for o2 therapy after been given Azithromycin 500 mgs, 3 times per week. No side effects what so ever. Only side effect is that I need to look for work now. Exercise very important with this illness to.Other meds for copd include Tiotropium seretide 500 mg. Ventolin not much good. 

       Hope this may help you a little. Your back probs could be intergeston or lack of exercise. Yours John 

    • mo_69
      mo_69 miracle_man

      Posted

      I would love to exercise but unfortunately "Arthur Itis" as I like to call it has now made that an impossible task so this doesn't help. Will give these a try and hope I can take them.
    • miracle_man
      miracle_man mo_69

      Posted

      Hi Mo. Sorry for late reply. Good luck with your Azithromycin. Take care. Lots John
    • Margot10
      Margot10 miracle_man

      Posted

      How long have you had copd? How old are you? I just started Azithromycin, had to talk my Dr into it, he won't give me more than 250 mg 3x/week, been on o2 since Oct 2014 and now can't do anything without the o2, I refused o2 for the longest time but then I got urinary retention from the Spiriva inhaler, breathing got real bad and they talked me into the o2. Quit the Spiriva, ventolin doesn't do much good, will try Tiotropium, I also take Symbicort,now starting

      Qvar, not very impressed either. All they want to do is give you more meds, for anxiety, digestion etc.

      In my research I found out that the inhalers harden the lymph fluid in the lungs and that's what worsens the problem, I am trying to find out how to break this stuff up, they say you have to take baby steps so it won't suffocate you. I used to do yoga, now I can't do anything without running out of breath. There is nobody to talk to about all this, as you can tell, lol, I keep trying with herbals and homeopathic medicines. How did you manage to start exercising?

      Thanks for listening

      Margot

  • Operalyn
    Operalyn mo_69

    Posted

    I have had pain in the area you describe mo.  I also get severe stabbing pains in my side sometimes and crampish feelings in the bottom of my ribcage.  I have mentioned them to a Professor at the Brompton who is a bronchiectasis specialist (wish I could see him every time I go!).  He told me lots of bronchiectasis patients get pain in the area of their chest and there is no known cause.  Very helpful I don't think.  But I have stopped worrying at least.
    • michelle_2104
      michelle_2104 Operalyn

      Posted

      I too have stabbing pain in the upper part of chest and was told it is plurecy along with the bronchiectisis. The plurecy doesn't always flair up but when it does it's not easy taking a breath. Whew!  

       

    • mo_69
      mo_69 michelle_2104

      Posted

      I phoned the specialist nurse at the hospital yesterday and told him I did not feel good since taking the Azythromycin Twice  (I have only been taking it for just over a week) I have had pain in the middle of my shoulder blades that has taken the wind out of my sails so to speak. Also a constant nagging pain around my back and middle cannot find a resting place.He doesn't think it is anutything to do with the medication but has told me to stop for a week and see if I notice any difference it not go back on it. Today I feel a million dollars have more life in me than I have for a couple of weeks. Will wait and see what happens but not happy taking that medication.
  • thomaschan72383
    thomaschan72383 mo_69

    Posted

    This I feel is. Quite a miserable. Condition  diagnosed 7 ears ago never smoked   Found air conditioning flares the complaint up been on several antibiotics have now pains in the shoulder  blades like yourself , this year my worst year had test for TB clear my  voice has changed. This year has gone very high I am taking Manuka honey . the cough has been Cronic this year , now on steroid tablets for 1 week the cough has eased up  have stopped danceing. And look ok on the outside but the inside  is wearing out , this condition is also miserable for your partners they  Don't know a cure , keep doing your mucus test to get the right antibiotics I wish you  to be better in the future.
    • Operalyn
      Operalyn thomaschan72383

      Posted

      It is miserable I agree and I ve had it all my life almost. There's more help now than there than there once was. Its natural to get down now and then. My motto is to enjoy the good days as much as you can. Keep up with your treatment and get some resr. And ignore it whenever you can!!
    • mo_69
      mo_69 thomaschan72383

      Posted

      I hate that I cannot wear perfume or use any kind of spray polish or air fresheners. My hubby has to use his anti perspirant out of the way of me. The damp weather or wind stops me venturing out too much too. Hate the restrictions this brings Like you say people say you are looking well and I reply you should see the inside!!

       

Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.