posted
I have been taking rifampin for about 4 months now and had to slowly work my way up to the full dose. It's potent stuff! I have been on full dose for almost 2 months now....
My question is I came down with the flu and was sick for 2 days. I couldn't even think about downing abx! I read something about never ever skip your dose of rifampin! Am I doomed? Now I'm totally freaked out!
Posts: 33 | From Southern Indiana | Registered: Feb 2013
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posted
oh wow...im scared as well about that - I missed 5 days of it once....is it really so bad?
Posts: 47 | From new york | Registered: Jul 2013
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WPinVA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33581
posted
I don't think you're doomed. I missed a lot of doses here or there for similar reasons.
And my LLMD had me pulsing it so he clearly didn't buy into that.
Posts: 1737 | From Virginia | Registered: Aug 2011
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Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
You're not doomed. I had to stop rifampin for a week and start back up (because of a health issue unrelated to Lyme).
Stopping the rifampin for a week while I dealt with this other thing was my LLMDs advice.
It's not a big deal. Just start back up again.
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
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gmb
Unregistered
posted
I too agree, This is my second round with Rif and other combos. Stuff happens and you have to take breaks, (ie elevated liver enzymes, bad herx, or simply treatment fatigue).
While its best to maintain a consistent dosage in your systems, skipping a dose, or skipping for a few days occasionally should not be an issue.
I think that where this comes from is that it is not OK to pulse Rifampin like you can with other ABX during treatment.
Also most ABX instructions do say to never skip a dose and always finish the script even if you are feeling better. This comes from the fact that most ABX are prescribed for 10 to 30 days max, not like for months at a time the way we need to treat.
beths
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 18864
posted
If you see under the advice for AIDS patients with TB, it says skipping a dose of rifampin can cause flu-type symptoms. I think this is where the "don't skip a dose" comes from. Many LLMDs pulse it...so who knows!
Posts: 1276 | From maryland | Registered: Jan 2009
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canefan17
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 22149
posted
The issue is with resistance if I recall. Which is why LLMD's don't ween you off abxs... they have you stop cold turkey.
My Doc even told me don't even ween off of an abx. Just stop it.
Resistance issue makes sense to me.
Posts: 5394 | From Houston, Tx | Registered: Aug 2009
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posted
Thank you for all of your knowledge! I appreciate this board so much!! Posts: 33 | From Southern Indiana | Registered: Feb 2013
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gmb
Unregistered
posted
Ramping up is recommended for most ABX and Herbs. Dr S's Lyme Disease Solutions book recommends 300mg Rif 1x/day for first week, then full dose 2nd week.
Some folks have trouble starting even at 1/2 dose.
posted
Thank you! While we are on the topic of rifampin I have another question. The Full dose seems too strong for me even tho I have been on it awhile. Does anyone have any experience with backing down after trying to tolerate a full dose? I feel so blessed to be able to communicate with people in the same shoes!
Posts: 33 | From Southern Indiana | Registered: Feb 2013
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posted
Thank you! While we are on the topic of rifampin I have another question. The Full dose seems too strong for me even tho I have been on it awhile. Does anyone have any experience with backing down after trying to tolerate a full dose? I feel so blessed to be able to communicate with people in the same shoes!
Posts: 33 | From Southern Indiana | Registered: Feb 2013
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canefan17
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 22149
posted
Rifampin can weaken your adrenals pretty quick - make sure you support adrenals while on Rifampin.
I think the medication clears cortisol at a high rate. Probably has something to do with speeding up phase 1/2 of the liver.
Posts: 5394 | From Houston, Tx | Registered: Aug 2009
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Judie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 38323
posted
rkbb2004 - What do you mean it seems too strong at full dose? What are your specific symptoms?
Posts: 2839 | From California | Registered: Jul 2012
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posted
Insomnia mostly...I have anxiety at night as well. Feel like I keep getting adrinaline rushes while trying to sleep!
Posts: 33 | From Southern Indiana | Registered: Feb 2013
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