nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
Good grief. I can't believe the cost of mepron and malarone! This is all out of pocket. What else is there?
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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BackinStOlaf
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23725
posted
- how much do they cost??
-------------------- First Symptom 9/09 Multiple docs, negative Labcorp test LLMD: 1/10 Positive Igenex/CDC test Treatment 2/10 2/10-8/10 Amox, ceftin, zith, flagyl Currently: Bicillin, Minocycline, still dealing with severe breathing issues
Posts: 1121 | From New York, New York | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
i know the mepron was $1200 for 8oz bottle here...$1150 in walmart a few weeks ago......expensive !!
-------------------- Oct 09 Positive CDC Western Blot Jan 10 Positive Babesia Duncani Jan 10 Cd57 28 Mar 10 EBV, IgM, IgG HHV-6 IgG Posts: 739 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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posted
Groovy has a cheap treatment to suggest, contact him or search for his babesia posts. But it can be hard to tolerate.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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MariaA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9128
sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
I dont want to use drugs. I'm using cryptolepsis tincture, Nutramedix Quina, Resveratrol, Noni & some other supplements. I just added a green tea extract with ECEG (or something like that) since someone posted a good article here a few days ago about green tea & babesia.
I'm definitely feeling different! I think it's working. It will probably take a few months to really know, though.
I could be wrong but I think you can do it with herbs. You can also buy artemesia from a bulk supplier & make your own caps. I would add some kind of quinine along with it. I haven't gotten to artemesia since the cryptolepsis seems to be working.
I'm kind of experienced with herbs & I don't mind experimenting.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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The harder you work the luckier you get! Posts: 965 | From Nebraska Cornhuskers fan in Massachusetts | Registered: Dec 2007
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glm1111
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 16556
posted
Agree with steelbone on the salt/c. That's how I treated mine along with antiparasitic herbs. Both are relatively very inexpensive and work.
Gael
-------------------- PARASITES/WORMS ARE NOW RECOGNIZED AS THE NUMBER 1 CO-INFECTION IN LYME DISEASE BY ILADS* Posts: 6418 | From philadelphia pa | Registered: Jul 2008
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seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
Darn Massman, I want to try that. Where's the d##n health pros?
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 95725 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
Thanks for all the suggestions. I am saving the herbal treatments for when I can no longer tolerate the drugs and I have the load down. I have a lot of herbals and will use them until I can get an antibiotic. I have quina, samento, cumanda, resveratrol, andrographis etc. I'll check Buhner's book too.
I am on Bactrim DS (and biaxin) which I did not realize was a babesia treatment. That is good. I will research the other drugs; alina and clindamycin/quinine.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
My doc got rid of my babs with Bactrim DS and pulsed artimesinin. He said this treatment takes twice as long to get rid of babs compared to mepron/zith.
Since I couldn't take mepron/zith, I had to use the Bactrim DS. I was on it nearly a year.
It has been almost 5 years since I completed my lyme, babs and bart treatment and I am still symptom-free, enjoying my life--the same life I had before lyme disease.
So, the Bactrim works. But, take artimesinin with it. I took art 3 days in a row, then 4 days off every week. Take on an empty stomach.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
Which kind of arimesinin do you use? I had some of Zhang's and used it up yesterday. It seems to help as I am not constantly gasping. Maybe I can find more at the health food store. I am glad to know there is something else that will work.
Bactrim DS is one of the best drugs I have used so far. I really felt my bart symptoms diminish in a relatively short time. Bactrim and biaxin are very cheap.
I swear I get better information from people online that have this disease than I do from the doctors! The LLMD I saw last week refuses to give me anything saying she likes to treat Lyme before babesia. I said I have been treating lyme for over two years and bartonella for one year and they are suppressed. Wouldn't it be a good idea to not let this babesia get out of control? She did not repond.
She did not give me the Bactrim DS/ Biaxin combo. In fact, she told me to stop taking it until she decided, in a couple of weeks, what she wanted to give me. Just when I am getting better - I can't stop. I don't want to relapse. It is working and if I just quit, I am afraid it will not be as effective when I start back up again.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
My now famous lyme doc carried the best brand. I just got it from him. Can't remember the name. But, when he was out of it, he had me buy AllergyResearchGroup artimesinin.
So, that is the one I recommend. Doc had me take it 2 times per day.
If you notice "flares" or sick times when you start treating babesiosis, then take the artimesinin to encompass the sick time.
For example, once I started treating with the Bactrim DS, I got sick like clockwork every Friday evening around 7 p.m. This sick time would last until 7 p.m. on Sunday evening every week--48 hours of sick time. Then, it would disappear!
So, the doc had me start taking the artimesinin on Friday MORNING and continue taking it through Sunday evening.
The first weekend I did this, my sick time was reduced from 48 hours to only 6 hours!! It was like a miracle. Just from adding artimesinin! Each weekend, the sick time got less and less.
Lyme doc told me babesiosis has a 7-day cycle and 14-day cycle. I was experiencing the 7-day cycle.
Eventually, my sick time came only every other week--the 14-day cycle. Finally, I didn't have it any more.
Then, you continue treating for at least 2 more months. If it is winter, you continue treating with the Bactrim and art until spring. Do not stop treatment in winter because winter is a stress on the body. You could relapse if you stop treating in winter.
So, I treated about 5 months past my symptom-free point.
Notice that Burrascano says that artimesinin should be added in all cases when treating babesiosis.
Bactrim DS also treats bart is what my doc told me.
I treated lyme first, then bart. I treated babesiosis last. It worked for me.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
Thank you TF. That explains a lot I did not know. I am feeling better which is wierd. I did not have any idea that it came in cycles. I will keep track of how I feel to determine what that cycle is. I will also order some artimesinin.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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Allergy Research Group has two different artemisinin. One is 100mg and the other is 180mg. Do you remember which one you used?
Lymetoo did you pulse yours like TF or take every day?
Posts: 515 | From In His Loving Care | Registered: Apr 2009
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
I used the 100 mg one. I checked the old bottle that I kept.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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nefferdun
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20157
posted
Did you take one pill twice a day? I ordered it from vitacost but I don't remember how many mg.
-------------------- old joke: idiopathic means the patient is pathological and the the doctor is an idiot Posts: 4676 | From western Montana | Registered: Apr 2009
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
One pill twice per day on an empty stomach.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
Thanks TF Posts: 515 | From In His Loving Care | Registered: Apr 2009
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annxyzz
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20404
posted
HELP! How much clindamycin and quinine , and for how long ? I would like to know particulars . Are they hard on Kidneys or bladder ? Does it really work for some ?
-------------------- annxyzz Posts: 1178 | From East Texas | Registered: May 2009
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kelmo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8797
posted
If you don't have insurance you can try Bridges to Acces (is that it?)
Charlie would've said Bactrim.
Posts: 2903 | From AZ | Registered: Feb 2006
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posted
Also, what's the difference between Super Artemesisin and Artemesisin?
Posts: 702 | From North Eastern USA | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
A 60 day supply of Mepron from Walmart was $3363. I only paid $10. I don't have insurance and I fall within the income guidelines that GlaxoSmithKline has for their patient assistance program. My doctor signed me up over the phone and I could go pick up the meds the same day with a voucher.
Well, I would have if WalMart hadn't lost the script and then had to order it because they don't normally carry it...
Anyway, do a search for the Bridges to Access program and see if you qualify like I did.
Posts: 155 | From Texas | Registered: Oct 2007
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posted
Riamet is a 3 day course so a lot cheaper by comparison. You may need two courses.
Posts: 13 | From N.Ireland | Registered: Oct 2009
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posted
My LLMD has me taking the Allergy Research Group Artemisinin as well. (not the super).
He has me taking 2 capules 2 times a day. The container says 200mg but then the serving size is 2 capsules so Im not sure if each capsule is 200mg or 100mg...oh well??
Im also on BacrtimDS everyday and zito --half tablet T-Th-Sat.
He wanted me to swith my plaquenil to mepron but I couldnt afford!!!!
Thanks Smurfymom about heads up on glaxoSmith.... program I will definently check into it.
I will also try to research the info on making your own..although I probably don't have the "sense" to figure it out
Thanks, Karen
Posts: 423 | From Virginia | Registered: Nov 2009
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annxyzz
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 20404
posted
How effective is RIAMET ? Is it expensive?
-------------------- annxyzz Posts: 1178 | From East Texas | Registered: May 2009
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posted
clindamycin and quinine use for no more than a 10 day cycle clindy is very hard on the gut and can cause c diff !
not to mention this combo is a brutal herx !
both times I did it it was rough. thats why most llmds prescribe mepron and zith or malarone and zith.
I would rather pass another 2 kidney stones than go on this med combo again !
Posts: 294 | From sw chicago suburbs | Registered: Apr 2007
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posted
Tindamax can be used for babesia since it is an anti-protozoal. It is also reputed to be an excellent cyst-buster for LD, so you get a double benefit from it.
I am taking it with Cipro right now. This combo has helped me significantly.
The Holley Pharmacueticals company does sell some artemesia products in the US - the website is - http://holleypharma.com/
I believe it's the same company as Cotecxin. I don't know why these products are not available in the US. I for one would like to try them. Babesia or babesia-like illness is not exactly malaria but these drugs may be useful.
This place sells Riamet but it's offshore & I don't have any idea if it's relaible.
Please post if you have any further info about these drugs or offshore pharmacies.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
The Holley Pharmacueticals company does sell some artemesia products in the US - the website is - http://holleypharma.com/
I believe it's the same company as Cotecxin. I don't know why these products are not available in the US. I for one would like to try them. Babesia or babesia-like illness is not exactly malaria but these drugs may be useful.
This place sells Riamet but it's offshore & I don't have any idea if it's relaible.
Please post if you have any further info about these drugs or offshore pharmacies.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
I actually tolerate Quinine/Clinda better than either Mepron/Zith or Malarone. Both of the latter make me really lethargic.
Q/C is probably pretty cheap (dunno though because my insurance currently covers).
Also, I believe Lariam is fairly cheap.
There are also plenty of herbals. Cryptolepsis, Enula, artemisinin, etc. They are surprisingly effective. I've never done crypto on it's own though.
I wouldn't ever do any one thing alone...always combine it with something else, even if you combine it with Biaxin or Zithromax, which at least Zith we know has mild anti-babs effect, so Biaxin probably does too.
Good luck!
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
Are there any alternative antibiotics that can be combined with Malarone/Mepron?
One problem I have is a prescription cap, so even a one month test of Mepron/Zithromax will sort of kill me for the remainder of the year.
But I think I can get Malarone at costco at around a $400/month hit to my cap (if taking 2 daily), but then Zithromax adds another $400... so my cap will get eaten up pretty quickly, even on a non-mepron treatment.
Posts: 584 | From NY | Registered: Feb 2009
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
Coartem (lumefantrine-artemether) is another drug combo with an artemesia derivative. It's actually been approved by the FDA for use in the US.
Apr 9, 2009 - scientificamerican.com Malaria drug Coartem approved in U.S. By Jordan Lite http://tinyurl.com/yh5fnca
Why aren't we taking this? It's about $70 for one course. So what if we have to repeat it a few times? I haven't seen any drugsstores that carry it but we may be able to get it if it's ordered by a drugstore with a prescription.
Why are they prescribing all of these expensive drugs when there are alternatives?
Also, butyrate is supposed to make artemesia more effective...
The treatment of mice with Lactobacillus casei induces protection against Babesia microti infection.
Bautista-Garfias CR, Gómez MB, Aguilar BR, Ixta O, Martínez F, Mosqueda J.
CENID-PAVET, INIFAP Apdo, Postal 206, CIVAC, 62500 Estado de Morelos, México. [email protected] In this study, we report that administration of Lactobacillus casei confers protection to mice against the intracellular protozoan Babesia microti.
Mice treated with L. casei orally or intraperitoneally were inoculated 7 days later with an infectious dose of B. microti. Mice treated with lactobacilli showed significant reduction in the percentage of parasitized erythrocytes (PPE) compared to untreated mice.
When mice were inoculated intraperitoneally with L. casei 3 or 0 days before challenge with B. microti, the PPE was significantly lower compared to untreated mice and there were no differences between treated mice and mice immune to B. microti infection.
When mice treated with live or dead L. casei were compared to mice inoculated with Freund Complete Adjuvant before a B. microti infection, a significant reduction of PPE was observed.
These results show the protective effect of L. casei administered to mice against a B. microti infection and suggest that it might act by stimulating the innate immune system.
PMID: 16170567 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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Rumigirl
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15091
posted
sparkle, Riamet is available in the US now, it's called Coartem. Someone mentioned it above. As with all other tx, it can be very
effective for some, not at all for others. And it can give you a whopper of a herx (not for everyone though). Drug stores can order it for you with an rx.
Posts: 3748 | From around | Registered: Mar 2008
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
Thanks! I'm thinking of asking my doc about it. Seems like it would be worth it to give it a try. It's alot less that the usual drugs.
I could see that the herx would be an issue. Maybe one could start off on a 1/4 pill or something? I'm not sure what form it comes in.
Thanks for the heads up on that one. I going to give it some further thought.
Has anyone tried it? How was it for you & what were your symptoms, how long were you ill?
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
My llmd just prescriped it for me..as we are running out of options for treament and right now mepron is just to expensive for me to consider.
He has be taking 4 tablets twice a day for only 3 days. Apparently it is very strong stuff.
My local walmart sid they could not order it but Walgreens said they could. It's approx 97. bucks for the 24 tablets here.
Posts: 423 | From Virginia | Registered: Nov 2009
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
Thanks Karen! Let us know how it goes.
I'm still working with herbs for now. It may be a good option in the future for me.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
Just been informed by Drug Store that they can not get the Coartem. They called the company that manufactures it and it is on backorder. Dont know what to do now. .
Posts: 423 | From Virginia | Registered: Nov 2009
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
Thanks for getting back to post, Karen.
How about artemesia? I've been taking it with butyrate. The butyrate is supposed to make it more effective. I'm not sure it works for babs but there was a study with artemesia & cancer.
I'm also taking noni & some other supplements/herbs. I've been feeling a sort of malaise. It seems like a sort of herx but I don't know.
I've been treating it for a couple of months this way with various herbs. I was taking cryptolepsis & Quina for a while but it seems like I'm leaning more towards artemesia these days.
I think it just takes time with herbs. Figures that the Coartem is on backorder... I don't know why they make this type of thing so hard to get.
I read somewhere that the military is growing fields of artemesia for it's own use. One would think there would be a large supply... I'm not sure if the artemesia they use in Coartem is synthetic or natural.
I haven't tried any of these yet.
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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GiGi
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 259
posted
Artemesinin is very effective if you use it in a suppository. Use coconut oil and empty the capsules. Use your ideas to form it. Or veggie caps and up you go!
Most of the Ozonated Rizole Oils (I posted about them recently) contain artemisinin. Put it in veggie capsules and use it as a suppository.
google "Dr. Henry Lai University of Washington Cancer artemisinin suppositories clostridium babesia"; you will find some interesting writings. I ran into it recently.
Or put the Ozonated Rizole Oils into grapefruit juice, working up 30-60-90 drops a day. Start slow. Do drink and suppository at the same time. Stool will deliver biofilm and whatever is hiding in it!
If you have a bad and old case of protozoa/babesia/parasites do Alinia longterm.
With parasites one has to become inventive. If you are on any metal detox, that will bring more parasites to light because they house together. As will fungi. Prepare for best elimination, colonics, etc.
Take care.
Posts: 9834 | From Washington State | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
I am treating Babs: bactrim ds 2tab/day, artemisinin 100 mg 3x/day fri-sunday, a minister friend of mine is taking his art tu-thursday so it depends on your schedule. The Babs is a smart parasite and knows when you relax -- that means fewer phagocytes to harm them and time to come out and play. I also take zith and doxy to hit bart and Bb respectively. I am treating Bart, Babs and Bb all at once. Doxy and art are a big downer if taken together for me any way so doxy is m-thur only.
Cost of bactrim 16.50 per 100 tabs at Wmart. Cost of Artemisinin 41.00 for 90, nutricology=Allergy Research Group 100 mg tabs at Vitaminshoppe. But saw them for 32.oo on Amazon - too late.
Beachinit
-------------------- Ideas not advice. Posts: 448 | From Downeast Maine | Registered: Jul 2009
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