LymeNet Flash: UGH! Rejoining my Mepron Buddies

This is topic UGH! Rejoining my Mepron Buddies in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by beachcomber (Member # 5320) on :

Just went to see my MD because I have been getting chills/sweats and tremors. He sighed and said, "I want you back on Mepron tonight". I'm going to ramp up and then in 2 weeks we are switching me to Malarone.

Any advice on how Malarone compares to Mepron?

Am not looking forward to getting back on this med one bit. But, it did get me functional for a while.

Stinking Babs bugs!

Posted by ConnieMc (Member # 191) on :

I hate that crap, don't you? I had the same thing happen as you, and the doctor said the same thing. Back on Mepron. I haven't taken it in about a year, and have been successful with Artemisinin. I am still taking that as well.

Sorry, I cannot answer your question about Malarone as I have never taken it.

Just wanted to tell you that you aren't alone. I share your misery!

Posted by trails (Member # 1620) on :

Welcome back comber!

It has been one month since my ambulance ride to the ER and I am herxing or having flare up in symptoms. Big time. Not on any meds, waiting to move and settle before I restart mepron/zith.

However I still participate in the buddies coz the mepron golden girls ROCK!
And you have added much to our conversations and learning curves over there.

Sorry to hear about your newest diagnosis/ RE-diagnosis. Have you done the artemisin thing yet? I'll be thinking of you!
Trails

Posted by marblenose (Member # 6477) on :

Well I guess I am joining the club. I start on Mepron/zithro tomorrow. Any advice, feedback, insight?
Blessings,
Marblenose

Posted by beachcomber (Member # 5320) on :

Thanks, Connie & Trails. Yup, I hate it too.

To answer your question about Artimisinin, yes, I have been on Art for a very long time. MD kept me on it when I went off the Mepron in Mid-April. But, it just isn't hitting the Babs hard enough. He is a little concerned about what is might be doing to my gall bladder so, I am going for an abdomen ultrasound (again) on Wednesday.

Will keep ayou all posted as to how I do on this round of dizzy meds. Thanks for the support.

Welcome Marblenose. Buckle your seat belt.

Posted by marblenose (Member # 6477) on :

so how do I join this club?
Blessings,
Marblenose

Posted by liz28 on :

Malarone is much weaker than mepron, but also much cheaper. So to match the mepron, you'll have to take a lot more of it. Which mepron dose are you on, how long were you on it before, and how long were you off before your symptoms returned?

I've been on high-dose mepron for eight months along with artemisinin and ketek. I still get a babesia flare once a month. It's okay for now, because my insurance is paying for the mepron, and with the babesia controlled, I can work and exercise. Much healthier than lying around in bed.

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

That's pretty typical for long-standing babs. I had to do many rounds of clindamycin/quinine too.

I took malarone and didn't feel a thing. They call it "mepron-lite"....so make sure you get plenty of it.

------------------
oops!
Lymetutu

Posted by beachcomber (Member # 5320) on :

Thank you for the clarification. MD said he'd like to try Malarone because it may upset my stomach less.

I was on 5 ml of Mepron 2x/day with 500 mg Zithromax, 2.4 units of Bicillin/week and 100 - 200 mg Artimisinin 3 weeks on one off. Zith killed my gut. I was on the Mepron for at least 12 months. I took a break in mid-April because I was quite functional but having tummy troubles. It took 2-1/2 months for all symptoms to return. My MD did warn me that this might happen, as I was not quite symptom free. The break was nice but now I am miserable. So, back on it I am.

I won't try the Malarone if it isn't going to be strong enough. Will meet with Doc in 2 weeks to re-visit the Malarone topic.

Marblenose: All you have to do is swallow a melted yellow crayola and you qualify as a club member.

Posted by marblenose (Member # 6477) on :

Beachcomber,
Well then I guess I'm in...day one over and out!
Blessings,
marblenose