I got back my Igenex labs and was negative for Ehrlichia (yae!) but had a "weak strain" of Babesia Duncani from FISH test.
Those of you that know me, know I'm treating Bart, as well (Zithro & Rifampin).
My LLMD wants to treat the Babs with Zithro and artemisinin (he said no mepron necessary).
He's also going to want to stop the Rifampin in the next week but I've only been treating the Bart 4 mos. My Fry was clear for Bart 2nd time around but isn't Bart protcol treatment 6-9 mos? I'd like to stay on Rifampin a few months longer.
Anyway, I'm talking to him next week to discuss hormones but I'm going to voice my concern about staying on the Rifampin.
I want to have my facts straight when I approach the topic. I know you cannot do Rifampin with Mepron but:
Is Rifampin okay to take with artemisinin?
Any info would be much appreciated!
As always, thanks for your input.
Posted by Chia Pet (Member # 12399) on :
I just saw my LLMD yesterday and I am going off Mepron, Zith and Septra and ART to Rifampin and Zith.
We are not sure what is really bothering me, Babs or Bart or both.
He did tell me that I can take Malarone with the Rifampin, Zith and Plaquenil (he feels the Plaq will help the Zith and Rifampin work better) if I feel I need it.
So I assume ART is ok. I didn't know I could take Malarone with all of the above.
Posted by Clarissa (Member # 4715) on :
Thanks, Chia Pet!
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
I took Art, Malarone, and Lariam with Rifampin. I was also on mino and Plaquenil.
I think there may be an interaction between zith and rifampin, so you might check on that.
Posted by Clarissa (Member # 4715) on :
Thanks, sixgoofy! I hope zith & rifampin are okay as I've been taking them for 4 mos for Bart.
Or, was your question mark regarding: combo of Zith, Rifampin & Art
When you get a chance...
THANKS!
Posted by sixgoofykids (Member # 11141) on :
Then it must be okay! I was taken off Biaxin when I started Rifampin, so I thought there was a possibility that there was an interaction. Posted by Andie333 (Member # 7370) on :
I take rifampin and artemisinin together and don't seem to have a problem. But I do take them at different times of the day.
Posted by Clarissa (Member # 4715) on :
You guys are awesome...thanks, again! Posted by kman543210 (Member # 14009) on :
I am currently taking IV Primaxin with oral azithromycin, rifampin, and artemisinin. Now I feel like crud and don't seem to be improving, so maybe there is an interaction. Not sure, but that's what my LLMD prescribed.
Posted by Clarissa (Member # 4715) on :
hmmmm...well, I have my phone consult this week so I'll let you know what my LLMD says...
until then,
Posted by psano2 (Member # 11711) on :
I'm taking zith, artemesiae, plaquenil, rifampin, and doxycycline.
Posted by minoucat (Member # 5175) on :
I don't understand the simultaneous prescription of Rifampin and Atovaquone (Mepron and Malarone) -- all the monographs say that Rifampin significantly lowers the level of Atovquone concentrations in the blood.
Unless the Atovaquone dose is high enough that the interacation doesn't matter? Or you take them far enough apart? Did your docs say anything about it?
From RxList.com:
Rifampin: Coadministration of rifampin and MEPRON Suspension results in a significant decrease in average steady- state plasma atovaquone concentrations (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interactions). Alternatives to rifampin should be considered during the course of PCP treatment with MEPRON.
Posted by Chia Pet (Member # 12399) on :
quote:Originally posted by minoucat: I don't understand the simultaneous prescription of Rifampin and Atovaquone (Mepron and Malarone) -- all the monographs say that Rifampin significantly lowers the level of Atovquone concentrations in the blood.
Unless the Atovaquone dose is high enough that the interacation doesn't matter? Or you take them far enough apart? Did your docs say anything about it?
From RxList.com:
Rifampin: Coadministration of rifampin and MEPRON Suspension results in a significant decrease in average steady- state plasma atovaquone concentrations (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug Interactions). Alternatives to rifampin should be considered during the course of PCP treatment with MEPRON.
Interesting. I saw that on the Rifampin insert. Good question to ask the LLMD. I have to assume they have seen progress with the Malarone and ART to warrant suggesting adding it to the Zith. Who knows, maybe something else is at work here, like adding ART and using the Plaquenil. Plaquenil helps the Rifampin work better per my Rifampin insert. Who knows, maybe that is helping the other drugs penetrate better.
Posted by CD57 (Member # 11749) on :
Hey Clarissa, Was curious what your "weak strain" of Babesia duncani from FISH test meant?
Also, a thought. If you're concerned about stopping the Rifampin/Zith combo that you have improved on, consider adding the Buhner bart herbs in its place. These are stephania root, teasal, red root, and bone set. PM me if you're interested. I've been on them, with resveratrol, for about 3 weeks and have herxed, so I know I still have bart.
Posted by Clarissa (Member # 4715) on :
CD57: Sorry, wrong wording. He said (Because I was hastily taking notes)" Tested positive for Babesia Duncani at a low level."
I was totally bummed because that mepron stuff looks gross AND I've been in Bartonella hell, but getting better.
So, he said that I could choose btwn Mepron and high doses of Art. Of course, I chose the Art but I asked, "then why is my Mother on BOTH Mepron and art for HER Babesia (Microti)...he said "it's a different situation." I didn't push it because you know where that path can lead...
Then he said he wanted me to take the zithro every day, WITH the Art ( eventually up to 12 capsules a day) and to stop the Rifampin.
This was after 1 hour of gathering a bunch of info so I was brain dead. Then, when I got off the phone, I thought, I'm not stopping the Rifampin...I've only been on the Bart protocol for 4 mos.
Cut to: My post with my question to try and understand the reasoning for his decision. I've continued with the Rifampin, have NOT started the Art and am going to ask him on phone consult this week about WHY OFF RIFAMPIN? I "thought" that even if tests come back clear, you still pad the treatment for a couple months.
As far as clincal symptoms, I'm better but I was never AWFUL, ya know? So it's hard to say...but, the fact that I'm obsessing about this shows that I'm still anxious and a bit fearful.
I've just worked so hard and I don't want to go off TOO soon (think we all discussed this with disturbedme last week or so).
Anyway, I'm not changing anything until I talk to him again and I understand the reasoning and basis for these particular decisions.
I wish I could just trust but due to my past experiences, I've learned that I have to be my own advocate and researcher when it comes to these TBD's.
Any further thoughts? Do you guys think this is a fair question for me to raise?
Best,
Posted by CD57 (Member # 11749) on :
Yeah, definitely. I think it's really important that you're your own advocate. I think a fair question is something along the lines of "I'm doing really well on bart treatment and since the Burrascano guidelines recommend 6-9 months of treatment, I'd like to stay on it".
Weird, too, b/c if you're not going to be taking Mepron for babesia, why can't you stay on the Rifampin and do Zith and art with it?
(Don't mean to put words in your mouth! )
Posted by Clarissa (Member # 4715) on :
CD57: Great minds think alike...I'll keep you posted regarding my LLMD's answer.
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