I have been back to my doctor today and am starting Rifampin. I have heard people mention that i should start slowly. What do people recommend?
Combining with amoxyl. Was taking doxy, but coming off that now as I have just started to notice the start of a tiny hint of teeth discolouration (eek!) Only I can tell though, but glad I got it early.
Also, what should I expect? I have heard people talk about it being tough.
Thanks
Kelly
Posted by CraigC (Member # 13732) on :
I can only speak for myself of course, but Rifampin has been no trouble for me. The only thing that took getting used to, was how it discolors the urine and stool [sorry for the graphic detail, but it is necessary]. My blood work has shown no elevated liver enzymes from its use.
I'm not sure if it has been a benefit, since I still remain with the same symptoms; however, every antibiotic I've been on, hasn't produced any reduction in my symptoms. I've now been on Biaxin, Doxy, Omnicef, Rifampin, and Flagyl. Flagyl was just started this past week, so I've been on it the least amount of time, followed by Omnicef next [2 weeks]. I've been treating for a total of about 9 months now. No worse, but no better either.
Posted by steelbone (Member # 14014) on :
was very easy for me to take...but didn't due much for me...but no abx have done much for me...u should be fine giving it a shot
Posted by nancyb (Member # 10154) on :
Rifampin and Zithro were the winning combination for both my daughters!
They had no issues or side effects at all. Their dosage was 250mg/day of Zithro and 300mg/day of Rifampin. It took 1 year for my oldest to finally kill the Bart and my youngest is on month 8 and is at the 99% mark.
You may find that it takes awhile for an improvement to be seen. A few weeks went by without either a herx or improvement in my girls but then they started to improve by leaps and bounds.
Contact lenses can't be worn as they will become stained as well.
Good luck!
Posted by Geneal (Member # 10375) on :
Rifampin has been one of my tougher meds.
Wish my experience was like everyone elses, but....
It gave me the worst leg cramps, foot cramps, bladder cramps, etc.
Especially at night.
The orange pee-pee was a big hit with my kids.
I hope to not do rifampin again.
Hugs,
Geneal
Posted by granniela (Member # 17134) on :
When I started Rifampin at the full prescribed dose I felt awful less than 24 hours later.
I kept going for 3 days with nausea, stomach ache, fever, diarrhea and aches then decided on day 4 that I couldn't live on the bathroom floor anymore--even if the tile did feel good to my feverish body.
Went off Rifampin for a week and actually felt like it had done some good so with approval of my provider, started back at half dose for one week then went full strength from there. I'm still on it.
Aside from stomach ache the first few days it's not been a problem the second time around. And I'd do it again to get the improvement. But I'd ask the doc/nurse about starting easy and ramping up if I had to do it again.
Bear in mind this is just one woman's experience and the usual: "I'm not a doctor."
Grannie
Posted by joysie (Member # 11063) on :
Rifampin and zithro was a great and easy combination for me. It was the first thing that made a significant dent in some of my most bothersome symptoms. Good luck Kris
Posted by kellyb2411 (Member # 15467) on :
What is the best dose to start on? 300mg/day or is this too much?
What is best time to take?
Posted by Marcie (Member # 10070) on :
I just started Rifampin today. I am supposed to take 2-300mg pills once a day. I am taking it along w/ Biaxin. I am starting off with 1 pill
for at least a week to see what happens then I will work up to two. Not sure if I have bart or not, just going to give it a try and see what
happens. I do have some symptoms that could be bart like the burning on my feet. Let us know
how it goes w/ the rifampin. I am nervous about starting it too. I never know what will happen starting something new. Marcie
Posted by kellyb2411 (Member # 15467) on :
Hi Marcie,
I'm the same - not sure if I have bart, but my worst symptom is anxiety, plus tinglig - mainly in feet & lower leg and I also have really bad foot tingling/pain when I first step out of bed in the morning.
I am doing same. Starting with one pill a day. fingers crossed!!
Good luck to you!
Kelly
Posted by IMHisda (Member # 6998) on :
Rifampin was great for me. I took 2 capsules every night (I think). I think you'll feel much better after the initial die-offs. At least I did. Sometimes I wish I could go back on it.
Posted by mojo (Member # 9309) on :
Great timing on this! I am asking for Rifampin on Monday.
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