LymeNet Flash: What are the benefits of Bicillin?

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Posted by Dahlia (Member # 17066) on :

I keep reading about Bicillin shots, so seems like lots of people on here are doing them.

What are the benefits of Bicillin vs other abx? Since it is injected, I'm guessing its effectiveness a compromise between orals and IV?

Can anyone give me the pros and cons of Bicillin? I asked my LLMD about Bicillin at my last appointment but he nixed it. However he recently prescribed for another patient of his who also has Lyme, Babesia, and probable BLO.

Posted by Lymeorsomething (Member # 16359) on :

Some will say that Bicillin is comparable to IV abx. I believe Dr. B says this too in his guidelines. One advantage is not having to worry about orals everyday. You can inject either once a week or a few times a week depending on dosing.

Supposedly the injections don't affect the gut as much as the orals in terms of good bacteria die-off.

I'm six weeks in I feel like I've been herxing steadily but no progress. Dr. B says prolonged herxing can happen with bicillin....

I think the shots are easy. I'm not even feeling them anymore. I do them myself.

Posted by David95928 (Member # 3521) on :

With over five years on this board, it's my observation that Bicillin frequently leads to fairly stable remission. At this point, I'm only occasionally symptomatic, mainly with neurolocal symptoms such as vertigo, and cognitive symptoms such as word substitutions. I am leading a normal life.

Posted by Dahlia (Member # 17066) on :

I want "stable remission"! [Smile]

Thanks so much to both of you for the feedback!

So sounds like Bicillin is generally more effecive than orals alone, but the herx is usually intense and longer than most orals? (Also sounds painful with the injections, but I can handle that if I know it's worth it.)

[ 14. November 2008, 02:43 PM: Message edited by: Dahlia ]

Posted by Lymeorsomething (Member # 16359) on :

Yes, I think many notice prolonged herxes while on bicillin. I find it a very easy med...no sides whatsoever thus far.

Initially, you do have to watch for an allergic reaction. In rare cases, penicillin allergies can be very dangerous but I think most people tolerate it well.

As I said, I inject myself with no problems. Once you do it a few times, it's like second nature. You don't have to self-inject though. A nurse or family member can do it for you.