LymeNet Flash: Has anyone ever been on IV Merpenem (Merrem)??

This is topic Has anyone ever been on IV Merpenem (Merrem)?? in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

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Posted by scared08 (Member # 14695) on :

Hi,

I'm just curious as I've never seen anyone talk about this med., or heard of it.

I start it via IV next week.

Has anyone else ever been on this??

Thanks!

Posted by tcw (Member # 15698) on :

Out of curiosity, did your LLMD prescribe the Meropenem? The carbapenems seem to be pretty tightly controlled by docs to try to prevent resistance to that class of antibiotics. They seem to be used mostly in hospital settings for medical emergencies.

From what I have read, the carbapenems are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. Is the meropenem for Bb, or some other pathogen?

Posted by scared08 (Member # 14695) on :

Hi,

Thank you for repling!! Yes this is perscribed by my LLMD.

I also read that it is usually only used in hospital settings; that was one of the reasons I was curious if anyone else had ever been on it.

I have Bb, Babesia WA-1 and RMSF, however I think the RMSF was taken care of after being so sick about a month and half when I was first infected. My regular Dr. 18yrs. ago had given me 7 days of Rocephin IM as a 'just in case' tx as they didn't know what was wrong.

My LLMD had told me 3 mths. ago that I needed very aggresive tx as I'm so far advanced. At the same time he said that he would have to start very, very slow.

I came back to edit this post for a couple of reasons; ya know how sometimes you just type and forget half of what you were going say!!!??

I just wanted to add that I have complete trust in and feeled blessed to have my LLDM!! If I have a chance at survival at all, it will be through the Lord and him!!!!

I've just never heard of or seen anyone else on this med, but I have a lot of organ, endocrince, nerve, etc.. damage; a very advanced case that may not be reversable. But he propises to do everything he can. I just didn't want to sound like I'm questioning my treatment at all. I just wanted y'alls expreiences on it----Thanks!!

Any thoughts??

[ 23. December 2008, 04:00 AM: Message edited by: scared08 ]

Posted by scared08 (Member # 14695) on :

Someone----anyone ever been on this or know someone that has????????????????????

Posted by CD57 (Member # 11749) on :

I've heard of it but like Gentamicin I don't think too many folks have been on it. Your LLMD has an ID background and according to rumor seems to know what he's doing.... I would trust him. And let us know how it goes!

Posted by david1097 (Member # 3662) on :

Have'nt looked it up but is sounds like one of the carbipenum family of drugs.
One of the well known Lyme Dr's used to use carbipenems to treat suspected co-infections that did not respond to the more common drugs.

Posted by tcw (Member # 15698) on :

I wish that I had more to offer than positive thoughts. The meropenem seems to kill many bacteria with a cell wall, but the half life is short and I can not seem to find any real information on intracellular penetration.

Starting slow does seem prudent - when those bugs lyse there could be a significant increase of toxins released.

Please keep us posted on your progress with the tx.

Posted by jocus20 (Member # 11576) on :

I will be starting Merrem too in the near future.

I posted a topic on it a little while ago. I didnt get many responses either. Its a pretty new drug and like many said its mainly used in hospital settings. I think my doctor is having good success with it but im not sure.

He really wants me on Merrem next. Im hoping to start the beginning of January. If i fnd more info i will let u know.

Good Luck,

Joe

Posted by lou (Member # 81) on :

Hope it works for you.

You are a newby and probably don't understand that it is not a good idea to link a specific treatment to a specific doctor. OK to ask about the drug. Not OK to say who prescribed it. This is for the doc's protection. Could you please edit your post to leave out the doctor info?

Posted by scared08 (Member # 14695) on :

I really wanted to thank all of you for your replies, I REALLY appreciate it!!!!

I noticed that some of you took the time to research it. That is so very sweet of y'all and thank you so much, also for the support!

My IV was delayed until after Christmas due to a death in the family of the Dr. that will be helping me here due to ins.

I will definitally keep you all posted as it may have great results and work for others!! Jocus20, please keep us posted on your progress, okay!

Thanks again! [kiss]

P.S. Lou, thank you for calling this to my attention, you're right! Sorry for the delay in editing; I haven't been able to get to the comp. until now. [Eek!]

Posted by JKMMC09 (Member # 15795) on :

My LLMD has used Merrem for some patients (not on me). I think he has used it when the patient had allergies/ could not tolerate other IV/oral abx.

Good luck!