I have been treating Bart for 6 months with rifampin. I feel I've really knocked it down but not eradicated it. Is there really less risk with cipro for tendon issues or are they similar? What are your experiences?
Posted by Jamers (Member # 28016) on :
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Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
nothing good for me. i was on levaquin and after about a month or so could barely walk up stairs.
i tried cipro and had the same effects.
so for me, i tell doctors no levaquin and no cipro.
Posted by Jamers (Member # 28016) on :
Thanks Randibear. I'm terrified of it but want to be rid of Bart. What do you take for Bart now?
Posted by Beagle (Member # 29698) on :
I've read alot about the Levaquin issues and could never take it as I have too many tenden, ligament injuries. But I never saw anywhere that Cipro was as bad as Levaquin. ?
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I would say they're the same. Both are fluoroquinolones.
How about trying Bactrim?
Posted by Jamers (Member # 28016) on :
I'm allergic to bactrim unfortunately. So its not true that cipro has less of a tendon risk?
Posted by randibear (Member # 11290) on :
Cipro is in the same family and yes has the same side effects. Check out askapatient.com
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
I think the risks are the same for either med.
You may consider trying Levaquin first as that is what Dr. B recommends for Bartonella. Factive is another in that class that many here have done well with. These have been 2 of the most helpful antibiotics that I have tried.
Remember that the quinolones can help treat not only bartonella but also mycoplasma, cpn, and other intracellular infections.
Posted by kidsgotlyme (Member # 23691) on :
My husband had problems after taking long-term Cipro for a prostate infection. At the time, we had no idea that these drugs could cause problems.
If you take either one, you just need to be mindful of the issues you need to be looking out for.
I just read recently somewhere on lymenet where it's a good idea to up your intake of magnesium before starting it.
Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
I had no trouble on Cipro, then I ruptured my Achilles tendon on Factive.
You should load up on magnesium and vitamin C to lower the risk of tendon damage.
I would take Cipro again. I'm trying to avoid Factive and Levaquin. Right now, I'm herxing on Rifampin, Doxy, Zith. I like this combo and feel like I'm making progress.
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
Boxer,
That is a good combo. Be prepared at some point to either raise the dose of Rifampin or switch to Myocbutin.
Just a though Bart does develop resistance and it's good to eventually switch it up.
Posted by BoxerMom (Member # 25251) on :
Canefan - Thanks. I will pay attention and change up when the herxing slows down.
Posted by TF (Member # 14183) on :
This website tells you how to take Levaquin--load up on magnesium, etc.
Levaquin is the better drug for bart. Both levaquin and cipro can cause tendon damage, so go for the levaquin but take it as the website advises.
Posted by Jamers (Member # 28016) on :
Thank you all, very much appreciated
Posted by jackie51 (Member # 14233) on :
My llmd gave me Cataplex ACP to take prior to going on Levaquin. Rarely does a patient have tendon problems.
I'll let you know. Posted by Jamers (Member # 28016) on :
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