posted
I had a follow up appt today with my LLMD and told him I'm still not making progress. He hasn't tested me for coinfections yet, but believes I have them because of symptoms and lack of improvement.
He has prescribed Artesunate and said it goes intracellular and will help kill coinfections. I'm to take it 4 times a day for 6 weeks along with my Amox, zith, and flagyl.
Anyone have an info on this drug? I've never heard of it before.
He also prescribed a week worth of Diflucan for suspected yeast... my tongue burns and is slightly white on the back.
posted
I didn't know we could get that drug here in the U.S. But yeah it's one of the best drugs available for malaria and babesia. It's synthesized from artemisinin which is extracted from artemisia annua. It's been used all over the world, but drug manufacturers have managed to keep it out of the U.S. to prevent fair competition.
Posts: 499 | From Indiana | Registered: Oct 2007
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btmb03
Unregistered
posted
I was under the impression that CFS specialist Dr. Paul Cheney's recent e-newsletter series mentioned 'artensunate' as part of his treatment protocol but I might be mistaken.
I only bring this up as apparently he states that adding artensunate has helped a number of his CFS patients. I don't subscribe to his newsletter, I get info from time to time thru a friend.
Sorry couldn't answser your question but it seems quite effective especially given the meds you're on. Good luck!
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posted
I should clarify: I am currently living overseas in England on hubbys military orders, so got the Artesunate here. My Dr told me it is used to treat coinfections and his assistant told me they are using it to treat XMRV virus as well.
I just took my first pill... I'm supposed to take 4 a day. Hopefully it'll work.
posted
watch out... make sure your liver is ok and your body is detoxing correctly. This stuff creates free radicals which your liver needs to be able to get rid of.
If you are not making progress you should reevaluate your diagnoses and plan.
Posts: 9 | From usa | Registered: Nov 2009
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posted
Dr.Cheney recommends Artensuate Brand called Hepasunate 50 from www.hepalin.com. DIFFERENT from www.hepapro.com. It does NOT have extra added ingredients. 50 mg of artesunate ONLY. I do not know the strength compared to hepapro single or double. If someone could check to compare and post and pm me. Having very bad babesia duncani sypmtoms and just started this product last night. Would be good to have some support. Igenex babesia duncani positive 1:20. LLMD won't treat or retest as not high enough. Shaking chills headaches night sweats, pain left side, exhaustion, insomnia, music right side of head, blurred vision, shin, elbow and ankle pain to name only a few.
Posts: 67 | From cape cod | Registered: Aug 2006
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
Thanks for the info!
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- artesunate - or any babesia treatment - MUST be in a combination to avoid resistance.
Cheney is not a LLMD. I do respect his work in the field of cardiac, fatigue and all that goes with that. Now, that brand may well be very good. It's just that babesia treatment is always to be a combination - and even with that frequent rotation,
I don't know if other Rx you mention may also treat babesia but they are not the usual meds prescribed for that. So, check it out.
Now, it may be that your LLMD will see how you do on artesunate and then intends to add to that or otherwise rotate your meds.
I'm not saying that your LLMD is wrong - just encouraging you to ask about what else is intended to be part of the babesia treatment. (The Hepapro brand's combination is a combination for a reason.)
As mentioned above, liver care is important. Any kind of artemisinin, or artesunate is processed through the liver detox pathway, Cytochrome P-450.
Diflucan also requires that pathway be in top form.
Many with lyme have problems with that anyway. Pushing it can create excess porphyrins and that can result in symptoms that can be confused with a herx, but more dangerous.
Hoping you are on good liver support now, like Milk Thistle, ALA, etc. Beta Carotene is excellent to help lower porphyrins.
Topic: TINNITUS: Ringing Between The Ears; Vestibular, Balance, Hearing with compiled links
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[ 01-27-2010, 04:36 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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sparkle7
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 10397
posted
I bet alot of people with CFS may actually have Lyme or a co-infection...
Thanks for the heads up Keebler!
Posts: 7772 | From Northeast, again... | Registered: Oct 2006
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btmb03
Unregistered
posted
kareamber - Is there a reason you're not on Malarone or Mepron? Just wondered. I'm seeing one of the 'top' LLMD's and bc I cannot tolerate the anti-malarials at least right now, he's given me Artemesinin along w my macrolide.
I think you'll be alright without an anti-malarial since you're on Zith. Wow, powerful combo, esp if you take the Zhang's Artemesia.
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