Topic: Just to be sure, anything I should NOT take w/ Mepron?
17hens
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 23747
posted
Just to be sure, since I always seem to forget things lately, is there anything on this list that I should not take w/ Mepron or shoud be rearranging in my schedule?
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You might consider shifting the andrographis to
7 am - with Sam-E
2 pm - with magnesium
10 pm - with night stuff (although that is a bit close to probiotics)
I suggest this to keep it an extra hour away from mepron. Andrographis is liver support and it's just good to keep it at least two, rather than one hour apart.
If you wake up in the middle of the night or early am you can take andrographis then, if you like.
I assume you've taken this already and gotten used to it. If not, there would be special instructions about that.
Andrographis only lasts about 8 hours in your body, so it needs to be taken 3 x a day for full liver support. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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lululymemom
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According to Dr. S. in his book states that CoQ10 and Vitamin E should not be taken with Mepron. CoQ10 interferes with the action of the Mepron.
Bartonella henselae 1:100 Posts: 2027 | From British Columbia | Registered: Jun 2010
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TF
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Member # 14183
posted
Add alpha lipoic acid to the list also.
From Dr. S's book:
"The second precaution concerns the use of supplement doses of coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, and vitamin E while on atovaquone. These should not be used while taking atovaquone because they are all fat-soluble antioxidants that tend to neutralize the pro-oxidant effects of atovaquone against Babesia."
Check the ingredients of the supplements you are taking. Vit E and CoQ10 are in quite a few things.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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17hens
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posted
Oh, so glad I asked! All much appreciated!
I'll go check the ingredients on my bottles and rearrange my schedule.
Thank you!!
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
That's interesting. My LLMD did not mention this to me last week and I'll be starting mepron in a week. I am on CO Q10 and ALA.
Posts: 618 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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17hens
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posted
The only thing my LLMD said was to take it with fatty food. What would I do without you guys?
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
just to confirm, from llmd...no COQ10 with mepron. Also have read this in other places.
Posts: 28 | From ri | Registered: Oct 2009
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posted
17hens, my LLMD knows all of my supplements that I'm taking and there was not one word on needing to stop COQ10 while taking mepron when I saw him last week. I am going to call to confirm tomorrow just in case he forgot to mention it to me. He did say to take with fatty foods. I'm assuming he does not believe it is a concern. He is considered one of the best lyme docs, so I believe he would know.
In addition, I just read this on a different well-known LLMD's blog:
A lot of theories seem to float around in the land of Lyme and then become woven into the fabric of the paradigm. DON'T TAKE Q10 IF YOU ARE TREATING BABESIA! Is this right? First of all, does coenzyme Q10 work? Apparently it does. It is even mentioned in lectures at Harvard as possibly effective for a variety of conditions. It's efficacy in heart failure is pretty well established. It works in the mitochondria of the cell. This is the cell's power house which generates ATP- energy- through the KREBS cycle. It appears to help cells produce more energy. Patients taking the supplement claim they have increased energy and less fatigue. By the same token, creatine- which I previously discounted- of weight lifter fame, may also improve energy by providing a vehicle for storing ATP.
Atovaquone- Mepron and Malarone also appears to work through a mitochondrial mechanism. It interferes with electron transport- the final stage of the KREBS cycle necessary for cellular energy production. This is considered a possible mechanism of action. It does not involve the coenzyme Q10 pathway. And even if it did, it inhibits an enzymatic conversion in the cell. It's effect would be independent of the amount of Q10 present. And furthermore- there is nothing to suggest that oral Q10 supplements would have any way of getting into bacterial mitochondria.
Q10 and Mepron both have effects in the mitochondria of cells. That is all they have in common. They work on different cellular mechanisms. If Q10 is an effective supplement for Lyme symptoms, then there is no scientific rationale for stopping it when anti-Babesia therapy is prescribed.
Posts: 618 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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TF
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Member # 14183
posted
If the above quote is from the LymeMD blog, just realize that that particular doc is just learning about lyme disease.
He just started treating it about 2 1/2 years ago as he got a few lyme patients. He has a regular medical practice.
The doc who says NOT to take CoQ10 has had a strictly lyme disease practice for at least 8 to 10 years that I know of.
The source of info is just as important as the info itself.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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lymednva
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posted
Dr. B suggests no Co-Q10 or ALA in his treatment guidelines. In a presentation for SE PA Lyme he said, "tetracyclines (TCN, doxy, mino) are NOT compatible with atovaquone.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
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posted
My LLMD does not mix Rifampin or Doxy with Mepron.....says they lower the blood levels of mepron.
Posts: 250 | From canada | Registered: Oct 2007
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seekhelp
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Member # 15067
posted
Strangely, the LLMD I see is considered one of if not the best in the country. They have no problem Rxing Mepron/Malarone with ALA>
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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posted
Doxy has no god or bad effect on mepron ore malarone. CoQ10 Resveratrol ALA decrease effect of anti babesia medication it has to do with reactive oxygen species mepron increases this on babesia and kills it.CoQ10 resveratrol ALA green tea decrease them.Rifampin increases enzymes on the liver and decreases amount of mepron as also a lot of other medication.
Posts: 482 | From Nebraska | Registered: Feb 2010
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posted
I specifically asked my Burrascano-trained LLMD about taking ALA with Mepron, and was told it was ok. No CoQ10, but ALA should continue.
I take about 900 mg. of ALA/day. Should I stop ALA?
Posts: 964 | From san diego | Registered: Oct 2009
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17hens
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Member # 23747
posted
So you guys are saying...
I haven't started the Resveratrol, so I shouldn't take it until after Babesia treatment
and I should quit the CoQ10
and I should probably not be taking the Rifampin w/ Mepron?
I'm only taking 1 tsp of Mepron in am and pm so it's not like I want to risk decreasing its effects.
Sheesh... I was excited about this combo.
Is the Bactrim OK with the Mepron?
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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17hens
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OK, I just did a search on Drug Digest, put in my 4 abx and it says -
---------------------------------- RIFAMPIN (in Rifampin Capsules) may interact with TRIMETHOPRIM (in Bactrim DS Tablets)
Rifampin may cause trimethoprim to be broken down at a faster rate than normal. As a result, blood levels of trimethoprim could become too low and this could make the drug less effective at fighting an infection. If trimethoprim and rifampin are used together, your doctor may want to monitor you closely to make sure that you are not experiencing any problems. Your doctor may also consider switching to a drug that is similar to trimethoprim, but that is not as likely to interact with rifampin. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.
This interaction is poorly documented and is considered moderate in severity.
and...
AZITHROMYCIN (in Azithromycin Tablets) may interact with ATOVAQUONE (in Mepron)
Although the exact cause of this interaction is not understood, atovaquone may decrease the effectiveness of azithromycin. It appears that while no special precautions are needed, if these drugs are used together your doctor should monitor your response to azithromycin and adjust your therapy if needed.Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.
This interaction is poorly documented and is considered moderate in severity. ----------------------------------- so now what?
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
sorry, did not mean to suggest the above lyme doc blogger (yes,this is from LymeMD) is correct regarding Q10 and mepron. I just happened upon it last night and was wondering what to do when I start mepron, as it "sounds" like he knows what he's talking about and my Dr. didn't mention anything to me about this. Not sure if LymeMD is correct or not, but Q10 has really been helpful for me, so I don't want to stop taking it if I don't really have to.
Waiting on my LLMD's office to see what they say, as I trust him as a source.
Posts: 618 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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17hens
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Don't be sorry, jwall. That's the way we get our info, by reading. And that link is a good one to read.
I like CoQ10 too, so I know what you mean. I'll miss it too. i have heard on here a few times not to take CoQ10 and I thought it had come from Dr. B. but Dr. S. would certainly know about that too, so I'll say goodbye to CoQ10 for now.
It's so hard to keep everything straight, and just when we think we know it, it changes. That's why I appreciate you all so much.
We'd never stand a chance alone, but together, we'll figure out the mysteries of this disease and its treatment too.
If I may ask another question, does anyone see where I could condense my daily protocol? It's been hard, just in these 2 days, keeping track of 9 times to swallow pills thruout the day.
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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posted
From Dr. J's (DC) office - no CoQ10 on mepron days. On non-mepron days, CoQ10 is alright. I am pulsing antibiotics, so I can continue CoQ10 4 days/week and 9 days at the end of my pulsing schedule. My husband said he mentioned this, but I must have been in another world b/c I don't remember him saying this at all!!!
I take ALA too though...and I forgot to ask about this. What about NAC??
Thank goodness I read this post!!!!
17hens, I am swallowing pills all day too. It is hard to keep up for sure.
Posts: 618 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
For those of you interested, p. 28 of Burrascano Guidelines:
"3. CO-Q10- required, but do not use while taking the prescription drug atovaquone (Mepron, Malarone). [This is in BOLD in the original document.]
Deficiencies have been related to poor function of the heart, limitations of stamina, gum disease, and poor resistance to infections. Heart biopsy studies in Lyme patients indicated that they should take between 300 and 400mg daily. I recommend the Co Q-10 from Researched Nutritionals. One caplet contains 400 mg, so the dose is one a day with food.
4. ALPHA LIPOIC ACID (required) This facilitates entry of CoQ-10 into mitochondria. Dose is 300 mg twice daily. Generic is OK."
My guess is that since you can't take CoQ10 with mepron, the alpha lipoic acid is not needed. It is being taken to facilitate the CoQ-10, per Burrascano.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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17hens
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OK, my LLMD just returned my call. When I asked him about the Rifampin w/ the Mepron, he said, "You're right, you're right, rifampin decreases the mepron and mepron is too expensive to mess with that. Stop the Rifampin and the Bactrim and just do Mepron w/ Zith. Good call!"
I love this man. So humble. Really, how many doctors would respond in such a kind way?
He said he knows that Dr. H. has a combo for treating Bart & Babs at the same time and he'll check it out over the weekend. And if I feel my Bart symptoms coming back (which I will) call him on Monday for the new scripts.
Well, that answers my question about that. Thanks, guys, for the head's up!
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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17hens please let us know what your doctor is giving you to treat bartonella and bab? thanks a lot ann
Posts: 21 | From NE | Registered: May 2010
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17hens
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pming you
-------------------- "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalms 73:26
bit 4/09, diagnosed 1/10 Posts: 3043 | From PA | Registered: Dec 2009
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