I read by chance while doing some searches on the Internet that Dr B said NO Doxycline while on Mepron because it reduces Mepron by 40%?
Why then are some on it with Mepron, I would be quite concerned if I were some of you? What have you got to say about this? being polite of course, what are your LLMD's saying about this?
Have you told them this? No Doxy while on Mepron? Not only is the cost involved it is your life, treatment not as effective if effective at all?
Comments please,
thanks,
Trish
Posted by jkmom (Member # 14004) on :
My daughter has always seemed to decline if she was off from her doxy.
Her new LLMD put her on doxy, mepron, and zith. I asked him about the mepron losing its effectiveness if she took doxy so he had us stop the mepron to see what happened. She did seem to get worse so she is back on the mepron.
I asked her old LLMD about this and he said he wouldn't worry about what studies showed if it was working for her.
Since Sept. when she started this combination, she has been better without relapsing unless we had to stop her meds for a little bit. Before we did this combination, she would get better but then relapse.
Posted by Lymepool (Member # 15827) on :
Unfortunately, "standard protocol" may not work for everyone. Sometimes drugs may need to be substituted due to allergies or other side effects. (My child had allergic reactions to zithromax and also can't tolerate biaxin. )
Tetracyline was the substitute and the mepron was increased to compensate. Therapy is in the third month and seems to be working. (Doxycycline and tetracycline are from the the same antibiotic family.)
Based on what I've read, here and in other websites/protocols/articles, the decision on the drug combo to use, may also depend on the types of coinfections, symptoms, how long infected, patient's age, or strain of bug present.
Unfortunately, many treatment decisions are based on what meds an individual has access to and also what they can afford. (What drugs are approved in your country; health reimbursements; etc.)
Best Wishes for improving health to all in the New Year!
Posted by bpeck (Member # 3235) on :
ABout 50% of the prescription drugs we take (and some other substances) are metabolized through the liver. There are many enzyme pathways in the liver that start this metabolism process.
If you are taking 2 drugs that both use the same pathway, then there are several scenarios that can happen- depending on the pathway and drug(s). It's possible that one drug will not be metabolized properly becuase the other interfers with it, thus making it reach a toxic level.. or in another case, one may reduce the amount of the other drug in the system, thus reducing it's effectiveness.... or yet again they may work synergistically- .
This is why your Doc. better know these interactions. Because- depending on the interaction- you could either get sick- or be wasting your money.
Barb
Posted by Lymepool (Member # 15827) on :
Bpeck's explanation is excellent. It also explains why your LLMD may order periodic lab tests for liver function, kidney function, etc.
Even if an antibiotic regimen works for most people, it may not be the best for a specific individual. Adjustments in dose or a change of drug may be needed to get something that is toxic to the protozoa/bacteria/virus, but not toxic to the patient.