Coartem is usually prescribed as a 3 day course. You are supposed to take 4 tablets in the morning then 4 tablets 8hrs later, next day take 4 tablets same time in the morning then 4 tablets 12hrs later, last day take 4 tablets in the morning same time and 4 tablets 12 hrs later.
Example: Day one 4 tablets at 7am and 4 tablets at 3pm. Day two and three take 4 tablets at 7am and 7pm.
According to my LLMD it is very important to get the timing of the doses right. Also take the tablets with a meal, best if it includes some fat.
Since you are supposed to take a 7day course you will need to clarify with your doctor exactly when and how many tablets to take.
Coartem was like a vacation for me. It cleared all my Babesia symptoms temporarily. Unfortunately they came back after just a few days after finishing the course. So it is important to continue treating after the course to hopefully maintain the results you get.
Good luck.
Posted by cleo (Member # 6646) on :
He said to take 2 in the am and 2 in the pm for 7 days then call the office to let them know how I did. Since it is a 7 day course and I only have 28 pills I guess I have to take it that way. Any other responses? Sammy,
It sounds as if you didn't herx for it. Did you continue treating with it and clear babs?
Posted by seekhelp (Member # 15067) on :
I took two 3-day course over 2 months. A bit helpful first time around. Useless the 2nd. It's no miracle IMO.
Posted by opus2828 (Member # 15407) on :
My LLMD gave me a 7 days course - 2 in the morning and 2 at night everyday.
He said that this usually works better than the 3 day course.
I did get some relief from it but relapsed.
Posted by lyme987 (Member # 22148) on :
I had the same pro tocol as opus. Waiting to take my next 7 day dose.
I'm also on rifampin and avelox-off now for a week to clear out my system, then back to coartem for 7 days, and then back to rimfampin and avelox for my bart and babs.
Posted by blinkie (Member # 14470) on :
Sammy, do you know what strain of babs you have?
Posted by Karen Mc (Member # 23354) on :
My LLMD had me try the 3 day course... I was afraid because of some of the negative things I had heard about it but....I didnt see much difference one way or another...suppose to try another 3 day course.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Hi blinkie, I have a stubborn case of B. Microti.
Posted by tdtid (Member # 10276) on :
I have had many people tell me that they are on a 3 day course. My LLMD started me on 5 days with a two day break before going back to Mepron, Malarone and Zith and then two days off and back to 5 days.
Then after my next appointment he moved it to 7 days on Coartem. I think my very best advice is that I would do it EXACTLY as your doctor is recommending it.
Since I see a doctor in NY, it's possible we are seeing the same doctor which is why we both were on 7 days. I know another NY doctor does 3. I imagine there are pros and cons to both, but I can't stress enough to stick with what your personal doctor has recommended.
If you feel it should be changed, please talk to your doctor regarding your feelings. That Coartem is some killer stuff and pulls a lot out so I hope it works well for you. Hang in there and keep us posted.