After thinking babesia was somewhat under control (yeah right), this past summer I had severe breathing problems which landed me in the ER when things got too bad (which at first was diagnosed as something else).
Then I managed to throw a titer of 1280 on my Igenex Babesia Duncani IGM test a few weeks ago (grater then 40 indicates active infection).
My LLMD thinks it is time to pull out all stops to try to keep it under control. I previously had tested positive for B. duncani, but it was in the low-positive range which indicated a 'resolving infection'. Now to have it come rip-roaring back and throw such a high titer just breaks my heart.
Honestly I don't know if that is possible to get it under control, I just worry b. duncani is just a cruel death sentence of sorts.
Anyways after having a boatload of clindy and quinine in the past, and still ended up here, I was told by my LLMD that it's time to do Mepron. This was not previously done as it being the one thing insurance will not cover, and they still won't - even with such a high positive test. Period.
Obviously Mepron out of pocket is expensive, but at the same time I'll probably be dead if I don't try to combat the Babesia. Obviously years of clindy/quinine and the months of malarone. didn't get it down enough.
Here are my questions:
1) Does anyone have any experience with the 'generic' newly released version of mepron? The price of $875 a bottle is certainly less then the $1400 for a bottle of the band-name.
2) How effective is mepron a few months past the expiration? Yeah, I know its there for a reason, but I have one expired bottle here and it would get me started till I figure something else out. Anyone have experience here? My pharmacist just shrugs and says the date wouldn't be put there if the manufacturer thought it was good forever, although he didn't think it would become toxic like doxy does.
3) Obviously since it's winter now here and there's this nice little disclaimer that it should never be frozen - ordering it from Canada is not an option. Is there anyplace here in the US that will supply cheaper then the walgreens/costco/etc store chains? It could be shipped, it just would have to be via fedex overnight or such where it wouldn't be sitting around forever somewhere and freeze.
4) since I have such a heavy load of Babesia, should I ramp up or just start out at the normal dose?
Posted by joalo (Member # 12752) on :
Buried on page two.
Posted by nonna05 (Member # 33557) on :
Oh my Lord ,you must feel like death walking.
I was given generic once and started itching, but I'm very sensitive to fillers in generic drugs . So I couldn't take it, the pharmacy made the mistake, so they sent me three more reg. bottles. The generic are just sitting on shelf.
Posted by Cass A (Member # 11134) on :
I was on Mepron for 10 months many years ago for Babesia, which resolved it. So, be forewarned that Mepron treatment can go on for quite a long time.
Is your LLMD familiar with Artemisinin? It's a synthetic copy of a chemical from Artemisia Annua that has been found very effective in treating malaria, and is used extensively in Dr. Detrich Klinghardt's protocols for Lyme and co-infections. It's a key ingredient in his "Anti-Microbial Cocktail," which is a lot cheaper to make and use at home than Mepron.
The "cocktail" recipe is updated from time to time. A version that includes Artemisinin is at www.beterhealthguy.com
I'm using an updated version now, which has some different ingredients, but the basic ideas are pretty much the same.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Cass A
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
I did artimesia for 8 months, heavy doses. It didn't make a dent in the babesia.
Malarone and mepron at the same time got the babesia down.
You can get coupons at goodrx.com for mepron.
Posted by Judie (Member # 38323) on :
Oh, and generic mepron was fine for me.
Posted by k84 (Member # 32738) on :
quote:Originally posted by nonna05: Oh my Lord ,you must feel like death walking.
You described how I feel better then I could describe myself. My LLMD says that he has never seen such a high IgM titer of 1280 for Babesia Duncani.
I have started Mepron and Zith (doseages consistant as per Dr. B's 2008 published guidelines).
Been on it now for about a week. Have not had any substantial herx yet, but have felt so poor I don't know if there is any lower to go.
Posted by Maia_Azure (Member # 44330) on :
I was on mepron for babesia duncanni for a month with no effect. I've switched to cryptolepsis.
BABESIA duncanni is fairly drug resistant I'm told. Which seems strange since I didn't think we were aware of this strain until recently?
My insurance covered my mepron fully. Is it common for them to deny it?