posted
Ok so I'm a new to lyme and have had it for years bla bla bla. Just found out two weeks ago on oral meds and starting the IV with no orals on Monday. First my LLMD wrote the prescirtion for 2g twice and day Monday-Thursday for 3 months. Now she changed it to 4g once a day everyday for 3 months. Does that sound right to any of you who have been through this. It seems like twice a day would be better beacause it in continous. I can't get a hold of them tell like after I start the treatment and im confused...
Posts: 56 | From California | Registered: Mar 2010
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posted
Some people can take 4 grams, but I had supposed this would be 2 grams twice a day. So, it would not hurt for you to do it this way since you have never been on IV before. Not sure what you mean by continuous. Is this a pump you are using or saline bag drip?
And some docs don't do it every day, to give the liver a break. Some prescribe actigall to go with the antibiotic.
In your situation, my approach would be to go slower until you can check in with the doc's office.
I am assuming you are a larger person, as in taller, heavier, not short and lightweight.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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Haley
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 22008
posted
Dr. B suggests 4 days on 3 days off, 4 grams a day. 4 grams everyday would be very effective but I would be very careful about gall stones. Which doctor are you seeing? Initials only.
Posts: 2232 | From USA | Registered: Aug 2009
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TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 14183
posted
Here is what Burrascano recommends:
"Treatment with ceftriaxone is dosed at 4 grams daily- given either as 2 grams IV twice daily, or 4 grams slowly once a day, four days in a row each week, usually for 14 or more weeks. Such a regimen is not only more effective in the Chronic Lyme patient, but regular interruptions in treatment lessen the potential complications of intensive antibiotic therapy with ceftriaxone, such as biliary sludging and colitis. Hence a more effective, safer regimen that by virtue of the treatment breaks, is less costly and affords the patient a more acceptable lifestyle. IV access with a heparin lock becomes possible (and preferred)." (p. 16)
Of course, a doctor is not REQUIRED to follow the Burrascano guidelines, but you, as the patient can request to do so.
As Burrascano says, the interruptions are good because it lessens the possibility of biliary sludging (meaning that you would have to have your gallbladder taken out thanks to the IV) and also the possibility of colitis.
I suggest you read the paragraph in context as he describes the study that was done regarding the use of the med in this way, etc.
Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
Thanks for the input here. I am a bigger person 6 ft 4 almost 220. I guess I will call my LLMD and ask why she changed my regimen. I just seems to me like 2g twice a day would not only be more effective but you get a slow steady dose throughout the day. Just hoping my body can handle all this medication.
Posts: 56 | From California | Registered: Mar 2010
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