posted
Just returned from my LLMD appointment today. I have been on Biaxon and Mepron since June; however, having a difficult time with it, insofar as I am not feeling all that much better.
I have 2 weeks worth of Biaxon left and having difficulty with getting the script filled due to Biaxon being back ordered until October. LLMD wrote script for generic Biaxin; same result-none to be found!
Therefore after the 2 weeks combo of Biaxon and Mepron I am to switch to Mepron/Rifamin.
LLMD does think that "the not feeling" (herx?) may be indicative of the Biaxon/Mepron working and therefore wants me to continue and use the remaining 2 weeks worth and see how I feel...
If not better than switch to Mepron/Rifamin combination (after appointment went to pharmany and they cannot fill Biaxon script so I guess that makes the decision to switch to Rifamin).
I also did "well" on Rifamin previously when I was on it, along with Penn V and Biaxon, for 5 months.
I have read the postings about not using Mepron/Rifamin at the same time; discussed with LLMD and although it's not his usual recommendation he wants to try it since I have almost exhausted every other combination.
Insurance company will not cover Zithromax/Azithromycin or IV
Any thoughts would be most appreciated!
Warm regards, p.
Posts: 119 | From New York New York | Registered: May 2010
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My LLMD did say that is somewhat unusual for him to recommend the Mepron/Rifamin combination; however, he wants to try it since I have almost exhausted every other combination.
Have tried to find Biaxon and/or its generic form in NYC; no luck.
After reading the above mentioned post I am nervous about the Mepron/Rifamin combination.
Posts: 119 | From New York New York | Registered: May 2010
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Sammi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 110
posted
You could call your pharmacist to verify that Rifampin interferes with Mepron and then call your doctor to see if he realizes how much it does.
Posts: 4681 | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
It took a year for me to be finished with my Babesia treatment, which was Mepron and Zithromax.
I was also taking Amoxicillin.
Not much changed in that year, but certain symptoms went away and never came back.
Just please, remember this is at least a 4 year journey, and it is not automatic! It takes a long time to get better.
When I started, I thought that I would be better in one month! I thought by sheer will and determination, I would be better.
Ha ha! what a joke that was.
Yes, in the first month of treatment things got better.
Now after a almost 2 years, I am left with just severe pain, that is my only symptom. I had a list of 30 symptoms when I first went to the LLMD.
I did test positive for Bartonella. IT took about 4 months to treat Bartonella with Rifampin and minocycline.
My LLMD is very methodical, so I made sure that I didn't whine and complain. I trusted his expertise.
Now after almost 2 years, he is ready to put me on I.V. antibiotics to resolve the last symptom of pain.
I am in the process of trying to get I.V.
I hope this gives you some more answers.
WIth my treatment, the changes felt so small, and insignificant for months and months at a time.
I was glad that my doctor wasn't changing things all the time. Looking back , I see how wise that was.
I have gotten so much better.
IF I was going to advise any Lyme patient, I would say, stay on Mepron for a year, stay on Rifampin for 4 months, and stay on high oral doses of antibiotics for 3 years!
AT least!
-------------------- I am not a doctor. I have no clue. Posts: 606 | From somewhere out there | Registered: Sep 2009
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I had been on Rifampin/Penn V/Biaxon for @ 5 months and then was found to have a yeast infection in my ears.
As a result I went off everything for @ months. That is when the decision was made to start on Mepron/Biaxon, which I have been on since June.
I was feeling somewhat better on the Rifampin/Penn V/Biaxion and therfore, since I cannot get Biaxon script filled due to it being back ordered my LLMD dcided to have me try the Rifampin with Mepron.
I have enough Biaxon left for another 2 weeks I have Mepron and will hopefully be able to be have it refilled. So far, that has not been a problem).
Maybe I will find Biaxon within the next 2 weeks and thus not have to go with the Rifamin with Mepron.
Maybe I will call LLMD for reassurance about the Mepron Rifampin combination in 2 weeks before I start it.
I realize there is no quick fix with this. And I do admit, at times, I become impatient and irritable.
My LLMD was hoping that although I am not feeling very well the Mepron and Biaxon are working. Who knows!!!
Thank you again for your response. Warm regards, p.
Posts: 119 | From New York New York | Registered: May 2010
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posted
I will let you know how the Mepron/Rifampin combination is working when I start it in @ 2 weeks (if I can tell!!).
Last time when I started taking Rifampin I had one of the most severe migraines I have ever had. Fortunately, I only had it for one day and then did not have any further problems with Rifampin.
Will see what happens...as you said, Who knows??
Thank you again for you response and support.
I truly appreciate it.
Warm regards, p.
Posts: 119 | From New York New York | Registered: May 2010
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posted
Finally found a pharmacy that would fill my prescription for Biaxon; and thus will continue on the Biaxon and Mepron fro another moth.
Postponing the Mepron/Rifampin combination for now.
Although, I called my LLMD this morning and he said if I cannot find a refill for Biaxon next month to switch to the Mepron/Rifampin combination.
Best, p.
Posts: 119 | From New York New York | Registered: May 2010
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lymeboy
Unregistered
posted
I have pretty good drug tolerance and Rifampin + Mepron made me miserable. It is hard on the stomach, liver and mind. And I don't know that it is an effective combo at all.
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