posted
I had a question about taking Malarone, Ceftin and Levaquin while on Coumadin.
I was in the hospital for a few days because of a blood clot that formed when my PICC line was removed (there was trouble removing it, it was stuck for 24hrs for unknown reason).
They sent me home with coumadin 6mg, and Lovenox shots.
I saw my LLMD a few days after and was prescribed ceftin, levaquin and malrone. I haven't been on antibiotics for 2-months for the first time in 2 years. I kept the PICC line in to administer magnesium and glutathione but ran out of funds. I have had a major increase in symptoms especially nuerological and heart palpitations/tachycardia.
My question is has anyone had any experience with coumadin and antibiotics? Any reason I shouldn't take them together or what to watch out for? I really need to hit babesia and can't wait. Thanks
-------------------- Lauren777 Posts: 32 | From Stockton, CA | Registered: Mar 2011
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How scary for you! You've been through the wringer with your pic line and then a blood clot. Being on a blood thinner can be really unnerving.
I am currently on Coumadin for blood clots on my lungs. Unlike you, I don't know where mine came from, but I speculate it was from sludge from killing off lyme, babesia, bartonella.
I was told by my hematologist to continue my antibiotic schedule.
Personally, I feel a little bit safer taking coumadin while doing my babesia antibiotics. If it was the debris from the antibiotic kill that backed up in my blood that caused the clot, then the coumadin will help my blood not clot as easily.
Now this was initially speculation on my part, but my primary physician didn't think I was crazy for thinking this way and an oncologist I spoke with said that anything 'extra' in our blood can cause blood to clot.
However, since I am not a doctor, I will defer to your doctor and pharmacist for final say in the matter.
Hugs!
Edessa
Posts: 138 | From Eden Prairie, MN | Registered: Dec 2011
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I'm so sorry to hear about the blood clots in your lungs. It is very scary knowing you have a blood clot. Thankfully you figured it out and were put on the coumadin! I know my blood is thicker according to a test I had awhile back. I heard that long term infection can cause this?
It makes me feel a lot better to hear you are still treating with antibiotics while on the coumadin, with no issues I hope. My LLMD said it was fine. I just worry about thinning my blood out too much because I'm just starting and I heard antibiotics with coumadin can off set your INR?
Thanks for responding! Take care
-------------------- Lauren777 Posts: 32 | From Stockton, CA | Registered: Mar 2011
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I keep close tabs on my INR. And yes, there are a few antibiotics that can throw off your INR numbers.
Two I know about are Rifampin and a popular non-antibiotic, Diflucan, can lower your INR numbers. I recently did a short 1 week pulse of Rifampin and it did lower my INR, but not low enough for them to have to change my dose.
As for making your INR higher, I haven't heard of any antibiotics that do this so far, but then I haven't done any in-depth searches for this information either.
If you change any of your antibiotics or herbs/vitamins, make sure you tell your doctor. You may have to have your INR checked more often for awhile, just to be sure that your numbers are staying in a 'thinned out' state.
It is good that you are concerned, that means you will stay aware. If anything changes from your normal physical state, like you feel 'off' or you feel that something just doesn't feel right - do not hesitate to call your doctor or even go to the emergency room to get checked out.
Hugs!
Edessa
Posts: 138 | From Eden Prairie, MN | Registered: Dec 2011
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