Sue vG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3143
posted
Generic Zithromax was just approved in Nov. so it's new on the market. I just got "slipped" some generic Zithromax on my last order.
The good news is that my copay was $15 as opposed to the usual $89. Is there any bad news?
Is anyone else taking it? I'd like to hear how you're doing on it as compared to the "real" thing. I think I'm feeling a bit dizzy after taking it, whereas the original version didn't seem to affect me at all.
posted
Sue, Could you tell me the name of the company that makes the generic. I have had a terrible run around with Pfizer about the inactive ingredients in Zithromax. Am hoping the generic would be OK for me. Thanks, Cindy
-------------------- Cindy Posts: 227 | From VA | Registered: Sep 2005
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Sue vG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3143
posted
Cindy,
I can't really tell which company makes it. The 250 mg pills I have are the same pinkish-red color as regular Zith. One side of the pill has an angular letter "G" on it and the other side has the number 3060.
Sue vG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3143
posted
Lymester, be sure to let us know how it goes for you. Heather, glad to hear hubby's doing okay!
Posts: 1307 | From TX | Registered: Sep 2002
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
look like this?
What is the most important information I should know about azithromycin? * AZITHROMYCIN is a macrolide antibiotic that interferes with the growth of bacterial cells. It is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. Azithromycin also treats sexually transmitted vaginal or urinary tract infections caused by chlamydia. It will not work for colds, flu, or other virus infections. Generic azithromycin tablets are not yet available.
What is azithromycin? * There is a possibility of rare but very serious reactions to Zithromax, including angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, and neck that impedes speaking, swallowing, and breathing), anaphylaxis (a violent, even fatal allergic reaction), and serious skin diseases. If you develop these symptoms, stop taking Zithromax and call your doctor immediately.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking azithromycin? * Before taking azithromycin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease. You may not be able to take azithromycin, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment. * Azithromycin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. * It is not known whether azithromycin passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take azithromycin? * Take azithromycin TABLETS by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Azithromycin tablets can be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Finish the full course prescribed by your prescriber or health care professional even if you think your condition is better. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
What happens if I miss a dose? * Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose? * Seek emergency medical attention. * Symptoms of an azithromycin overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort.
What should I avoid while taking azithromycin? * Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Azithromycin may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
It works on cell growth might take a little while.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
Sue vG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3143
posted
Tree,
Same shape and color as the original Zithromax pictured, but the markings differ as I described above.
I googled generic azithromycin, and there are at least 4 companies making it, though none of them I saw start with a G.
Posts: 1307 | From TX | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
I started on Azithromycin (generic Zithromax) on Dec. 20 with 1/4 dose, since I was really worried about the herx. After four days I went to 1/2 dose, which I've now been on for 2 weeks.
So far, I've experienced some extra spaciness periodically. The big herx hasn't hit.
So I'm guessing it's too early to tell for me.
Take care.
Posts: 873 | From WA | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
I have a 10yo daughter taking the 250mg of zithromax but the insurance co won't pay for the generic only for zith. The pharmacy is really having a hard time filling her perscriptions. Not sure why. Maybe end of the year inventory?
I may have to switch pharmacies.
-------------------- When I feel blue . . . . . . its time to take another breath Posts: 296 | From East Coast | Registered: Aug 2005
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Sue vG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3143
posted
Hopeful,
I've never herxed on zith.
Posts: 1307 | From TX | Registered: Sep 2002
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charlie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25
posted
Lots of people around here take the Mexican generic Z pacs that have been available for a couple of years.
I didn't use it for lyme or babs but for ear and sinus infections everybody seems to think it works just as good as the Pfizer stuff.
Charlie
Posts: 2804 | From Texas | Registered: Oct 2000
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posted
SueVG, I'm a newbie with all of this, but ready to learn! I've been waiting in fear for the herx with zith. So, not everyone herxes on it? Apparently not, because you didn't. But many do?
Am I wrong in thinking that when the antibiotics kill off the BB that a herx happens? (That would be a good bumber sticker for us: Herxes Happen!)
I have not yet started on the Cumanda or Samento, which seem to start people herxing quickly. I'm looking for a non-alcohol tincture or capsule.
Take care, Hopeful4
Posts: 873 | From WA | Registered: Dec 2005
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Many of my symptoms have become much worse since reaching my full dose of zithro. My neuro symptoms (particularly the tinnitus), and my hip-joint pain are particularly bad.
Can I assume that this is a herx given that it began with zithro use? Anyone know how long herxes can last? Is an aggravation of symptoms ALWAYS a herx?
many thanks, santa_pax
Posts: 58 | From Planet Earth | Registered: Nov 2005
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posted
Greenestone is the generic division of Pfizer. Pfizer manufactured Zithromax (brand name) in Puerto Rico and Bacelona Spain. Pfizer has simply switched the packaging print on the Barcelona plant, and that is where the Greenestone azithromycin (generic) is manufactured.
Teva recently came out with their generic version of azithromycin. The Active Product (API) is probably being manufactured by Pfizer. The outside of the Teva package does not give an excipient list, but does state that Teva is manufacturing their azithromycin in Isreal.
At this time, there are only two generic manufacturers, but that might change in four or five months, which is the end of generic exclusivity period.
Posts: 183 | From US | Registered: Feb 2004
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posted
Nannie, Thanks for the info on generics. I will ask my pharmacy which one they offer. I hope its the Tevo. I will not deal with Pfizer again if I can help it. Cindy
-------------------- Cindy Posts: 227 | From VA | Registered: Sep 2005
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Sue vG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3143
posted
Hopeful,
Your understanding of what a herx is is correct, though not everyone experiences a killer herx when starting antibiotics.
Many factors can be responsible. I believe that I had a herx when given abx for something else about a year before I was diagnosed and that knocked back my bacterial load significantly.
In the year between the herx and my lyme diagnosis, I received weekly glutathione shots for overall detox, which helped immensely with the aches and pains that get worse with a herx, and improved my body's ability to fight the infection on its own.
Herxing also has to do with your baseline constitution. I am not headache prone to begin with and have a cast-iron stomach, so have not experienced these in a herx as many others do.
Please do not let your fear of a herx prevent you from receiving proper treatment. You may not even be a "herxer"! Posts: 1307 | From TX | Registered: Sep 2002
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Sue vG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3143
posted
Nannie,
Thank you for that information. I feel better that I'm getting more or less the "real thing".
Cindy, I hope you are able to get the brand you want.
Sue vG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3143
posted
Santa,
An aggravation of symptoms can also be a sensitivity reaction or even a toxic reaction to a drug, supplement, or food.
Many lyme drugs use the cytochrome P-450 detoxification pathway in the liver.
In plain English, we have a number of enzymes in our livers that detoxify various substances that we ingest or that come in through our skin or lungs. Some of the biggies are cytochrome P-450, metallothionein, and phenolsulfotransferase.
Cytochrome P-450 is a "family" of enzymes that get to work breaking down drugs, certain types of perfumes, alcohol, byproducts of dead bacteria and yeasts, bioflavonoids as in citrus fruits, and other compounds into less harmful molecules.
Our bodies can only manufacture a certain amount of each of these enzymes in a given day. In the case of cytochrome P-450, if a person takes a couple of antibiotics, eats an orange, and takes a diflucan and kills a bunch of yeast, they've pretty well used up their P-450 for the day. If they have a glass of wine at dinner or try to take another pill later in the, they may get sick, not having anymore P-450 left to break down the toxins. If this has gone on for a while, one may never quite replenish P-450 stores, and will feel sick with each pill.
Here is a great website which, though somewhat technical, provides the tools to keep us from overloading our systems and using up our stores of P-450 and other crucial enzymes. http://www.loudzen.com/canary/metabolic_basis/index.html See the P-450 link on this page.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
posted
Sue VG, I've been on the zith at 1/2 dose for about 2 weeks now. In the last few days I've noticed an increase in the sensitivity of my eyes to light, and esp. the computer.
Increased brain fog, and fatigue. But, it's tolerable, not bad. Could this be a sign?
I did start out pretty scared, but know it's just got to be done.
Before I was DX w/Lyme, I was on Diflucan for systemic candida, for 3 miserable months, I was very sick. I lost physical strength and stamina (whatever I had to begin with), had lots of aches and pains, and an increase in other symptoms.
I practically begged my Dr. to take me off of it, but she insisted. I thought it was from the candida die-off.
Now, looking back, and with the Lyme DX, I really wonder if it could have been knocking off the BB. Perhaps that reduced my load?
That's what got me scared of the herx.
Thanks for the support. Take care, Hopeful4
Posts: 873 | From WA | Registered: Dec 2005
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Bringing this post back to report on generic zithro.
I had been on the generic zithromax for a week, so far no diference compared to the pfizer one (took the pfizer one for over a year now, just the proice of course.
I got it at Costco in Wa State, no problem getting it from them, is made by GREENSTONE BRAND under azithromycin 250 mg tab.
Take care, Lymster in WA
Posts: 303 | From WA | Registered: Jul 2004
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