Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
March 28, 2024, 05:36:31 pm

Login with username, password and session length


Members
Stats
  • Total Posts: 772946
  • Total Topics: 66310
  • Online Today: 441
  • Online Ever: 5484
  • (June 18, 2021, 11:15:29 pm)
Users Online
Users: 2
Guests: 421
Total: 423

Welcome


Welcome to the POZ Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and others concerned about HIV/AIDS.  Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning:  Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

  • The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own physician.

  • All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

  • Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators of these forums. Click here for “Do I Have HIV?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ community forums.

  • We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are true and correct to their knowledge.

  • Product advertisement—including links; banners; editorial content; and clinical trial, study or survey participation—is strictly prohibited by forums members unless permission has been secured from POZ.

To change forums navigation language settings, click here (members only), Register now

Para cambiar sus preferencias de los foros en español, haz clic aquí (sólo miembros), Regístrate ahora

Finished Reading This? You can collapse this or any other box on this page by clicking the symbol in each box.

Author Topic: Anyone Ever Taken Azithromycin?  (Read 7024 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline tnboy

  • Member
  • Posts: 108
Anyone Ever Taken Azithromycin?
« on: February 06, 2007, 02:47:33 pm »

   Just wondering if any of you have ever taken "Azithromycin" and if so how well it worked for you?

  I had my latest lab work done last Tuesday and on Thursday my doctors office called and told me my doc wanted me to start taking azithromycin, 2 tablets once a week. My t-cell count has dropped to 21 but they did not have my VL results yet. I will see the doc again in 3 weeks and I am sure he will explain more but in the meantime I was curious if any of you have had any experience with this med.


Thanks,
Mike

Offline Strayboy74

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,054
  • tastes like chicken
Re: Anyone Ever Taken Azithromycin?
« Reply #1 on: February 06, 2007, 02:55:46 pm »
Sounds like you have an infection.  Azithromycin is an antibiotic. :)

I think when I took it I took it on an empty stomach which caused me to develop an ulcer.  But I think I was taking it for an STD, and not the same as you indicate having been prescribed....

This is what I read online, as it pertains to HIV:

"Azithromycin (az-ith-roe-MYE-sin) is used to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body. It is also used to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It works by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. However, this medicine will not work for colds, flu, or other viral infections. Azithromycin may be used for other problems as determined by your doctor."


-joseph

« Last Edit: February 06, 2007, 02:57:48 pm by Strayboy74 »

Offline egello

  • Member
  • Posts: 907
  • cb
Re: Anyone Ever Taken Azithromycin?
« Reply #2 on: February 06, 2007, 03:01:30 pm »
at t cell 15, I am currently on it two pills once a week as a prophylaxis to MAC. I take them on Sunday with all my other pills, and nothing unusual happens on that day.
1/29/07 14 T, 300 k V, 1.8 %
2/22/07 197 T, 247 V, 6.8 %
3/27/07 164 T, <50 V, 5.4 %
5/28/07 177 T, <50 V, 8.2 %
7/28/07 214 T, <50 V, 9.6 %
10/3/07 380 T, <50 V, 10 %

Offline Tucsonwoody

  • Member
  • Posts: 396
Re: Anyone Ever Taken Azithromycin?
« Reply #3 on: February 06, 2007, 03:06:40 pm »
My experience is just like Egello's - two pills once a week as a preventative measure against MAC - Mycobacterium avium complex  http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/998_6710.shtml 

No noticable side effects after 3 months on it. Seems to be a pretty standard treatment.
And I wished for guidance, and I wished for peace
I could see the lightning; somewhere in the east
And I wished for affection, and I wished for calm
As I lay there - Nervous in the light of dawn

Offline allanq

  • Member
  • Posts: 713
Re: Anyone Ever Taken Azithromycin?
« Reply #4 on: February 06, 2007, 03:14:50 pm »
Mike,

As mentioned by egello and Tusconwoody, the azithromycin is to prevent MAC infection (Mycobacterium Avium Complex). I took azithromycin for about a year, when my CD4s were less than 50. I took it with another antibiotic, Ethambutol. I didn't have any side effects from these medications. When my CD4s increased to around 100, I was able to discontinue both the azithromycin and ethambutol.

Ask your doctor if you should also be taking fluconazole (Diflucan) as a prophylaxis against fungal infections. As with the azithromycin, I was able to discontinue fluconazole when my CD4s improved.

Allan


Offline JohnOso

  • Member
  • Posts: 817
Re: Anyone Ever Taken Azithromycin?
« Reply #5 on: February 06, 2007, 04:41:16 pm »
Agree with above....I was on azithromycin starting about one year ago when my CD4 count was 13.

It's a fairly hefty dose to take once a week (1200 mg), and guards against MAC.  BTW, just for comparison, "normal" dosing for "normal" respiratory infections is usually 250-500 mg once a day.

I stopped taking it this past December when my CD4 counts maintained > 100 for two consecutive blood draws (5-6 months).

I had no real problems with it, but I needed to eat something because it always caused some slight nausea on an empty stomach (but to be fair, the same thing happens when I take a multivitamin on an empty stomach).

The only potential problem is if you have an allergy to the medicine....itching, hives, difficulty breathing, etc.  So be on the lookout for that, if you've never taken this (or any) medication before.

I developed a severe allergy to Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulinic acid), an antibiotic I took several years ago.  I was actually taking the drug for about 5 days before my whole body broke out in massive hives.  The doctor told me that the first reaction to a drug can be delayed like this, so be on the lookout for several days after you start taking it.

Good luck to you (and they're quite the 'horse pills' aren't they?  :D)

Take care,
John

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Anyone Ever Taken Azithromycin?
« Reply #6 on: February 06, 2007, 08:33:04 pm »
Hello Mike,

Oh yes, Zithromax...It has been a while, but I was on azithromycin back in October of 2003 and throughout part of 2004.

This was when I had first started on treatment. At that time I was taking two pills a week. I would take one pill, on a Monday, and the other one on a Thursday. But, I believe the doctor had told me, that both could be taken together. (later on)

I also remember it was a tough medication to handle, but overall did alright with it. At that time, I had just finishes Prednisone, and was on Bactrim, Diflucan, and Valtrex.( besides the HIV meds) T-cell count at that time was 16. I think I took most of my medications back then, with food. It helped ! It can be taken with or without food.

Just remember to drink a lot of water !! Hope things get better for you...


Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline thirtysomething

  • Member
  • Posts: 124
Re: Anyone Ever Taken Azithromycin?
« Reply #7 on: February 06, 2007, 11:36:25 pm »
Zithromax / Azithromycin is an anti-biotic used to treat bacterial infections. I have taken it in past for Pneumonia, Bronchitis. It's easy on the body, no side effects for me atleast!

Offline Queen Tokelove

  • Member
  • Posts: 6,031
  • Smokey the Smurf
Re: Anyone Ever Taken Azithromycin?
« Reply #8 on: February 07, 2007, 01:22:51 am »
Ok, I was about to say...I know I took Zithromax it was when I had bronchitis. 2 the first day and 1 for the next 3 days. I didn't know it was used for MAC...
Started Atripla/Ziagen on 9/13/07.
10/31/07 CD4-265 VL- undetectable
2/6/08 CD4- 401 VL- undetectable
5/7/08 CD4- 705 VL- undetectable
6/4/08 CD4- 775 VL- undetectable
8/6/08 CD4- 805 VL- undetectable
11/13/08 CD4- 774 VL--undetectable
2/4/09  CD4- 484  VL- 18,000 (2 months off meds)
3/3/09---Starting Back on Meds---
4/27/09 CD4- 664 VL-- undetectable
6/17/09 CD4- 438 VL- 439
8/09 CD4- 404 VL- 1,600
01-22-10-- CD4- 525 VL- 59,000
Cherish the simple things life has to offer

Offline Christine

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,069
Re: Anyone Ever Taken Azithromycin?
« Reply #9 on: February 07, 2007, 10:43:32 am »
Yes- I take (2) 600mg tablets once a week for MAC prophylactic. At the 1200mg dose, I do experience diarrhea, flushing in my face, and sometimes a little fever. If I feel really crappy after taking it, I will sometimes take a benadryl to help with the reaction.

I have also taken it at 500mg dose for various infections, and at that dose, don't have any kind of reaction to it.

I have to have a letter of medical necessity when I get the prescription filled at the 1200mg dose. Just ask your insurance if they need a letter, that way you can get it filled without any kind of hassle.
Christine
Poz since '93. Currently on Procrit, Azithromax, Pentamidine, Valcyte, Levothyroxine, Zoloft, Epzicom, Prezista, Viread, Norvir, and GS-9137 study drug. As needed: Trazodone, Atavan, Diflucan, Zofran, Hydrocodone, Octreotide

5/30/07 t-cells 9; vl 275,000

Offline tnboy

  • Member
  • Posts: 108
Re: Anyone Ever Taken Azithromycin?
« Reply #10 on: February 07, 2007, 01:31:52 pm »
Thanks to all you Guys for this very helpful information and advise. This med is new to me and it is most helpful to hear from those of you who have experience with it.

 I have been on Septra DS for 5 years now and doc says continue that as well. I have been taking Fluconazole 200 MG Tablets very often as well in the last year because I keep getting thrush.

 Good to know others have experience with these meds and know what I am talking about. I take your advise seriously and appreciate the tips.

Thanks a Million!
Mike

Offline redhotmuslbear

  • Member
  • Posts: 605
  • A genuine certified freak of nature, and a hot one
Re: Anyone Ever Taken Azithromycin?
« Reply #11 on: February 07, 2007, 01:46:46 pm »
It's not particularly OI-related, but I take azithromycin 500mg each night, 7 days on then as long as I can stand off, for a lingering issue with my ears.  No ill effects now or when I started originally or with each re-start.  Even with high CD4 counts and percentages, I picked up something about 18 months ago that re-emerges;  and azithromycin appears to be the most cost effective and least involved method of knocking it down.  My ear doc kept me on it for 30 days last winter, but the problem popped up again with a few days off.  Blood tests don't turn up any of the usual suspects.. or even any unusual ones.

Maybe it's the alien implants acting up again?
"The real problem is not whether machines think but whether men do." - BF Skinner
12-31-09   222wks VL  2430 CD4 690 (37%)
09-30-09   208wks VL  2050  CD4 925 (42%)
06-25-08   143wks VL  1359  CD4 668 (32%)  CD8 885
02-11-08   123wks off meds:  VL 1364 CD4 892(40%/0.99 ratio)
10-19-07   112wks off meds:   VL 292  CD4 857(37%/0.85 ratio)

One copy of delta-32 for f*****d up CCR5 receptors, and an HLA B44+ allele for "CD8-mediated immunity"... beteer than winning Powerball, almost!

 


Terms of Membership for these forums
 

© 2024 Smart + Strong. All Rights Reserved.   terms of use and your privacy
Smart + Strong® is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC.