Bad Reaction to Meds

I am 23 years old. I have relapsing-remitting MS and was given Macrobid for a UTI. After my first day of Macrobid, my entire left side has gone numb and i have lost function in it. I do know that the weakness and numbness in one side can be caused by the MS, but it did not occur until i took the macrobid. I was stopped from taking the macrobid and started on it 2 more times and each time the weakness returned. Is there anyway to fix this? It is getting rather annoying and saddens me cause it feels like i cant do anymore what i like to. If anyone has had the same thing happen, please let me know im not alone... How can the weakness and numbness be stopped. I have tried benedryl and they have me on 1 gram of steroids daily for 5 days, but it just seems to not be working... Any suugestions? The drs kept blaming it on my MS but as i said i didnt start having this problem until the macrobid.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Unilateral weakness/numbness is not a typical adverse effect of macrobid. MS can cause these symptoms. If you have a prior plaque in a location that can cause these symptoms, a UTI can exacerbate this region and bring out the underlying neurological symptoms. These are typically not associated with active demyelination on MRI. However, a new, active plaque in a region that can cause the numbness/weakness can also occur. Steroids at high doses are used to expedite recovery. Many times patients will return to normal self but sometimes patients will be left with permanent symptoms.  

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.

[Ravenniassey]

hmmm... yea thats what the dr's keep saying but everytime i took a new dose the weakness and numbness would return. I had no sign of a flare up until i took the macrobid, now im hobbling, cant use my left hand. The macrobid even caused swelling and breathing problems. Any ideas now on how to gain strength back in my left arm and hand?