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Bad reaction to Biaxin, should I just switch back to Azithromiacin
I started taking Biaxin 2 days ago for a horrible throat infection. Since then my muscles have been weak and crampy (especially my calves with restless leg syndrome as well). I also am having horrible stomach cramps and nausea and I get an overwhelming metallic taste in my mouth (almost like bile actually). And the insomnia last night was unbearable. I haven't had insomnia in over a year. Has anyone else experienced this with Biaxin? I don't fell like it's part of a herx as much as an adverse reaction. Throat infection cleared yesterday. If azithromiacin is in the same family as Biaxin, shouldn't I be able to switch right back to it? Waiting for LLMD to call me back, but the office won't be open until Monday and I don't want to wait that long.
For anybody else who comes along later and reads this, I need to mention that I am not a medical professional, just a patient trying to find ways to help my healing process.
I am not recommending anything above for someone else without talking to your doctor or naturopath. Always do your own research on supplements and herbals.
I have come to the point of looking for things to help me when Western Medicine is not fully doing the job. I am slowly switching my philosophy on this, thinking that I need to start with natural and herbal treatments, turning to Western Medicine when the natural approach is insufficient.
Don't get me wrong. I'm only plenty of prescription meds. But I realize they're only part of the solution for me.
I am not recommending anything above for someone else without talking to your doctor or naturopath. Always do your own research on supplements and herbals.
I have come to the point of looking for things to help me when Western Medicine is not fully doing the job. I am slowly switching my philosophy on this, thinking that I need to start with natural and herbal treatments, turning to Western Medicine when the natural approach is insufficient.
Don't get me wrong. I'm only plenty of prescription meds. But I realize they're only part of the solution for me.
I took Biaxin last year and didn't have the metallic taste. Guess I was lucky, which is odd as I usually get some or most of listed side effects. I already had stomach pain, so who knows if it contributed to it or not. I did get a strong metallic taste from Tindamax and it was horrible. I even got a chronic dark tongue. I hated taking it and was relieved when I went to a 3 weeks on/off schedule. I was even more relieved when I stopped it completely.
During spring break, I caught the same cold my daughter andmy husband got, only I got it much worse. I was miserable and didn't seem to be getting over it. I happened to have an appointment with my doc's new Naturopath at that time, and I'd had blood tests to check my kidneys. She could tell from the results (Eosinophils & something else) that my "cold" was bacterial, not viral. But she said she didn't want to give me another pharmaceutical on top of everything I was already on. She said she'd give me an herbal that was just as effective.
Prior to my Lyme treatment experience, I wouldn't have believed her. But having seen the effectiveness of some herbals on my tick borne diseases, I did. I took it for about a week, and I did steadily improve. I stopped because I could tell I was past the worst of it and because the taste of it was so incredibly awful, I gagged whenever I took it. In hindsight, I should've added some juice or sweetener to mask it a little.
I share my story so that if you get another ancillary infection, you might look into an herbal to treat it instead of adding in another abx with side effects. Although, in the case of a recent UTI, I did take Rx, so an herbal isn't always a good alternative.
Also, I'm guessing your doc gave you Nystatin in case of Candida. (Statins are taken for cholesterol and not a good idea for a woman with Lyme, et.al., according to one of my neurologists.) I found Nystatin to be mostly useless, although others have benefited from it. I have been reading about a controversial supplement called MMS for a couple weeks. The criticisms make it sound awful, but the rebuttals by the developer of it make sense to me. Anything in too great a quantity is toxic, including table salt and water, so dismissing something by saying too much will harm you just isn't a meaningful argument.
Based on testimonials I've seen, I'm going to try it myself to see if it works against my stubborn Babesia. I figure in the quantities described, it won't hurt me, but it could sure help. At worst, I'll be out 20 bucks. I mention it now because some claim that it also dealt nicely with their candida problem. My candida problem only got worse over time, so managing it earlier on in the treatment schedule is helpful.
Diflucan helped my candida problem, but it's hard on the liver and I didn't want to take it for months on end. I finally solved my candida problem with 2 rounds of Lufeneron. It worked beatifully. No problem since. I never thought I'd take something like that (it's a vet med) as I was always a "by the book" person when it came to medicine in the past. But with enough reading about it, I was comfortable that it wouldn't hurt me and had a good chance of helping me.
It's one of those things that won't be approved for humans in the near future as there isn't enough money in it to justify getting through the regulatory hoops. This is the kind of thing the NIH and CDC should be funding... treatments that really work that don't cost a lot, saving us all a lot of money. The savings alone from gov't paid healthcare (e.g. Medicare & Tricare) would more than pay for the cost of getting it approved. Sigh.
During spring break, I caught the same cold my daughter andmy husband got, only I got it much worse. I was miserable and didn't seem to be getting over it. I happened to have an appointment with my doc's new Naturopath at that time, and I'd had blood tests to check my kidneys. She could tell from the results (Eosinophils & something else) that my "cold" was bacterial, not viral. But she said she didn't want to give me another pharmaceutical on top of everything I was already on. She said she'd give me an herbal that was just as effective.
Prior to my Lyme treatment experience, I wouldn't have believed her. But having seen the effectiveness of some herbals on my tick borne diseases, I did. I took it for about a week, and I did steadily improve. I stopped because I could tell I was past the worst of it and because the taste of it was so incredibly awful, I gagged whenever I took it. In hindsight, I should've added some juice or sweetener to mask it a little.
I share my story so that if you get another ancillary infection, you might look into an herbal to treat it instead of adding in another abx with side effects. Although, in the case of a recent UTI, I did take Rx, so an herbal isn't always a good alternative.
Also, I'm guessing your doc gave you Nystatin in case of Candida. (Statins are taken for cholesterol and not a good idea for a woman with Lyme, et.al., according to one of my neurologists.) I found Nystatin to be mostly useless, although others have benefited from it. I have been reading about a controversial supplement called MMS for a couple weeks. The criticisms make it sound awful, but the rebuttals by the developer of it make sense to me. Anything in too great a quantity is toxic, including table salt and water, so dismissing something by saying too much will harm you just isn't a meaningful argument.
Based on testimonials I've seen, I'm going to try it myself to see if it works against my stubborn Babesia. I figure in the quantities described, it won't hurt me, but it could sure help. At worst, I'll be out 20 bucks. I mention it now because some claim that it also dealt nicely with their candida problem. My candida problem only got worse over time, so managing it earlier on in the treatment schedule is helpful.
Diflucan helped my candida problem, but it's hard on the liver and I didn't want to take it for months on end. I finally solved my candida problem with 2 rounds of Lufeneron. It worked beatifully. No problem since. I never thought I'd take something like that (it's a vet med) as I was always a "by the book" person when it came to medicine in the past. But with enough reading about it, I was comfortable that it wouldn't hurt me and had a good chance of helping me.
It's one of those things that won't be approved for humans in the near future as there isn't enough money in it to justify getting through the regulatory hoops. This is the kind of thing the NIH and CDC should be funding... treatments that really work that don't cost a lot, saving us all a lot of money. The savings alone from gov't paid healthcare (e.g. Medicare & Tricare) would more than pay for the cost of getting it approved. Sigh.
You're very welcome. I know you are going through hard times, and I admire your grit.
You have to do what you and your doc think is right, and sometimes it's very obscure what IS right. You always take a thoughtful and careful approach, and that's what counts. Listening to your body and talking to your doc are a winning combination.
I was on Mepron too, and had no problems with it -- I hope it's the same for you. My doc treated the babesia first, and then moved on to Lyme, but everyone has different reactions to treatment -- so it's good news that your doc is staying nimble and is paying attention to your symptoms as they come and go and change.
I think you are doing great -- you are thoughtful, careful and courageous, and no one could do more than you are. Take care, keep us posted! J.
You have to do what you and your doc think is right, and sometimes it's very obscure what IS right. You always take a thoughtful and careful approach, and that's what counts. Listening to your body and talking to your doc are a winning combination.
I was on Mepron too, and had no problems with it -- I hope it's the same for you. My doc treated the babesia first, and then moved on to Lyme, but everyone has different reactions to treatment -- so it's good news that your doc is staying nimble and is paying attention to your symptoms as they come and go and change.
I think you are doing great -- you are thoughtful, careful and courageous, and no one could do more than you are. Take care, keep us posted! J.
I think you are on to something with that gene mutation that I have. My LLMD says that I am very lucky that I only have one of the two. Thank you for your continued encouragement! (Hug)
Jackie, I appreciate you finding that the bad taste is common. Wish I could've pushed through, but the throat "whatever it was" (ulcer/infection) and a current awful flare-up made me unable to attempt it. My LLMD agreed that it was fine to stop and she has since upped my doses of plaquenil, bactrim and azith. She also started me on statin (sp?) just in case I'm dealing with candida issues and may switch me to mepron next week bc she says it's stronger than plaquenil. She says my babesia symptoms are really bad right now and thinks my Lyme has subsided.
Jackie, I appreciate you finding that the bad taste is common. Wish I could've pushed through, but the throat "whatever it was" (ulcer/infection) and a current awful flare-up made me unable to attempt it. My LLMD agreed that it was fine to stop and she has since upped my doses of plaquenil, bactrim and azith. She also started me on statin (sp?) just in case I'm dealing with candida issues and may switch me to mepron next week bc she says it's stronger than plaquenil. She says my babesia symptoms are really bad right now and thinks my Lyme has subsided.
Thank you for your response and understanding of my sensitivity. I am going through a REALLY rough patch right now, so I'm super overwhelmed. The Biaxin and whatever sore throat thing I had put me in the deep end. I truly appreciate you clarifying your intentions (or unintentions, as it were). It meant a lot.
I did a quick search for -- biaxin taste -- and got a TON of hits. So it appears not be an uncommon side effect. The information flyer that came with the prescription may have some data, or you can call your pharmacist and ask if it's okay to keep taking it if it's giving you that taste.
I just went to drugs.com and looked at the list of side effects for Biaxin, and the bad taste is noted, but is not in the 'serious side effect' section, and is instead in the 'other symptoms' section at the bottom. Doesn't mean you shouldn't call your doc, tho, if you are concerned. Take care!
-------------------------------------------------------------------
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
-- headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fast or pounding heartbeats, shortness of breath, fainting;
-- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
-- fever, swollen glands, body aches, flu symptoms, new or worsening cough;
-- skin rash, easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
-- confusion, vomiting, swelling, rapid weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all;
-- problems with your hearing; or
-- severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
LIVER SYMPTOMS
Clarithromycin may also cause severe liver symptoms. Stop taking clarithromycin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms:
-- low fever, itching;
-- nausea, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite;
-- dark urine, clay colored stools; or
-- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
OTHER SIDE EFFECTS
Less serious side effects of clarithromycin may include:
-- upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea;
=====>>>>-- unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; <<<<====
-- tooth discoloration;
-- headache;
-- mild itching or rash; or
-- vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
======================================
I just went to drugs.com and looked at the list of side effects for Biaxin, and the bad taste is noted, but is not in the 'serious side effect' section, and is instead in the 'other symptoms' section at the bottom. Doesn't mean you shouldn't call your doc, tho, if you are concerned. Take care!
-------------------------------------------------------------------
SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS
Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
-- headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, fast or pounding heartbeats, shortness of breath, fainting;
-- diarrhea that is watery or bloody;
-- fever, swollen glands, body aches, flu symptoms, new or worsening cough;
-- skin rash, easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
-- confusion, vomiting, swelling, rapid weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all;
-- problems with your hearing; or
-- severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.
LIVER SYMPTOMS
Clarithromycin may also cause severe liver symptoms. Stop taking clarithromycin and call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms:
-- low fever, itching;
-- nausea, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite;
-- dark urine, clay colored stools; or
-- jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
OTHER SIDE EFFECTS
Less serious side effects of clarithromycin may include:
-- upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea;
=====>>>>-- unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; <<<<====
-- tooth discoloration;
-- headache;
-- mild itching or rash; or
-- vaginal itching or discharge.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
======================================
I'm so sorry that I seemed to imply that you weren't ''too bad off' and I sincerely apologize and hope that you'll accept my apology.
It was an unfortunate choice of words.
(This apology is late because I just saw your answer.)
It was an unfortunate choice of words.
(This apology is late because I just saw your answer.)
You are not weak!
I agree, there are many other abx to try so its not as bad. We have all been there. Sometimes you can wait it out and sometime you can't.
Especially if I remember correctly, you have the MTHFR gene mutation that prevents us from detoxing properly. That really adds to the suffering as I have experienced.
Hang in there and switch the abx. Feel better.
I agree, there are many other abx to try so its not as bad. We have all been there. Sometimes you can wait it out and sometime you can't.
Especially if I remember correctly, you have the MTHFR gene mutation that prevents us from detoxing properly. That really adds to the suffering as I have experienced.
Hang in there and switch the abx. Feel better.
I couldn't say if I am "as bad off" as you were or not. What I can say is that for me when I herx on abx I expect certain symptoms to get overwhelmingly worse. That I will and have pushed through to get better. However adding a series of very unfortunate new side effects on top of how "bad" I already feel seems nonsensical when the abx that is causing these new symptoms has a family of other abx that I could try instead (with hopefully less horrific side effects). Maybe I minimalized how "bad off" I am/ side effects are bc I assume ALL of us here are/have been in the holy-sh*t phase of Lyme... rather, a common understanding between us all. Forgive me, but I'm feeling a tad bit sensitive to your "maybe you aren't as bad off" statement. I have truly appreciated your advice, but that statement seems to insinuate that I am weak. Sad.
I stuck with my Biaxon tx. I felt a metallic taste was a small price to pay for some help with a serious disease. But I was really sick and maybe you aren't as bad off.
Biaxin did help me but it plateaued after about 6 months and I went on other abx.
Biaxin did help me but it plateaued after about 6 months and I went on other abx.
I only herxed through mine so yes I did just stick to it. Best to ask the Doc what he suggests.
Do most people try to tolerate it, then? I just couldn't see forcing myself through it. It was a god awful side effect. That and the restless muscles.
Biaxin is well known for causing a metallic taste in the mouth. It's not a herx or acid reflux.
Every time I used it (and every time many other Lymies used it) that metallic taste stayed the entire course and never diminished.
I guess there could be a few people who didn't have that taste----- but then, we're all different aren't we? :)
Every time I used it (and every time many other Lymies used it) that metallic taste stayed the entire course and never diminished.
I guess there could be a few people who didn't have that taste----- but then, we're all different aren't we? :)
Phew, I could only muster through a day and 1/2 of the Biaxin. My LLMD never called me back, so I made the executive decision to stop the Biaxin and start back on the doxy and azith. It was only 1.5 days so I'm thinking no harm no foul. I don't think that odd taste was acid reflux related. I think it was my body telling me it could just not tolerate the med. Some things, like knowing you have Lyme, your body makes pretty obvious. Body to self: "This NOT a herx! I HATE whatever you just put in me! PLEASE STOP NOW!"
Many lymies are nervous, anxious anyway. My LLMD put me on sucralfate which coats the stomach and helps. You could also try Zantac or something similar OTC.
Hi,
I am on antibiotics for Lyme right now. I started with 2 weeks of Doxycycline Mono and then was switched by a dif doc to Biaxin (Clarithromycin). It was right at a time when I was getting stressed but I was having a hard time sleeping for the days following the biaxin. I was sure it was mainly stress but I would make up prematurely with stomach pain.. none of your other symptoms though that you first mentioned. So i insisted on going back on Doxy but was prescribed Doxycycline Hyclate and not Mono like I originally was on, and though I have been sleeping better and feeling a bit better, I get stomack upsettness as bad or worse as the biaxin so I decided on my own to switch to Biaxin as my doc refused to prescribe me Mono. But anyway i do think you should get a hold of your doctor as they should have an on call option directed from the main office voicemail; as another member suggested you do. You can also consider that if your infection cleared while on biaxin then it might be the solution.. but if you are having all those bad side affects and they persist I believe it would be wise to stop them or switch back. I was informed by doctors that missing a dose isn't the end of the world. Hope you feel better
I am on antibiotics for Lyme right now. I started with 2 weeks of Doxycycline Mono and then was switched by a dif doc to Biaxin (Clarithromycin). It was right at a time when I was getting stressed but I was having a hard time sleeping for the days following the biaxin. I was sure it was mainly stress but I would make up prematurely with stomach pain.. none of your other symptoms though that you first mentioned. So i insisted on going back on Doxy but was prescribed Doxycycline Hyclate and not Mono like I originally was on, and though I have been sleeping better and feeling a bit better, I get stomack upsettness as bad or worse as the biaxin so I decided on my own to switch to Biaxin as my doc refused to prescribe me Mono. But anyway i do think you should get a hold of your doctor as they should have an on call option directed from the main office voicemail; as another member suggested you do. You can also consider that if your infection cleared while on biaxin then it might be the solution.. but if you are having all those bad side affects and they persist I believe it would be wise to stop them or switch back. I was informed by doctors that missing a dose isn't the end of the world. Hope you feel better
I agree with Jackie but want to add that Zithromax had a new warning that it can cause heart arrithymias so I switched to something else.
That's a call your doc should make -- and I think every doc has a service that will send an urgent message through to the doc even on weekends and at night for emergencies. I'd call the doc's office, and leave a message with the service. The doc may trade off 'taking call' with other docs, so it's possible some other doc you haven't seen would call you back, but it's worth a try.
Going on and off antibiotics gives the bacteria a chance to build immunity to the medication, because the stronger bacteria survive and can then be harder to kill and even drug-resistant. Doesn't always happen, of course, but docs have become more aware of this issue in recent years.
If the doc doesn't have a service or doesn't call you back, then of course do what you think is best.
Let us know how you do, okay? Take care --
Going on and off antibiotics gives the bacteria a chance to build immunity to the medication, because the stronger bacteria survive and can then be harder to kill and even drug-resistant. Doesn't always happen, of course, but docs have become more aware of this issue in recent years.
If the doc doesn't have a service or doesn't call you back, then of course do what you think is best.
Let us know how you do, okay? Take care --
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