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Is Rifaximin of any use?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 6/10/2008 4:07 PM (GMT 0)
I'm curious if anyone has tried this yet. Does it work? It's currently in phase II clinical trials for CD (already been FDA approved for traveler's D). They say it functions locally in the intestine and not much is absorbed systemically, so it shouldn't carry the long term risks of other antibiotics like Cipro and Flagyl. It's supposed to inhibit bacterial reproduction and thereby alter immune response. It's claimed to have shown up to 80% response rate in previous study.

9 year old son, CD, on Remicade, coming up on 4th infusion June 19. Praying the remicade continues to control the CD without harming him until something safer and reliable comes along.

Thanks.
Posted 6/10/2008 4:36 PM (GMT 0)
I just started Xifaxan (the brand name of Rifaximin) a couple of weeks ago. It's very difficult to tell what's going on because I've also been on Tysabri. So, I had my third infusion of tysabri and was (in my opinion) going downhill again -- fevers, pain, etc. A week after my third infusion, 9 weeks into Tysabri, I started Xifaxan. My doc said he doubted "it would be my silver bullet," but I could try. 3 days later I started feeling well. then a few days later I started budesonide compounded into suppositories. Between the two I am nearly pain free after months and months of Vicodin-required pain. My bms have been down to 3 or so in the morning with no blood (I've bled every day for over a year). In general, I have my life back (with lots of healing to be done).

Because I did all this stuff with the timing I did, it's very difficult to tell what's working. But, Tysabri had not been helping me and 3 days after Xifaxan I felt better. It's either a really big coincidence, or the antibiotic is helping!

Oh, and having taken both Cipro and Flagyl, I can say what a wonder Xifaxan is. I have no side effects from it. Not one!
Posted 6/11/2008 12:04 AM (GMT 0)
WOW! That's so encouraging! Thank you very much for responding. I know all too well how unpredictable and cruel this disease is. It's true it is difficult to tell if it's one thing that's helping or a combo. Could you perhaps make a brief quip in your signature re this? I see you post a lot (thanks for that too by the way) it would be a convenient way of keeping us up to date. We are so desperate for something reliable. I hope it continues to work for you!

Thanks again

JsMom
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