Biaxin and Plaquenil together? What was it like?

Then there are the Herxes.  I never experienced them like I have while on biaxin and plaq.  Like clockwork, every 3 weeks BAM.  That's a good thing right?  They only last a few days....and uhh ohh, I'm due.  They are very pronounced and real, as opposed to somewhat false ones I think I experienced on other combinations of drugs.  There's no missing these.  Man, you know it when it hits.  Between these episodes I, for the first time in decades (yep decades),  have had long stretches on symptonless life.

Other than that, I really do think it's a wonder combination.  As has been explained by my Dr, it's a ocmbination that can be used long term, as in years with little risk (I do have liver function tests periodically) as well as the eye exams. 

Goodluck, it's good stuff.

KeepHope said...
hello.. thank you for sharing that with me..
And hmm wow that is great that you have periods of "symptomless life" My goodness. I will be hoping for that for myself.

If in the past I have had HORRIBLE herx reactions to abx in general... . i was thinking I should just expect more of the same.. Hearing some of these stories gives me hope and the more I read the more I hear about this combo working for quite a large group.

Thanks for the advice on the empty stomach.. That is an issue as I am not hungry at all in the am
and I have a tough time even at lunch.. I snack most of the time and have maybe ONE meal a day.

I also have a very senstive stomach.. And that warning was well taken. I had an eye exam back in October so we are counting that as number one but I am going to have to schedule another anyway as I want to get some glasses... and the last place really messed them up..

I already have vision issue from abx therapy but no damage and I have heard this med can cause it but never read of a single case.

How long have you been on it? You did not mention this? How long did it take to work?
Well if you do have time to or see me asking. that would help too.

THANKS
Much

However....I am not better.  My immune complexes are still through the roof, some so high that they're above maximum, and my left pupil is still totally dilated.  A little background, my Lyme has been mostly neurological.  Go down the list and I have had that symptom (several times), from lesions on MRIs to total Bell's paulsey to loss of vision.  Those have cleared, most notably my vision and my mind.  They're both clear.  It's our hope that those immune levels will eventually lower to a point that my immune system can keep the Lyme under control, or kill it completely.  MOst importantly though, my qual;ity of life has improved vastly.

And like I said, be very careful with these drugs and your stomach.  You do not want to be stuck in traffic, at work, or in class...whatever until you get used to them.  Make sure you gorge at breakfast and take them with plenty of water.  Chow some acidophilus (I take them by the handful) throughout the day.

And ohh yeah, go to CostCo pharmacy, even if you're not a member.  I forget which of these two drugs is super expensive, but you'll save about 2/3 there as opposed to CVS. 

Goodluck.

The macrolide class is a great class and work very effectively.  There needs to be more research on antibiotics and research has almost stopped...because of money and greed. 

Hello Everyone -- I read this thread with great interest and thanks for all that you have shared.  My 16 year old daughter has had lyme since July 08 (severe onset of symptoms) and was diagnosed officially in October with lyme and babesia.  She is taking Zithromax, Plaquenil, Mepron, and Artemisinin.  She has had very small progress (hair has stopped falling out, headaches don't always feel like she is being beat with a bat, menstral cycle is back to normal, and although she says that her pain level on a scale of 1-10 is a 12, she said it isn't as bad as it used to be).  She stopped walking in August, and cannot stand or walk to this date.  She is seeing Dr. J in Connecticut. 

We are going to see Dr. K in Connecticut for lyme neurology this week.  I am very excited because I have been told that he frequently changes the meds and likes the Biaxin/Plaquenil combo.  So I am hopeful to have her try this.  He also said that he sees a lot of children that cannot stand or walk due to lyme, and he gets them back in shape.

A couple of weeks ago we thought she had a bladder/kidney infection, so our internist prescribed Cipro for seven days.  She didn't end up having an infection, it was just the lyme migrating I guess, but the ironic thing was that she was a totally different person once the Cipro was added.  Her voice was at a normal tone, she laughed and was very pleasant, and her entire personality did a 360.  Has anyone else heard of this happening with Cipro, or was this just coincidental?  After she was off of it she went back to he way she was before.

I am going to mention this to Dr. K when we see him, but I thought I would see if anyone has noticed what she experienced with Cipro.  Thanks for any help.

Lisa