Mepron & Zithromax for Babecia, rx info?

My brother has had a confirmed blood test for Babecia. The LLMD wants him to be on Mepron and Zithromax for 3 months. The out of pocket expense on these two meds is $1800 per month, as the insurance at this point will not cover them (as those with Lymes are most likely familiar with). My mom has joined the Lyme Times and is talks a lot about fighting the insurance companies to cover this illness. Anyway, we will work on that fight as it comes.

For now, I was wondering if anyone knows of a reputable pharmacy to purchase these online from? My SIL found one in Canada that is about 1/3 of the price, but is unsure about purchasing out of the country or online in general.

Any information is appreciated!

Hi Cajun! Thanks for the info. He has an HMO, so it is difficult. They will only approve 5 days of Zith (since that is what normally people take to get rid of flu, etc). He needs to be on it 3m. As for the Mepron, he has an appt with his local LLMD on Thurs and she was going to fill out the paperwork she thought might help him out with his insurance. He was not sure if he should just buy it NOW (to avoid delaying getting on it) or wait for his dr's paperwork, that may or may not help. I think if he pays cash now, he can get reimbursed if they fight the insurance on it.

So, has anyone else purchased meds from Canada? Does your dr give you the rx and then you give it to the pharmacy?

I don't really know the answers to your questions, but wanted you to know I was on that abx combo for 5 months and I had the most improvement from those meds. I hope it all works out for your brother and he feels better soon.

You should call your insurance company and send them the blood test and doctor diagnosis for Babesia. Once I did that I got the zithromax approved. Until then they gave me the 5 day crap as well. They need to know you have Babesia to approve the long term zithro. Good luck.

I herxed really bad on the mepron/zith in the beginning. I remember it hit on the 4th day after starting it and was awful for like 5 days. The first 3 months were bad. 5 bad days, 2 good days etc. Mostly bad. Then I only herxed like every 3 weeks or so for like 3-4 days. Life was good. Or so I thought. Switched abx since then and having a rough go of it now. Kind of it a plateau a bit on the mepron so we stepped it up a bit and it hasn't been fun. But I must say I had the longest stretches of feeling normal on that combo after awhile. Hoping to get there again! Hope your brother feels better soon.

Hi there, best wishes to you and your brother.

I also did very well on that drug combo. The herx was strong but the recovery was excellent. I learned later that taking grapefruit seed extract increases the absorption of Mepron. It also helps keep the candida overgrowth at bay.

Good luck!

If I remember correctly (memory is a bit dodgy still), I had a herx reaction a three days after any increase in dosage and whenever I had something challenge my system: virus, travel, exertion. So, without other stresses, I would feel bad for about two weeks and then gradually get better and would feel better by the time I went for my 4 week or 6 week doctor visit. Just in time to get an increase in dosage!

Herx reactions are the body attacking itself and dealing with all the toxins being released by the dying bacteria, I believe they should pass. Mostly, they are a good sign, though had to watch someone go through it. Your brother should gradually feel better. It is very important to support the body's immune system and help with the detoxification. Rest, sleep, gentle exercise, good food, love and support, happy silly movies and great heaping servings of hope will all do him the most good.

Your brother certainly sounds like he is in good hands. (I mean you!)