Bicillin 2.4m dose (or 1.2m 2-3x per week)

Just curious as to how many folks have done Bicillin Injections at the 2.4M dose and how you fared? Or if folks did 1.2M but 2-3x/wk. I’m on the 1.2M dose once a week and it had me symptom free for 4 months after the first few shots (second time its worked this way) so I’m wondering if I should consider going up to the 2.4 or increasing my dose frequency. My LLMD doesn’t typically do the 2.4 since he feels that may be too high for Bicillin to act in its stealth mode but I’m going to press him on it again.

Luvstruck said...
Go as high as they will let you. 24 million iu/day was used intravenously for extended periods for tertiary syphilis with total safety. Penicillin is extremely safe.

Personally I think they should use these doses for lyme. You want to knock that &^&#*$^ out, not *****foot like most modern hyper cautious MDs.

While I can see using larger doses if you’re treating acute Lyme, it’s not really a safety issue but rather an efficacy one: the theory with Bicillin LA for chronic infections (or post infectious autoimmune disorders) is that it is a dose that isn’t high enough to engage the immune system and will therefore will kill Lyme spirochetes stealthily. The spirochetes won’t be able to run and hide like they are theorized to do in the presence of typical oral antibiotics and your body won’t produce an exaggerated inflammatory response like some of us with PANDAS or PANS experience.

The question is: does 2.4m (or 1.2m at 3x/wk) push the levels of penicillin too high to negate this theory? My LLMD Dr K is extremely sharp on immune issues and he typically gives the 1.2M dose weekly but does say that for those who have an end of dose effect (return of symptoms) they can take it every 5 days. I did ask him about using the 2.4m recently and his response was that he thought that would go against the stealth theory. I intend to press him on it again but other forum members who have seen him can verify he’s one of the best.

I think Bicillin is incredibly useful and underused in the treatment of Lyme, especially chronic cases and especially for those whose chronic cases may in fact be immune related. 1.2M weekly has gotten me to remission Twice and though I’ve relapsed this time and probably need IVIG I would love to see if a larger dose or more frequent dosing would solve the problem. I’m going to do 1.2 every 5 days for a couple times hopefully to see if any improvement while I wait to see if I can get IVIG.

running wild said...
Bicillin shots of 2.4 mu (twice a week) were the primary reason I went into a 1.5 year remission in 2015-2016. I had tried everything, including pic line, to no avail.

In 2016 I had to have an aortic valve replaced, which was a long surgery and left me with pain in my right shoulder for weeks. I didn't sleep much, and my theory is my immune system was already down from the surgery, then the lack of sleep led to a complete crash. That probably opened things up to EBV and co-infections. Haven't felt good since.

I have been taking shots of 1.2 mu every five days now, and I notice I feel better for a day or two after each shot. But with EBV and hwo knows what else in picture, the Bicillin hasn't done too much to help, especially at half the dose. That is not to dispute the immune system thoughts Solaris mentioned. Just maybe too much in play now for Bcillin to change much.

The good news, though, is it did make a difference back in 2015 to the point I was able to stop shots, coach back in college, endure heavy travel and stress. So so hoping same goes for you.

How long did it take for the 2.4 bi-weekly to get you to remission?

How long have you been doing the 1.2/every 5 days for? And do you mind sharing your weight? I’m 125lbs - I originally did a few weeks at the 600k dose back in 2018 and after 2 months went to 1.2M and was in remission shortly after. Symptoms came back while weaning down to shots every other week. Ended up treating with orals again for another year for Babs and Bart when it it was probably just pandas/immune dysfunction. I would love to do the 2.4 even with the cost, But I’ll need my LLMD to agree.

I’m hoping that by going to 1.2M every 5 days will get me back on track since once a week had me symptom free since mid Feb until 4 weeks ago.

I was about to return to work 6/1 and with the pandemic and the birth of my son in Feb I crashed the night before and felt really sick for a couple days, then have been dealing with the symptoms ever since. I went back to work on the 15th but the psych (anxiety, irritability, transient depression) and autonomic (pots, fatigue) symptoms remain. I should have let a few more shots be taken to see if the symptoms were transient before I Tried Ceftin for 8-9 days at the recommendation of my LLMD - but I don’t think orals are the solution. It’s either Bicillin, Iv rocephin, or IVIG.

Anyways I did my first shot after a brief break on Sat and am getting the first 5 day shot this afternoon.