Scared to take Levaquin

So I had a thread on here about getting sick a lot with cold/sinus infections and now my general doc wants me on the antibiotic Levaquin to hopefully get rid of my sinus infection once and for all(Catscan of sinuses revealed lots of inflammation and infection). Having been on antibiotics already twice this year for the same thing and both times my not quite in remission colitis went nuts, I am not crazy about this idea. From reading about Levquin, it sounds like pretty strong stuff, but I also it is sometimes used to treat colitis. Has anyone had experience taking Levaquin? Does it aggravate your colitis? I am not touching it until I talk to my GI.

I'l try the natural way f st before taking antibiotics!

I use Neilmed sinus rinse.  They now have a boost for thick mucous.  I also see an Intergrative doc who gave me a good recipe for chicken stock that increases the immune response. After an hour of drinking it I actualy felt better!  here's the recipe:

Chicken Bones - perferred from a farm (not store bought) I was able to find chicken feets at a chinese store. Backs and neck work well too.

1/2 c vinigar - this draws the marrow out of the bone

enough water to cover

can add carrots, celery, onion

I used my crockpot on a low setting and cooked 24-48 hours.

I also invested in a vitamix machine and make whole fruit smoothes with oranges and strawberry for the Vit C.  My hubby caught a really bad upper respitroty infection and (knock on wood)  I made it through!

Everyone is different, but Levaquin should be ok. It is one of the few on my approved list (not at the moment since I am pg, but normally), and is in the family of drugs that generally does not upset UC. You might want to up your probiotics while you are on it.

I agree that natural is the best answer-avoiding antibiotics is something I really strive to do. But with that said, sometimes when things get to the point they seem to be for you, it is necessary to get the antibiotics to knock things out. But once you have, keeping up with sinus infections by using a neti pot or other nasal rinse, as well as supplements to reduce inflammation, and grapefruit seed extract nasal spray (I SWEAR by it-I have had a LOT of sinus infections over my life, and between the nasal rinsing and the nasal spray, I haven't had to be on antibiotics in a long while) whenever you have a hint of a problem will have a huge impact. If it is a known problem for you, preventative care is key. Sometimes it is a hassle, but I know it is worth it to keep off antibiotics.

I am currently taking levaquin as a treatment for my uc, and it has really helped with my current flare. My gi originally prescribed it in case the flare was from an infection but has kept me on it for a short course even though tests came back negative b/c it is helping me get back in remission. I truly don't understand how an antibiotic can help with something that is not an infection, but it definitely is, as my flare is almost over (fingers crossed) after just a few days on this. It does give me insomnia - taking it in the morning helps. And there is a pretty serious warning about tendon rupture - so be careful about excercise while on it and for a few weeks afterwards.

I hope it works for you too!

Do you mean Biaxin? That is a BAD one for me. I CAN NOT take it. I had a CNP prescribe it for me once after I told her I had UC and had issues with antibiotics, and within the first few doses, my UC was acting up. When I went back and saw the GP himself, even he knew that was a bad choice.

I'm sorry the Levaquin didn't work out. But I would be VERY cautious about taking Biaxin. I would ask your GI, honestly. I clear any and all antibiotics through them, regardless of what the GP says.

InSoFla,

I started having tendon pain four days into taking Levaquin, and of course was taken off it right away. That stuff is no joke. I have tried the natural route, believe me. Neti pot, extra supplements, etc. Unfortunately, my sinus cat scan indicated a lot of inflammation, which is probably why I keep getting sinus infections, along with of course Humira suppressing my immune system.

The Biaxin reared its ugly head(into my colon, so to speak) this morning..feeling okay now, only because my husband was home and could take care of my young kids and let me rest. Not looking forward to seeing what else Biaxin has in store for me. I am honestly doubting I can make it through two weeks of taking it, if my symptoms were so bad only after being on it for three days. I think I had diarrhea about ten times before noon today. Not fun. I see my GI in a week and we'll see what he says.

Oh, and Supa, I did call my GI doc's nurse and asked about Biaxin, and she didn't seem to think it would be a problem. Um, wrong. Oh, and congrats to you on expecting your third baby! I would love to have another, but am in no current shape to do that yet. I am very wary of taking immune suppressants while pregnant, so I'd be curious if the docs watch you or the baby more closely and if you are feeling well. Good luck to you.

I've been on Levaquin quite a few times and it never causes me any trouble. There is now a generic for it too (not all pharmacies have it, find one that does - a LOT cheaper). I actually prefer it over most antibiotics because it doesn't give me horrible side effects (dreaded yeast infection) like some do.

Are you taking probiotics???

q

Yup, been taking VSL#3 for quite a while and upped the dosage since being on antibiotics.

quincy,

Not following what you are saying. I wish that probiotics solved all my problems, but that does not seem to be the case.

Quincy,

Maybe the posts aren't showing up right or something, but I did answer your question, looks like just before you asked me again. I am taking probiotics, VSL#3, for a long time and upped the dose when I went on antibiotics.