Erythromycin symptoms and conditions

I am currently taking the z-pak, on my third day. Today I woke up with white "pockets" under my tongue. Thinking about not taking any more. They are very painful. Hurts to eat or drink. I've taken this before but never with this kind of reaction.

The risk of side effect of cholesterol lowering medication double and increase the risk of developing rhabdomyolysis if taken with these drugs. Fibrates(another type of cholesterol drug)
erythromycin(an antibiotic) ,Anti fungal medication
Niacin vit B3 at high dose( prescription doses) and cyclosporine ( an anti -rejection drug for patient who have had an organ donation) .these are from the book Australian S. C. she is liver doctor as well as extra research about cholesterol drug.her book title is Cholesterol the real truth
(are the drug you take making you sick).

took lipitor and erythromycin and now have neuropathy

I asked the doc to prescribe me Avelox 400mg because i have had bad side effects from Biaxin and Erythromycin. I get chronic upper respiratory tract infections from allergies etc. I figured my mother took this med with no side effects (and she is usually very sensitive to all meds including vitamins) so perhaps i could take it without side effects. I was wrong. I took my first pill at 2pm and about one hour later i was starting to feel on edge. Its 11pm and my heart is still racing, and my chest feels very strange. These feelings are from the drug, not anything else! The doc and pharmacist do not explain any side effects or concerns. when i took Biaxin i had no idea that this was the cause of panic attacks that i was getting. I thought i was losing it at the time. Tomorrow i will head back to the doc and get this prescription changed hopefully to a 'nice' antibiotic...if there is such a thing.

This is an update. I have experienced "some" problems trying to get Doctors to believe that my muscle problems are Lipitor related. I was sent this by a nurse. It is not the full page.

"2005 Mosby's Nursing Drug Reference (pg.155)

atorvastatin
Lipitor

Uses: As an adjunct in primary hypercholesterolemia

Interactiions:
*Risk of possible rhabdomyolysis; azole antifungaals,
cycloSPORINE, erythromycin, niacin, gemfibrozil, clofibrate".

Guess what? I have been using an azole antifungal intermittently for the entire time I was on Lipitor. It is not a medication I "take". It is used topically for a fungal nail which refuses to clear up. You may have been using it for athletes foot.
Now one pharmacist says a topical application cannot cause this interaction and another pharmacist says it is almost certain that the azole antifungal gets into the blood stream and will interact with the Lipitor. I have to laugh.
Next week I start Physical Therapy on my left elbow.

I was diagnosed with strep throat about 1 week ago and at first the doctors tried to kill me! They had prescribed amoxicillin--I am allergic to anything with "cillin" in it, and before heading home, I caught the mistake. The doctor apologized profusely, and then prescribed me erythromycin. Upon taking this drug, my face became swollen, and my eyes were itchy and red and my throat stung and my ears burned like fire! I returned to the doctor's office, and he was like, "oh, well, you're allergic to this, too! I'll give you some Bactrim. It helps for UTI's". I don't have an UTI, but I was desperate for anything to stop the burning pain. After taking Bactrim(sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim) for two days, my throat felt much better and the ear pain was gone, but I had a horrible rash on my chest, arms, back, and face. My eyes became itchy and puffy, and after day six of the treatment, I stopped taking my medicine. I couldn't take the rash or the itchy eyes anymore. Something strange happened: I felt just great! My skin had cleared, and no more itchy, puffy eyes! Now, two days later, I wake up to another sore throat AND itchy, puffy eyes. I do not have insurance, and any treatment I receive comes straight from out my own pocket. Could this stuff be silently killing me? Please someone help me with this strange dilemma

I had Hodgkin’s Disease in 1981 at which time they removed my spleen.
I was given a supply of Erythromycin antibiotics as a prophylactic, as a result of my Splenectomy to counteract any ongoing infections etc. and I have used this now for years, on an as necessary basis rather than continual, with good results.
In 1994 I suffered a Heart Attack and they found my Cholesterol level to be 9.6. I had Angioplasty and a Stent was inserted to hold the artery open.
Following that, I was prescribed Zocor (Simvastatin) to reduce my Cholesterol level.
My eyesight, which has always been very poor as I have Cone Dystrophy, deteriorated over the next three years to a point where I was registered as blind in 1998. The form indicated “Primary loss of central field”.
I suffered various side-effects from the Statin including General Weakness, Panic Attacks and Palpitations. My Cholesterol during this period averaged around 7.
The Doctor changed my Statin to Lipitor (Atorvastatin) in 1998.
In 2000 I complained to the doctor that I had severe muscular problems, to a point where I had to wear knee supports just to climb the stairs. He referred me to the Physiotherapist who manipulated my legs and gave me exercises to help strengthen the muscles. I was unable to walk after that for about 2 weeks!
By sheer fluke, I went on holiday in 2001 and forgot to take my Statins with me. I did not start taking them again straightaway when I returned and I noticed my muscles improving. As I had an appointment with the doctor, I started taking Lipitor again and found that my muscles again deteriorated.
Apart from the muscle issues I experienced lethargy and some digestive problems.
I suspended taking the Statins in October 2001 and my muscles gradually returned.
My Cholesterol crept up to 9.2 and I was referred to the Lipid Clinic at St. Bartholemews Hospital in March 2002.
The specialist there put me on Lescol (Fluvastatin), together with a diet of fruit, beans and chicken.
My muscles continued to return but I suffered from sleeplessness, nightmares and headaches and generally felt unwell. My Cholesterol did, however, reduce to 6.1 and my Triglycerides fell from 14 to 2.3.
In July 02, I stopped taking Lescol (due to erectile dysfunction) and my general well being improved immediately.
I was not prescribed any other Statins at that time and by February 2003 my muscles had returned to almost normal but my Cholesterol had crept up to 8.7.
In February 2003 the Lipid specialist at Barts tried me on Supalip 180 Fenofibrate together with Ezetimibe, due to my intolerance to Statins
On this combination I suffered from fatigue, impotency and again, muscle wastage so I stopped taking any Cholesterol reducing medication for a few months and my Cholesterol rose again to 8.3.
Between May and August 2004 the Clinic tried me on Pravastatin and Ezetimibe but I still suffered from fatigue and impotency and stopped taking any Statins, with my Cholesterol at 7.3 and Triglycerides at around 7. Lipid clinic suggested trying Rosuvastatin (Crestor) but I had had enough by then and thank my good judgment for not taking it, as the side effects are reportedly worse than other Statins.
For the next 3 years, I felt fit and strong with no problems with my muscles nor any sleeplessness, panic attacks etc. In July 2007 my GP took a blood test. My Cholesterol level was 7.4 with Triglycerides at 7.
Over the last few months, I have been taking my glasses off more and more to be able to see more clearly. In the last few weeks the clarity of my vision has improved considerably and I can now see people’s faces and generally much more detail. Red things, like buses and traffic lights are now considerably brighter and I am now able to watch TV from a distance again rather than sitting a foot from the screen. I find I no longer need to wear glasses with a special red tint to improve my vision.
My vision appears to have almost returned to the level it was in 1994 before I had my heart attack and Statin therapy.
I have recently found that one of the side-effects of some Statins is blurring of vision, particulary the statin Zocor, and that this is also a symptom of Rhabdomyolysis which is caused by the taking of Erythromycin with Statins. I do not know what the nature of the blurring is, but nobody has ever mentioned that Statins could affect my eyesight.
Looking back at the timings, I had been on Zocor for 3 years when I was declared blind, and it could be only now that I have been off Statins for 3 years, that my eyes are recovering.
Whilst researching the side-effects of Statins which include, in particular, muscle breakdown and blurred vision, I have found that they should not be taken with Erythromycin!
I believe I suffered blindness, resulting and much discomfort for years as a result of misdiagnosis of the side-effects of the Statins and the prescribing of Statins whilst being prescribed Erythromycin.
I believe that Cholesterol levels in people who have had a Splenectomy are abnormally high and people who have a Splenectomy should be warned to immediately go onto a low fat diet and not have toasted bacon sandwiches on the way to work every morning as I did!
The Lipid Clinic also suggested that my complaints about various side effects were psychosomatic and even told me not to look at the side effects leaflet with the pills, just to give them a try for 6 months..
I recently visited my GP and suggested that the combination of Erythromycin and Statins was the cause of my severe muscle breakdown and eyesight deterioration and questioned whether the Statins should have been prescribed when I was on Erythromycin. He advised that he would not do so, would suspend one or the other, but that they probably knew more now than they did a few years ago.
I just wonder how many other people have been suffering for years, just thinking their health and vision is deteriorating with age, when it is probably the medication they are on!

blurred vision, interaction with erythromycin, muscle breakdown,

Hello All..I hope my experience can be slightly helpful to anyone reading this..I am a married 31 year old woman with 2 children. I was suffering from a sinus infection for around a week, maybe a week and a half..Now first,let me tell you,I am not one for doctors..I go when I am pregnant and if I am really really sick, otherwise..I am an over the counter kind of girl heh but because I was experiencing bad symptoms ( burning smell in my nose, pressure etc) I decided to go in. I went in on Saturday (believe that was Sept 29th) and saw an associate of my "regular" doctor. He checked me and confirmed what I believed to be true, a serious sinus infection..Now because I am a selfpay patient, my doctors usually will try and helpme out with samples of meds they may have, which I always do appreciate..This time he gave me a free voucher for a 10 day supply of Avelox. Now mainly because I have never had a bad reaction to any antibiotic ( I normally take amoxicillan and erythromycin ) I didnt think anything of taking that voucher and getting on the road to better breathing. I filled the script that afternoon and began the first dose..Nothing specific happened right away, but later that night I started to get a real bad headache, I am prone to headaches here and there so again I thought nothing of it..Went to bed and woke up that sunday still with the headache but it was worse..During the afternoon decided to lay down, take a small nap, hoping I would wake up feeling better, but when I woke up (and mind you, I have taken the 2nd dose of avelox by this point) I felt HORRIBLE! I couldnt breathe, my chest was tight, I was lightheaded, dizzy,nervous/anxious..I felt like I was jumping out of my skin. Clearly the worst experience of my life. I managed to try and keep calm,did breathing exercises and waited until Monday morning to go see my doctor and of course was not about to take any more of this crazy med.. (This attack went on and off for around 14 hours). When I went in on monday, I was still feeling ill and having some of the symptoms but did feel better compared to the night before. My doctor confirmed I reacted very seriously to the medication and went on to tell me that she has had patients commit suicide after taking it >.

This morning ( Oct 5th 2007 at 5:10am) , I am feeling a bit better, the symptoms had lasted on and off all week..I had no appetite until yesterday, which I actually ate 3 good meals. I was bloated,anxious, nervous, lightheaded..I also had/have a bit of insomnia..just really really sick.. I am hoping I will continually feel better. But this was indeed a truly scary experience. My doctor informed on 2 remedies that are natural...for the bloating and gas pressure and discomfort,she told me to get acidophilus.which is "good/friendly" bacteria to replace the ones the antibiotic killed off. She toldme to take this for around 2 weeks. And for the insomnia and anxiety/nervousness she told me to get Valarien,again all natural to keep me calm,it is a natural mild sedative. I hope this will help someone out there because I had read through every post I could find this week to try and help myself and keep calm. Good luck to you all and please, warn others about the risks and dangers of ths horrible medication aka POISON :(

I had strep throat, they gave me erthromicine- sorry about the spelling- I took it for two days, the worst two days of my life- I threw up constantly, couldn't sleep and gas like you wouldn't believe. Went back to doctor got sulfameth /trimethoprim. Have been taking it for 9 days, twice a day, almost done with the perscription and broke out in a huge rash. My internal temp is very hot but I get the chills and my throat muscles hurt now. Not like strep on the inside but when I turn my head- this sucks!

Went to doctor because of burning in throat and chest and nausea. Friend had the flu and I was starting to feel the same.

Doc diagnosed fluid on ear and swollen lymph nodes. First two days os zpak diarhea set in; next day chest in severe pain; next day feeling weak and spacey; today nauseous all day - breathing bad and throat tight and headachey.

This has done nothing for the nauseousness which doc said was due to sinus drainage. Sinus got worse with white yeast material getting spit out. Yeast of course is fungus----so appears that the zpak has created yeast in the upper respiratory area rather than curing the fluid it is now congealed into white stuff.

One more pill to take. Do I take or not?

Also, told ht edoc I was allergic to erythymycin----so she prescribed zpak---------is this not the same as erythromycin?

If this is the same then I am not surprised that I am feeling bad on this medication.

Never again on z pak.

I was given Biaxin along with Fluzone 3 years ago for what seemed like just a nasty case of the flu. After a few days I felt 200% worse and wasn't sure if it was the Biaxin or the Fluzone, so just stopped them both and began recovering completly within 24 hrs. However, it was while I was taking the meds that I had my fist panic attack, and I continued to have them intermittently for over a year. I found out later that Biaxin is an erythromycin, which I've never tolerated well. If I had known that to begin with I would not have taken it. My husband tried Biaxin this last winter for a sinus infection. After his first dose, he vomited violently and felt like he was getting the flu. He skipped the 2nd dose and began feeling better. The next day, he took another dose and the same thing happened. He threw up within an hour and felt lousy for the rest of the day. Forget this stuff!

While taking Aggrenox following a stroke, I am having stomach problems "Gastroparesis" a condition in which the stomach moves porly, and is delayed in its emptying of liquids and especilly solids. I have underactive thyroid after having pituitary surgery to remove a tumor. I stopped taking this drug because I kept seeing bruises on my arms that I could not remember brusing.

My bio stats: Male, age 41, bodyfat 12-15%, 5'8, 200lbs (I gym a lot). BP without medication range from 150-160/90-110.

Only started treating my BP this year.

Developed a persistent coughing immediately after taking Lisinopril (20mg). Coughing especially bad round 12mn to 4am before being able to fall asleep. Lost of strange and almost blacked out twice in the gym. Lost of libido and penile erection after about 2 months of use. Horrified, I saw my doctor and he swtiched me to Losartan about 1.5 weeks ago.

With Losartan (25mg) I developed a sore throat within 3 days of use which become a really bad chest infection a week later. This was 2 wks ago and I'm still fighting the chest infection with erythromycin and codine.

Obviously, this completely spoiled my gym workout schedule.

Also, I realised that about 4-5 hours after taking Losartan, I'd develop and really bad lower back pain (almost like a slip disk). It would go away after about 6-8 hours.

I never felt more sick this long. Is it worth taking the medications?????? Is there a way to do this naturally without drugs???? HELP!!!!!!

I'm almost ready to give up eating out and just making plain boiled chick breast meat everyday!

I have not had any adverse reactions to Levaquin. After age 30 I suddenly became allergic to penicillan AND erythromycin,clarithromycin,azithromycin-- making prescribing antibiotics very difficult, especially since I was already allergic to sulfa drugs, too. I have taken Levaquin approx 5 times for various upper-respiratory infections, ear infections, etc---works great, but very expensive.

Was given 7 days of Levaquin 500 mg by doctor in early July 2003 for a stubborn sinus and bronchial infection that was not responding to Erythromycin. First dose was early evening, and I quickly experienced rapid heartbeat, anxiety and insomnia. I called my doctor the next morning, he prescribed Xanax for the insomnia/anxiety. The second day I began to feel pronounced joint pain in my left hand. Symptoms grew to include: anxiety, extreme dizziness and fatigue, a sense of "lifelessness", like a vampire had sucked the blood out of me, some confusion, visual disturbances and nightmares. I decided to return to doctor 3 days after starting treatment to ask for another drug. He urged me to finish taking the Levaquin since I "only had a few days left"of treatment, but I could cut dose in half. On the drive home from the doctor, I nearly passed out, and I have never fainted in my life.

Two months post treatment, I continue to experience anxiety, some insomnia, joint pain as well as muscle twingles/tremors in left hand, and occasional "sprained"sensation in right ankle. My memory has been poor and I often seem scattered. I attribute these lingering symptoms to the Levaquin, as I had none before taking this drug.

Note that my physician at no time warned me of any side effects of the drug, nor did he tell me not to take it concurrent with NSAIDs (such as Ibuprofen, Advil) or steroids (such as Advair Diskus, which he prescribed for my bronchitis).

I hope to minimize the recurring side effects by taking the right kinds of nutritional supplementation, by avoiding caffeine and alcohol (which I enjoy on occasion!) and sugar. Someone please tell me that these side effects will eventually disappear..........

I was prescribed Levaquin 500 mg for an infected wound on my elbow.
The infection did decrease but didn't actually clear up and the drug affected my intestines causing inflammation and slight bleeding.
The effect on my joints had me hobbling around like an old man, unable to walk properly and stairs were agony to climb.
Within 24 hours of finishing the course I felt much improved and today I feel better still.
Verdict; Erythromycin from now on.

Hello,

For pneumonia I was rx'd erythromycin, became very sick so rx'd Levaquin. Pharmacy printout listed some side effects. I saw "torn ligaments" listed and was told it was a very rare side effect.

I started Levaquin January 30th. On February 3rd I developed pain in my right elbow area then even worse in my left shoulder, then in collarbone and surrounding area. Since then these symptoms have shown up in left elbow, right shoulder, calves of legs, hands, my right bicep is killing me, along with severe headache and overall weakness.

I am barely able to dress and undress or from this pain. Typing this with one finger right hand.

I have no transportation w/o spouse, finally called doctor on Friday, Feb. 14th and have appt Tuesday, Feb, 18th.

Her dx will be posted if possible.

I have fibromyalgia, chronic myofascial pain, chronic fatigue so I've certainly had no energy to injury myself. I am concerned this is a result of taking Levaquin.

Also since I have the above dx at first I thought it was just more pain, however, I am now positive that this is unrelated.

Joanne Diffenbaugh

Hi. I just finished 7 days on Levaquin for a case of aspiration pneumonia. Apparently, the medication worked great for my condition, because my doctor was amazed this morning at how fast I've improved in one week. I feel fine. I had only minimal side effects from the Levaquin, including some nausea and a funny taste in my mouth. I had a much worse time with erythromycin for a sinus infection a few years ago.