July 22th
2008
1:21 PM
Hi all. I would just like to agree that PredniSone sucks but it is the best out there for these diseases especially the auto-immune diseases. Drug companies do not make any money on prednisone because it is generic and there is no patent. I know I picked up 98 10mg prednisones yesterday for $5.00. Believe me when there is a better steroid that works as well and has less side effects it will be available to us all. It will cost tons but it will be sold. Researchers have been working for so many years trying to find an alternative, some have been found but do not work well enough. As bad as the prednisone makes us feel it does work on the diseases. You always have the choice to say no - that is why we should all have a health care power of attorney - just remember that when you decide not to take the prednisone you are agreeing that the disease may worsen and may be life threatening. I hate to sound so morbid but patients must be informed. When you are at the physician ask about the side effects, ask if they can give you something to counteract any mood swings, ask what lotion is best for the itchy skin (AmLactin works well for me and is over the counter). Also, my physician advised me yesterday that the side effects are worse on women due to our precarious hormones. I have told my husband to just stay out of the way and don't piss me off because I am not sure how this next 7-8 weeks is going to fare for him. I am 4ft 10in 110lbs and he is 6ft 1in 200lbs and believe me he is scared for his life. I am using prednisone for my ulcerative colitis so now that I am feeling better physicially I can return to exercise and that has definitely helped. So has turning up the music really loud and dancing and singing poorly. Yelling at the tv helps me whether it be politicians, soap operas or idiots on game shows who get the wrong answers. I also have been keeping a journal of all the rage I have and what kinds of things I could do to people who keep getting in my way at the store, on the road, in line at the pharmacy - I guess I need to put that in a safe place so it can't be used for evidence :}
-- By maryrn | Reply | (7) replies | Private Message me
July 19th
2008
4:58 PM
I'm a 32 year old male. This is probably the 5th time I've taken Zithromax. Unlike previous experiences, this time I got a horrible rash on my face, chest, neck, and little red spots all over my body. They itch horribly and I'm hoping they go away on their own. I am going on week two and they are still around. Last year, I was given a very strong antibiotic for an infection that just wouldn't go away. I took one dose and threw the rest out because the resulting full-body rash was horrible. I think that some of us may develop an allergy to certain families of antibiotics as we age. Either that or our immune systems are degraded. Who knows. I've also been dealing with chronic anal itch for 2 years now, and that is a horrible thing to live with. FEELING OLD!
-- By eibwenjg | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
July 19th
2008
3:07 PM
Am on my second 3-week course of doxycycline for Lyme disease since the first go round didn't eradicate the infection. Have all the classic side effects mentioned, however the stomach ailments are GREATLY alleviated by taking a strong (70 billion parts per capsule) probiotic. Take it half way between the 2 doxycycline doses and although it isn't magic it does make a difference.
Although I have no appetite, I try to graze lightly on foods that appeal to me throughout the day and that seems to help with many of the horrific side effects.
Also, my MD suggested I take Aleve and NOT Ibuprofen for headaches since the Ibuprofen can cause a "headache" kickback (and causes stomach pain). Don't know if that's true, but the Aleve seems to help a little.
Worst side effects for me are utter exhaustion, dizziness, stomach pain, sore throat, and a head that hurts feels like it is filled with wet cotton. Also heart palpitations which may be part of the Lyme disease.
Hope some of this helps.
June 24th
2008
9:37 AM
I find some of these posts interesting because it seems as if some folks either do not completely read the dosing instructions that come with all medications when they are picked up from a pharmacy or given by a doctor, or they just choose to ignore them. I have been on Doxy for six months for the treatment of Lyme and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. It's been no picnic at times but I feel 100 times better than before I started it. When I started taking Doxy, I too didn't pay much attention to the dosing instructions and I learned the hard way with some uncomfortable side-effects. Here are a few recommendations from someone who has been taking this drug long-term. 1. You must eat! Eat a small snack (banana, crackers, fruit) before you take the drug. Do not take it with something that you know upsets your stomach, also do not take it with dairy or any supplements containing magnesium or iron. 2. After taking the drug, eat another small snack, same as in #1. Avoid any of the supplements or dairy listed above for at least two hours. 3. Imperative!!! Take a good probiotic regularly (30-50 billion cfu). Antibiotics are designed to kill stuff in your body. They do not distinguish between bad and good however. You need the probiotic to replace the good bacteria in your digestive tract, otherwise your body will not digest properly. I was constipated for quite some time before I figured this one out. 4. I saw a few other folks mention this one. Do not lay down immediately following taking the drug. Again, I learned the hard way, I had severe GERD for a time as well. 5. Avoid long-term sun exposure. This was the latest. My skin has always had some natural pigmentation in it for a white guy and I have not burned too easily. On the Doxy though, I found out that I burn extremely fast. I guess I will be under an umbrella at the beach in a few weeks. 6. Don't panic! This drug was made to fight infections/disease. Be prepared for some side-effects, but also don't be afraid to see your doctor if they are just unbearable. All people do not respond to medications in the same manner. What works for you or me might not work for someone else. I hope this information helps someone out there. I know it is incredibly frustrating when you are taking something to cure an illness and more things go wrong.
-- By tluckenb | Reply | Private Message me
June 6th
2008
11:43 PM
I was given a free 10 day coupon for Avelox by a physician to treat an awful cold that wouldn't go away. He also wrote a prescription for, and I got it filled at a pharmacy, an inhaler. Avelox is the WORST medicine I have ever encountered in my 69 years!! I took it for 4 days and QUIT (today) the *^%(% thing. Who wants to be dizzy, crabby, anxious, short with people, impatient, thirsty all the time, constantly gasping for breath, and NO energy at all?
Bayer should be prosecuted, condemned for creating this poison pill. I can't believe this med it is still allowed for public consumption!??
June 6th
2008
2:53 PM
I'm a 31 female. I was diagnosed with bronchitis/sinusitis on 5/28 and was given Biaxin which did not help. I was instructed to return to the doctor if I did not feel better within 2 to 3 days. On Monday 6/2 I returned to the doctors per instructions because I was not feeling better. He switched me to Levaquin 500mg 1 a day. I took Levaquin at 8pm Monday evening. I was unable to sleep that evening so I researched the medication the following morning and saw that Insomnia was a side effect. Starting at 10am today 6/6 I begun severe hip pain in my right hip. I called the doctor and they instructed me to stop taking the medicine for 24 hours and begin treatment again if the pain reduces. After reading this information I'm now reluctant to start "if" the pain subsides.
-- By audprice | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
June 4th
2008
1:15 PM
This is my story. My daughter 14, the most precious child ever born. She has a wonderful disposition always happy, loving, and determined to succeed in whatever she does. She just brightens everyone’s world.
She suffers from severe seasonal allergies and mild asthma. She takes approximately seven allergy/asthma medicines a day during peak season. Over the past two years she has been taking Singular as one of her medicines. Being 14, sick of taking medicine she would not take the Singular on a regular basis. Approximately four months ago “MOM” says, if you take nothing else take your Singular it will work both for the seasonal allergies and your asthma. She has been taking this regularly four the past four months.
She became paranoid, she became a compulsive eater and bites the skin on her fingers. She would eat and chew on her fingers at the same time, until she choked. She had so much anger, she could not even go to the mall without temper tantrums.(As a child she never had any tantrums ) Always afraid. Severe depression set in. She would cry at a moments notice. She would say, I have a very sad life, sad very sad, nothing makes me like this, I’m just sad. She felt she should go live with the homeless people. I asked her why, she didn’t know, she felt maybe that’s where she belonged. Nightmares and sleepless nights.
She needs help quickly. Before calling the Doctor, I went on the internet and entered Singular and depression and I found 1900 entries, all people telling me what I was experiencing. Could this possibly be the answer for us? I called her Dr and told him what I thought, he said he has never had anyone that this has happened to. He hoped it was the answer, but really didn’t think is. He said if it wasn’t the answer she would need therapy, mood stabilizer and Prozac.
Its day four off Singular, she smiling, no tears today, no temper tantrums, looking forward to school next week, wants to play volleyball next year, singing in the car,
I hear that happy voice again.(Hi, Mommy!!!!!!) Every once in a while a glaze comes over her face. She isn’t a 100% back, but I know it is coming.
To all the people that don’t have the happy ending, I will pray for you and hold you in my heart forever.
June 2, 2008
-- By twink | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
May 17th
2008
12:00 AM
I was prescribed this drug for C-Diff.
This is my 2nd time taking this drug for the C-Diff.
It absolutely makes me so miserable,
physically and mentally.
I feel bad all over.
It's hard to describe, you feel like
you're going to die or something.
I have an extremely bad headache.
My shoulders and hands hurt.
I ache and feel weak.
May 14th
2008
11:26 PM
My son age 3 was diagnosed with asthma about a year ago. Since then he has been sick constantly. Most recently his doctor has prescribed Singulair. He is aggressively pushing it on us. I stated my concerns to him, and he said there is nothing wrong with the drug.. he gets all the news letters.. and all the things I listed was the first time he heard anything.. I asked for his to refer us to a specialist and he wont.. I cant find anyone for a second opinion..My son needs medicine- at night i cant leave his side cause of his breathing.. The doctor wont suggest any alternate and I am stuck. I keep reading about all the people who are not taking singulair anymore- what what are they taking? I am completely lost here!
-- By ossie | Reply | (5) replies | Private Message me
March 20th
2008
5:42 PM
Well just started yesterday on the 500mg levaquin tablets. Ended up with the flu and waited 6 days before going to see the doctor. I have known for a long time that any antibiotic is bad for you due to the fact they kill all benificial bacteria also. I had severe food allergies for ten years due to them. Only by accident did i find out that what had happened was candidiasis which is also a bacteria that we all have in our system was allowed to grow out of control due to all the good bacteria being wiped out. With this information at hand I was able to treat my what you would call long term side effects. By reintroducing good bacteria back into my system I was finally able to beat all the symptoms. Now I know that with levaquin I will have to reintroduce all over again. The important thing to remember is you have to reintroduce right away. Its the candida that in most cases that causes the problems most people experience. Anytime you kill something in your body you will create toxins that must be eliminated. Anyone not educated about candidiasis should read up on it in whole. Most doctors do not recognize this condition or even believe. I have posted on curezone.com in the candida forum under ( crapshot ). I firmly believe that when probiotics are (good benificial bacteria) reintroduced ASAP the recovery time from the side effects of levaquin or any antibiotic will be diminished greatly. I do not believe that any one probiotic works better than the other but when used rotate brands to allow a better assimilation into your system. Tho dairy products due have good bacteria added for our benefit when candida has grown out of control at this point your better off with a product like Three Lac or Primal Defence or the likes.
-- By crapshot | Reply | Private Message me
March 5th
2008
9:41 PM
I was given Cipro 500mg twice daily for a UTI. After 4 days on the medication I developed severe joint and tendon pain. Every joint in my body was in pain! I have called the doctor and they had me stop taking the medication. I continue to have pain in my joints. By the end of the day, my knees are killing me! Will this ever go away. I am seeing the doctor tomorrow, I am so upset over this, I am in my mid-30's and am feeling like I am 80! I am a grade 1 teacher and have 3 young kids at home, I hope things will get better!
-- By rvincequere | Reply | (6) replies | Private Message me
March 1th
2008
12:18 PM
Prescribed for sinus infection/flu; stomach cramps developed, metallic taste, spacey. I'll try some lacto pills (to replicate the good bacteria found in yogurt to protect my stomach. I tried to use hard candy to combat the taste in my mouth to no avail...) Hope everyone feels better soon.
-- By dmatuzak | Reply | Private Message me
October 26th
2007
1:07 PM
I was on Levaquin in February of 06. Although it helped the sinus infection, the price has been great. I had severe burning and tingling in my lips. Lower lip still numb after 20 months. Soreness and weakness in fingers--sprained two fingers while doing routine things. Stabbing pains in soles of feet, decreased over 4 months. Excruciatingly sore Achilles tendon, especially sore to the touch. Large muscle twitches in arms and legs. Decreased over several months. Ear ringing began--still have it. Dramatic increase in floaters in eyes also during the course of the drugs--still have them. Serious back problems began then also, with 4 herniated discs being diagnosed 5 months later. I have read that connective tissue damage may result from Levaquin. I feel that everthing that stated then is related: back, ears, eyes, numb lips, hands, etc. I checked with my doctors office, told them the symptoms, and I was instructed to keep taking the drug if I wanted to get well. But I only spoke with a nurse. . .shame on me. Good luck to all of you.
-- By tborg | Reply | (2) replies | Private Message me
October 24th
2007
11:35 AM
After 1 day of taking this medication, my body instantly didn't agree with it. I experienced dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, no appetite and the worst diarrhea that i ever experienced. I also kept vomiting and recieved a yeast infection in the process. Finally after 3 days I stopped it under my own discretion. My doctor couldn't believe it was doing of this in 3 days. Every medication isn't for everyone
-- By medlady | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
October 6th
2007
7:10 AM
I was prescribed doxycycline for an infection in my testicles. After 5 days of taking 2 pills a day, the pain was diminishing and I was feeling better. However, I never took the pills with food, always took on an empty stomach. Everything was OK for those first 5 days. It was the 10th pill I took that I felt bad pain in my stomach and lower esophagus, a burning pain just below my rib cage. I could not hardly eat as the pain was so bad as food reached the end of my esophagus. I have stopped taking the pill and 4 days later each time I eat food as it passes through my esophagus and enters my stomach, I still experience bad pain. Its funny because there is no pain until food has traveled a good ways down.. It feels like doxycline has burned that connection of the esophagus with the stomach. I
-- By ctlakin | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
September 7th
2007
4:46 AM
AS with any antibiotic, anyone can have a reaction to it. I have 3 children and all of them have been on it multiple times and the only thing I can say that is similar to the other experiences here is that they do seem to be more hyper active. Other than that, no intestinal issues but again any antibiotic can cause intestinal upset. Try taking Lactobacillus tablets while using any oral antibiotic. It will help put the good bacteria back into your intestinal tract.
-- By bolandmom | Reply | Private Message me
June 20th
2007
12:56 PM
I'm 35 and I've have had mild asthma since I was about 10 year old. At times I've been able to go weeks without needing to take anything, then stress, envirnoment triggers etc fire it up. I started taking advair 100/50 a couple of years back, and right now my breathing feels just about the worst it ever has. Without the advair I feel an uncomfortable tightness that I've never had before, a whole lot worse that the wheezing. Over the past couple of years I've lacked energy, been a lot more anxious and I've been warned of potential heart issues. I have a very healthy lifestyle and I assumed I was just getting older and more fragile...after reading these posts I'm seeing a possible connection.
Like some other people have said I sometimes feel like something is stuck in my throat / top of my lungs, it almost feels like phlegm but I can't cough it up.
I've stopped the advair for 3 days as of today, so far the tightness is managable, and the rescue inhaler is at hand (although I haven't had to use it yet). I'm hoping I can get back to previous drug free times.
May 17th
2007
12:22 PM
If you get diarrea from Omnicef or other antibiotics, take 3 or 4 Lactobacillus tablets every day that you take the antibiotics. The antibiotics kill the good bacteria in your stomach, the Lactobacillus tablets restore the good bacteria in your stomach. Children can take them, too, they are chewable and really help. They are a form of active yogurt cultures. Ask your pharmacy for them, you do not need a prescription.
-- By codymcd1 | Reply | Private Message me
April 26th
2007
8:28 PM
On april 16 I was prescribed omnicef by my dr. i reminded him and his assistant to all my allergies but his assistant assured me that no one had complained about this. Well guess i wont be going back to his office. I had an ear infection and sore throat. After taking the antibiotic, i had black loose stool and a rash all over my body. I stopped the medecine. I called the dr and was told to stop the medicine. I still have the rash .
-- By perlaelisa | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
April 26th
2007
7:08 PM
Persistent pain in upper stomach. No matter what I eat or drink, it won't go away. I've researched the net and it seems my digestive flora is disrupted. Here's what I've found:
"If you do need to take antibiotics, make sure to support your liver and keep it as strong as possible. Every drug we take has to be broken down; it's the liver that does that for you. Eat dark-green leafy vegetables like kale and collard greens, as well as broccoli, beets and artichokes to keep the bile flowing. To regenerate your liver cells, take milk thistle supplements.
To keep your gut healthy while you're on antibiotics, get good bacteria into your system by eating goat's milk yogurt, drinking kefir (or kumiss, or koumis) or taking probiotic supplements.
About yeast overgrowth, ... castor oil, green tea extract and yogurt could be of help. Once more, before taking any action please consult a physician.
Milk, milk products, alcoholic beverages, tea, and coffee cause indigestion in some people because they stimulate the stomach's production of acid.
June 19th
2006
7:37 AM
Hi, I have been taking topamax for about 5 weeks now, maybe a little longer and only 25mg. I have to say my migraines are gone for the most part, except little what I would call headaches that don't last long now and then and I did have one migraine around my menstrual cycle. My side effects have been abnormal menstrual cycle, altered taste (especially pop), slight not hungry feeling, and urinary problems (UTI, frequent need to go, etc...) A couple of side effects that I think are from the medicine because I have seen them listed as side effects are sore throat, tongue has a burning sensation, but not all the time. Has anyone else had these side effects? I have read them as side effects (sore throat, burning sensations), but have never read anywhere of anybody actually having them, especially the tongue thing. Any input would be helpful. Thanks
-- By wer4herd | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me
May 26th
2006
10:26 PM
Super Vitamin B Complex is what helped me walk again with a regular gait and almost eliminate all the pain. Levaquin strips the body of many vitamins, minerals and the good bacteria. Probiotin yogurt also helped.
-- By gayle634 | Reply | Private Message me
May 21th
2006
6:44 PM
I was prescribed Levaquin by my ENT because I was suffering from a severe sinus infection. The first dose I took made me vomit. Luckily, I only had to take it once a day so by the time I took my next dose, I was able to keep it down. However, I could not move around. I spent two days in bed and finally went to Urgent Care my third day into the dose. There, the doctor asked me what the doctor had prescribed me and I told him Levaquin. He prescribed me something to stop the vomitting (I three up for three days) and something to dry up my sinuses. He also told me to eat yogurt because the antibiotic I was taking was so strong, that it not only kills bad bacteria, but good bacteria too. I took the Levaquin for 7 out of the 10 days but stopped it because a week later, I still could not function 100% and found myself vomitting again. Mind you, my sinus pressure, headache was gone as were my other sinus symptoms, but I was still threwing up. After I stopped the Levaquin, I stopped throwing up. But now, my stomach is upset 24/7 and I feel queasy all the time. On top of that, my left arm has been hurting and the other night I woke up because my chest felt really tight. If I drink milk, I get really sick. This did not happen before I took the Levaquin, but my understanding is you need good bacteria to digest milk properly. I think this drug needs to be taken off the shelf before it kills someone.
-- By buttercuppmonkey | Reply | Private Message me
April 16th
2006
7:26 PM
Hi,
I went on Yasmin when I was 19 for 2 years and never had any adverse side effects that I was aware of. My skin improved and people started asking me if I had lost weight alhtough I didn't change my diet/exercise regime (thanks to the diuretic in it). I went off the pill for 1 year, then went back on it 3 months ago, because me skin had been steadily declining, and being off the pill was the only connection I could make.
But this time, my skin didn't get any better. I've been getting large, very red, painful pimples unlike anything I've had before, and in random areas like my cheeks and even around my mouth and chin. I went on a minocycline, a mild antibiotic, for 6 weeks to help my face, and it got somewhat better, but whenever I would cycle, my face would seem to explode right on time with more of these painful pimples. I just finished the antibiotics and will not be taking them anymore since it didnt help that much, and I'm worried about the levels of Candida (yeast) in my body, which can also contirbute to acne and other health problems.
I'm starting to think that maybe now my body is just reacting differently to Yasmin then the first time I was on it. Although my skin in this last year that I'd been off it, I think I've traced these new, worse pimples to being back on Yasmin. And after reading posts here and on aphroditewomenshealth.com, I'm stopping Yasmin right now for good. I'm going to deal with my skin using natural methods.
Here's some suggestions for natural supplements that I've gathered from other posts to balance hormones and help adult acne in the process. I'm going to look into them right away.
Agnus Castus
Chasteberry (Vitex) extract
Progesterone Cream
Evening Primrose Oil
I've also started taking Acidopholus supplements to reverse the damage to the good bacteria in my body from the antibiotics, trying to keep the Candida in check. And I'm drinking 3-4 ounces of Goji juice a day, which is supposedly really powerful stuff for all kinds of health problems. One of my professors claims that Goji juice is the only thing that's successfully balanced her hormones now that she's going through menopause.
Hope this helps...Interested to hear if anyone else has had bad acne problems from Yasmin.
-- By tracy.ellwanger | Reply | Private Message me
Levaquin (9) Omnicef (3) Doxycycline Hyclate (3) Singulair (2) Yasmin (2) Cipro (2) Flagyl (2) Zithromax Z-Pak (1) Acidophilus (1) Topamax (1) PredniSONE (1) Biaxin (1) Avelox (1) Femcon FE (1) Nystatin (1) Advair HFA (1) Keflex (1) Methylpred DP (1)
October 21th
2008
1:10 PM
I took FemCon FE for seven days and experienced a lot of severe side effects which included diarrhea after I eat, foully smell in urine, itching and burning in vagina (like a yeast infection), hearburn, hot flashes, burning feeling in my heart and chest (not the same thing as hearburn), and terrifying anxiety symptoms that consisted of heart palpitations, heart flutters, shortness of breath, numbness in arms, dizziness, join pain, lump in throat, tight chest pains, and insomnia. The anxiety symptoms seemed to be worse at nighttime. I literally felt like I was going to have a heart attack and die. I stopped taking the pill three days ago and I do feel some better, but not completely back to normal yet. I did a lot of praying during this difficult time and God helped me get through it. I know I couldn't have made it without Him. The fear of dying was so intense that I thought my heart was literally going to stop. I almost passed out a few times which is also a scary feeling. My doctor put me on Femcom FE for my hormones, not for birth control, because I had a tubal back in 2002. I would rather put up with my crazy hormones then have the extreme anxiety attacks. The only good thing was my period didn't last as long and was lighter. Now that I have went off of FemCon, I started bleeding again like a normal period. I don't recommend Femcom FE for anyone.
-- By pea37 | Reply | (1) replies | Private Message me