Rifampin symptoms and conditions

I had a hip replacement in June, then contracted a staph infection after that (non-MRSA, thank goodness!), for which I have been on a 12 week antibiotic protocol, in addition to having the hip opened again for cleaning and replacement. For the first 6 weeks, I had a PICC line in my arm, which was infusing Oxacillin every four hours 24/7, as well as two oral doses per day of Rifampin. After the removal of the PICC line, I was put on a daily dose of 750 mg of Levaquin (I was also on Levaquin in the hospital, and couldn't sleep for weeks after coming home from the hospital). I have now been on Levaquin for 4 weeks and have incredible pain. The first symptom and most annoying was insomnia, as well as EXTREME rotator ruff pain, stiff fingers, tendor pain in my left elbow, and right knee. I can't walk well, the bottoms of my feet hurt (what's up with that?), and I can't even put on my bra by myself, my shoulders hurt so much. I thought I could take the pain because I just DO NOT want to have the staph infection come back and have another hip replacement, but I think I will actually have to go off of it. It's just too much pain. And I'm worried about long term damage.

My son was given this medication for MRSA staph infection, in addition to Rifampin 300mg, and other medication he has had before. This is his 4th outbreak so they were trying to get aggressive with this treatment.

Yesterday, Day 4 (although he hadn't been taking his medication faithfully as he should have been) he developed a rash on the side of his tummy. Then today, it started spreading sporadically on his back, his knees are red & swollen, and his hands feel swollen to him as well. Since both these medications are new to us, and it's a Sunday, I'm having him stop both the SULFAM / TRIMETH, and the Rifmpkin until I can speak with a doctor tomorrow.

Looks like other people have had similar, and worse side effects such as his.

I not sure that what I am experiencing is related to my 9 month course of 750 mg Levaquin, or my simultaneous 9 month course of 300 mg Rifampin, or my 6 week course of IV Vancomyocin twice a day........You all are talking about days and weeks....I have been on these hardcore meds for substantially longer. I became infected with Staph Epidermidis in the disc space of L 4-5 during surgery to correct degeneration in my spine. I am now left with joint pain from head to toe, Uveitis, a scaly rash all over my trunk and arms, stomach pain, further degeneration in my spine, insomnia, severe fatigue, depression, and what I call "brain fog." I have been told by the team of Doctors caring for me that the only symptom that relates to my medication is possibly the Uveitis. I would like to know how you all are attributing the medications to your ailments? (insomnia, depression, fatigue, joint pain... for example) Are you sure that they are not symptomatic of another disease process? After stopping the medications has your health become normal? I have to remain on this medication for the remainder of the year. I do not have the option of just flushing it down the toilet, as someone previously posted. There are only a few medication that can combat my illness, but I would like to know that they are not harming me in the long run.

I took SMZ and Rifampin together for an abcess and have been off of it for a few days and feel weak, off balance, headaches. It's NOT good!

I am currently using Kenalog diluted in lotion for topical treatment of eczema. I had used it seven years ago for the same thing but don't remember having any side effects. All I know is that it is the ONLY thing that has made my itchy, weepy/crusty blisters disappear and make my skin soft and smooth again, getting rid of all redness and pain.

FYI - This is copied directly from the pharmacist's information sheet given to me yesterday at Wal-Mart for my prescription of Kenalog.

ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking birth control pills, barbituates, rifampin, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-freeding.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects that MAY go away during treatment include acne, nausea, vomiting, changes in appetite, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, headache, restlessness, difficulty sleeping, or sweating. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IF: you experience rash; muscle pain or weakness; slow wound healing; fever or chills; sore throat; pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site; changes in eyesight; changes in mood; or seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. **Serious side effects may occur if you suddenly stop using this medicine. FOLLOW THE DIETARY PLAN as provided by your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR OR LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAKES YOU MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ILLNESSES, especially if you take it for an extended period of time. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with infection. If you are exposed to chickenpox, measles, or tuberculosis (TB) while taking this medicine or during the twelve months after stopping this medicine, call your doctor. Also report to your doctor any injuries or signs of infection (fever, sore throat, pain during urination, or muscle aches) for up to 12 months after stopping this medicine. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE HAVING ANY IMMUNIZATIONS (VACCINATIONS) while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. **This includes medicines that contain aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. **DO NOT BREAST-FEED WHILE TAKING THIS MEDICINE. IF YOU HAVE DIABETES AND USE INSULIN, this medicine may affect you blood sugar and insulin requirements. Check blood glucose levels closely and ask your doctor before adjusting the dose of your insulin.