SMZ-TMP DS and antibiotics

I have been on this for 6 days for a UTI. I personally am not allergic to sulfa drugs and have had absolutely no problem while on it so I can't speak to specific side effects but I do have something to say about it. I'm a little confused as to why so many of you believe that this drug should be taken off the market. Surprise, a lot of people are allergic to sulfa drugs which accounts for the vast majority of adverse events described by nearly everyone on this post. And guess what, every single drug comes with side effects (Tylenol, Advil, Tums, etc. are no exception) and you accept the risk of those side effects when you put it in your body and weigh that risk against the possible benefits. It's not your doctor's or the drug company's fault you're allergic! Antibiotics, including this one, have saved millions upon millions of lives. It seems intuitive but it evidently must be said: if you're allergic to it STOP TAKING IT and call your doctor so he can prescribe a different antibiotic. Seriously people, it's not rocket science. Hives are a pretty straight- forward symptom of an allergy and one that can be diagnosed by the lay person. I am a medical professional, but even if I wasn't, you don't need an MD behind your name to figure that one out. Why would you continue to take it after having an obvious reaction? (a reaction that, by the way, is a well documented, clearly stated possible side effect of this particular medication if you'd taken the time to ask any questions whatsoever regarding your own health, not a surprise adverse event of a bad drug) It's not rocket science, it's common sense people. When I'm prescribed something I'm not familiar with, my first question is, "What do I need to know about this." Even after a satisfactory explanation, I look it up before taking it. In fact, that's how I found this post. Which brings me to my last point, why is it that people blindly put things into their bodies that they know nothing about. If the pharmacist doesn't explain drug information to you in person, that's what the little drug safety pamphlet attached to your Rx is for. Read it, that's why it's there. OR, there's always the option of using this wonderful resource called the internet. Use your brains for god sake and take a more active, responsible, and informed role in your own healthcare process. You are ultimately responsible for your own health, and to be completely honest, you're one of the only people who actually cares about it (guess what, your doctor probably isn't one of them because he has a hundred other pain in the ass patients with no common sense to keep track of). Think people...

This drug is lethal! I had a leg gash from falling over a fan in the gym which resulted in a MRSA infection. I ended up in the hospital with a violent reaction to SMZ-TMP DS which affected my central nervous system. I was out of control with severe pain in my whole body, nausea, headache, etc. Even after discharge, this drug was ordered to be continued!! Ended up in emergency again! What are these drug companies producing? And why are MD's not up on the side effects? I thought I was dying.

I took one pill on the day the Doctor prescribed them for a urinary tract infection, and had severe leg cramping to the point where I could not walk, lay, or move without major pain. I couldn't have anything touch my legs without being in agony. It lasted hours. Likewise, several days after, I have tingling in both hands when sleeping at night.

I stopped taking it immediately. Last year, I also had a urinary tract infection, and forgot the name of the antibiotic I was prescribed, but believe it is the same as this time which is SMZ-TMP DS, and had the same leg cramping and tingling in my hands, but at first did not know it was a side effect of the medication. So, I suffered through severe leg cramps, and tingling hands for days until I finally called the Doctor, and he said it was strange but was an allergic reaction.

I've had frequent urinary tract infections throughout my life, and never had an issue with antibiotics prescribed up until this one came along. I think it's dangerous and needs to be re-evaluated.

About a month ago I was prescribed SMZ/TMP Double-STR Tab MPC for an infection after 3 other antibiotics failed. After a few days I noticed that every night I was having a sweaty fever and chills. I eventually stopped taking the medication for fear that it was a reaction caused by the sun. This past week I noticed signs of my infection returning. Since I had nearly a full prescription left over, I decided to self medicate for that evening with intentions of calling the doctor the next day. About an hour after taking the tablet I felt this burning/tingling almost like an itchy feeling all over my body. Then came severe abdominal cramping with diarrhea, vomiting, and even vaginal bleeding. I was unable to sleep and noticed my face and lips had swollen to a grotesque state by the early morning hours. It was the most horrifying and painful night of my life.