Myasthenia Gravis Support Group

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...

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have infection

sharonmartin
sharonmartin
what are antibiotics we shouldn't take?
ray2me
ray2me
Sharon ask your pharmacist. I don't want to sound hard hearted but thats what I do, it is amazing how many things are not compatable with what we are taking. Good luck , Charlie
Cabbage7
Cabbage7
Sharon I have a Pamphlet on Drugs that may aggravate MG. You should discuss with your doctor. Some of the Antibodies which may worsen MG is Quinolonbe, Macrolide, and tetracycline.Have caused problem in rare cases but are not a problem for the majorty of people with MG. Sulfonamides, ampicillin and Primaxin only available for intravenous treatment of serious infections in hospitalized patient. I hope this was some help. God bless. Cabbage7
snowbeltfolkie
snowbeltfolkie
The use of strong antibiotics? Can wreak havoc with MG patients, for a whole variety of reasons.

Keep in mind, that we Snowflakes are all going to have different reactions to different meds, ranging from very mild to severe.

There is a list of meds to avoid, in our LInks section.
Here is a link, with a list of meds, and their possible effects on MG patients.

http://mgakc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/MGA-Medication-List-12-1-12.pdf

Another list can be found, by searching on Google, for: A Manual for Health Care Providers Myasthenia Gravis.
There are several sections in the Manual, that discuss meds.

When I showed the Manual to my Primary Care Physician, the doctor said ''Well, that eliminates just about every antibiotic made''.
True enough. Sometimes we must take an antibiotic, and monitor for reactions. (The widely-used ''Z-Pak'' - is one antibiotic to be avoided.)

Since my GI system has recovered?
I have used two milder antibiotics, to good effect, to fight infection around my feeding-tube: Dicloxacillin, and Augmentin.
- Ross
ahpotts72
ahpotts72
Many of the normal "targeted" antibiotics cause bad side effects and we have to take a more "broad spectrum" treatment. Because I have a ton of drug allergies, I'm even more limited. I frequently get and injection of Rocefin (which can be quite painful if not given or mixed correctly). The shot is faster acting and remains in your system for up to 10 days afterward. The best part is that you don't have to add any more pills to your daily count.
I know that this option isn't right for all so you should certainly speak with your doctor. There is a comprehensive list on the links page but you can also find that link on the MGFA site. Please be careful with new medications. Even if others have done okay with one or more drugs doesn't mean that it will work well for you.

I hope you get well soon and hope that you don't encounter any problems with the meds.
Aloha,
Angie