Discussions
Discussions
Anyone on bedquilline?
Recently had to stop iv amikacin due to hearing loss. Still on rifampin and azythromycin. Waiting for bedaquilline which was approved by pharmaceutical co., Sirturo.
Any side effects, efficacy of drug?
Replies
Hi Donna,
Bedaquiline is a quinolone drug, originally developed for use on multi-drug resistant TB. Like many other drugs used to treat NTM, there aren't a lot of data available on the efficacy, but like other drugs developed for its purpose, your doctor likely prescribed it because it has shown some effect on NTMs.
In clinical trials, the most common side effects were nausea, joint and chest pain, and headaches. Levofloxacin, another quinolone, causes magnesium depletion, which can cause joint pain and tendon rupture, so you should talk with your doctor about adding a magnesium supplement to help ease that possible side effect.
Another potential side effect is a heart arrhythmia called long QT syndrome - again, other quinolones can have this effect. So you should also speak with your doctor about a baseline cardiac test and after starting treatment.
Hope this helps!
Amy
Comments
This is why my pulmo was dragging his feet for giving me zpak as it does cause hearing loss. Well beings I already have the loss he decided to give it to me.
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