Hi new here. Question about pulsing antibiotic.

[Tricia2win]

This site has been very helpful in helping me to learn all about this c diff infection. In fact I think you guys know more then my doctor! I have had this thing for over a year now and am on my third round of the generic form of Flagyl. I mentioned to my doctor about pulsing it this time, something else I learned here and she said we could try that but never gave me any instructions. Does anyone here know if you can do that with the Flagyl or is it just the Vanco? I can't afford that prescription so my doctor prescribed me Dificid. The pharmacist called to warn me it was $2900.00! That is crazy! I don't have insurance and she said even if I did it may not help much. Anyway my doctor put me back on the medicine I could afford. Also I learned from this site that I was taking the wrong probiotic. I read the one with Sacchatomyces Blulardii is more helpful with this infection. I know to take it several hours after the antibiotic now too, something else my doctor or pharmacist failed to mention when I asked about probiotics. Also thank you to the posters who mention that at some point we will get better. Something we really need to hear. If anyone has tried the pulsing method with Flagyl, I would love to hear from you. :)

[beth22]

STANDARD INTRODUCTION: Welcome to the site. Read the first forum “All Users Read This First” and subtopics “Please Read before You Post” and “Guidelines for Posting to our Discussion Boards.” They will guide you in using the site and answer some frequent questions. Read Dr. Borody's article and topics in “CDI” – formerly” FAQ” – including “Hygiene” “Nutrition” and “Testing.”

The majority (about 80%) recover with one to two rounds of Flagyl or Vancocin. An unfortunate small percentage doesn’t and can suffer for months. Most eventually recover unless there are factors such as advanced age or other severe health problems. New treatments include fecal infusions and Dificid. Other drugs and treatments are in the pipeline, and there is increased recognition of C. diff.
If antibiotics contributed to your C. diff, be careful about taking them again. (See “CDI – Antibiotics”). Some people tolerate them; some develop C. diff again. (See Dr. Borody's article). Don’t take medications for C. diff. unless you are tested. (See “CDI – Tests.”)

For further information see http://www.peggymemorial.org and several other support groups on FB. Do research on medical sites such as “Mayo Clinic” and “Web MD.”

This is a support site not a medical site. We can’t give you medical advice but can tell you what worked for us and offer support. No one will understand what you are going through except someone who has/had this unpredictable disease. The best protection (for you and others) is thorough hand washing and good hygiene.

I don't know of anyone who has pulsed with Flagyl, but the idea is the same, so it is probably ok to do so. Nancy1, one of our moderators has had success with pulsing. You can send her a pm and ask her specifically what she did. As far as the DIficid goes, the company that makes it does have some kind of aid program and those who qualify can get the medication for free from what I understand. You wouyld need to contact them though, and that takes time, of course.

Vanco is available in liquid form that a compounding pharmacy makes up and that is much, much cheaper. You could also check into that, but I think the solution only lasts for about two weeks and if you do pulsing, it would not be practical.

The Sacc. Boulardii is a yeast based probiotic and it doesn't matter when you take it, as it won't be killed off by the antibiotic. If you take a bacterial strain in addition, then yes, that one should be spaced between doses. Some people take both the Sac. Boulardii and another one like VSL#3, culturelle, Align, etc.

[BananaSlug]

Liquid vanco cost me only $137 for 250mg 4 times a day..14 days worth from Economy RX Pharmacy here in Tulsa. They're a special compounding pharmacy and run prices extra low. Don't know if those exist where you are. You would need to call around and find the cheapest.. cos even with the compounding pharmacies, they can still vary a bit in price. supposedly, i was getting the best deal in the entire area. CVS and Walgreens are not compounding pharmacies. Not sure about all walgreens, but CVS isnt. most of your smaller, independent pharmacies most likely will be. it was easier than i thought.
There's compounding pharmacies everywhere, but if you live in a small town, you might have to go to the next town. the pills would have cost me over $2,000.

as for dificid.. no clue.

[Nancy1]

Pulsing vanco is what finally worked for me, after 8 months of cdiff. As Beth says, I would think it would be okay to pulse Flagyl the same way. I used the protocol that I found on this site. See CDI. The only change I made was to add a few cycles at the end, because I was scared to stop. Good luck!

[Tricia2win]

Thank you Beth for all your information. I have saved the website for Dificid. Might be worth a try contacting them about their aid program if this round of Flagyl doesn't work. I am trying not lose hope. And Banana Slug (cute name) I appreciate your info on the Vanco. From what I have read here, people seem to have good results with that. I wish my doctor who is a GI specialist knew about these options. And thanks Nancy. I will look for the CDI area here on that protocol right away. :)

[Tricia2win]

After reading that it sounds like tapering might be a better method for me to try. Less confusing and I have already completed 30 days of treatment. Going to keep up with the probiotics too. Sure need to feel better soon. The cramps from this infection remind me of labor pains and have me frequently up all night. Like tonight. :(

[getwellsoon]

I'm so sorry you have been suffering for so long. I had better luck with the pulsing method than the taper and I did both. With pulsing you actually are off meds for a few days and the theory is the spores hatch out and you catch them when you start back on meds. I was off meds for 4 months after the pulse but I ultimately relapsed again. Dificid is what finally made me turn the corner. I would fill out the paperwork and see if you qualify for free Dificid. Good luck and keep us posted. Carol

[Tricia2win]

Thank you Carol. The pulsing method does make sense. And good to hear that the Dificid worked for you. I haven't read as much about that medication as the Vanco. I think I will call the number today on their website and see if I qualify for some help on that. :)

[Tricia2win]

I just read you have to be at 125% of the fpl for their assistance program. I might have to call to see if that is gross income. At net we are, but not gross. Still worth a try.

[getwellsoon]

Yes, do try, you never know. That med is so expensive, they should be ashamed to charge so much. Hope you can get it and hope it can finally cure you like it did me.

[Tricia2win]

I called them today and they said have the doctor fax them something and they will see, that they have several programs. So for now since I just started the flagyl again I will intend for it to work. Good to have a back up plan, even though Will Smith says having a plan B just distracts from plan A. Sometimes when something goes on a long time, you need as many plans as you can find for inspiration. Just gives you more hope. Thank you again Carol for inspiring me. :D

[getwellsoon]

I will keep you in my prayers that you get approved for the Difficid if you need it. Lets hope you don't. Hoping you are feeling better soon. Carol

[Lilly4107]

I am now doing a vanco taper after relapsing from a 14 day regime of vancomycin. My pharmacist at CVS contacted the local hospital pharmacy and they were able to compound the vanco liquid for me. The cost for me was my copay of $34.00. The pills would have cost me $2,700.00 and that's after my insurance! The liquid would have been $450.00 if I didn't have the insurance. It is outrageous ! I hope you were able to get the Dificid and that it works for you. I wanted to try the dificid this time, but my Dr. insisted on the vanco taper.