This
page is from a collection of materials
indexed at this website arising from an
investigation and campaign by Brian Deer in The Sunday
Times of London over serious risks and
side-effects from this antibiotic,
marketed under many names, including Bactrim,
Bactrim DS, Sulfatrim, SMZ/TMP, Septran,
Septrin, Septra, Septra DS and co-trimoxazole.
Go to side-effects
homepage
Below is page 23 of a
selection of mail to this website. If you
want to read of bad experiences, start
with selected letters to The Sunday Times
at this link. Most users have
no problems, but feel free to share your own
experience, which may help others. Please
note that Brian Deer is a journalist and
that this site has many visitors. Due to
pressure of work, posting of emails may
be delayed
|
BACTRIM:
28 June 2006
I was
prescribed bactrim for a urinary infection.
Within a few hours I had violent reactions
including uncontrollable shaking, itching and
swelling of my hands and feet, sores in my mouth,
nausea, and back and neck aches. In addition, the
next day and for several days afterwards, I had
severe pains in my legs which prevented me from
standing or walking. I live in New York, and did
not know this was caused by the bactrim until my
husband discovered your website, and gave me some
of the letters from your readers.
I want to
thank you, and your reader Tammy B, who had
almost identical symptoms to mine, for saving my
sanity by explaining these effects were from the
medicine.
Joan S
BACTRIM:
6 July 2006
Brian,
I came
across your name researching the side effects of
Bactrim. I have suffered all my life from nodular
or cystic acne. I went on my 1rst treatment of
Accutane in 1999 and went on my 2nd treatment of
Accutane in 2002. Over the last year or so I
started having outbreaks of nodular acne again.
About a
month ago I developed 1-large nodular acne on my
left neck about an inch or two below my left lymp
node. My dermatologist drained the boil and
prescibed me Bactrim 800 tablets. She advised me
to take this pill twice a day. I developed many
symptoms very similar to the ones I read on the
testimonials that I found on the internet. I
never had a rash but I experienced fatique,
muscle and joint aches, and I even had a fever
(with hot/cold chills) one night. It is also hard
to explain but I also felt mentally "out of
it" while I was on Bactrim as well. I just
didn't like how it made my body feel.
But the most
disturbing thing that has happened over the last
2-weeks has been my left lymph node. My left
lymph node has become extremely enlarged and
tender to the touch. I asked my dermatologist if
the swollen lymph node was caused by the Bactrim
and she said no.
I have had
many nodular acne boils on my face and neck over
the years and I have never experienced a swollen
lymph node because of them. And then all of a
sudden after taking the Bactrim for the first
time and experiencing all of those symptoms, my
left lymph node swells to an extremely large
size.
Sincerely,
Eban B,
Tampa, FL
BACTRIM:
8 July 2006
Dear Brian,
My son, age
4 1/2 , was treated with bactrim last week for an
infection he had in his chin. I informed the
physician of my allergy to sulfa. I had only a
mild rash in the past after taking Septra.. So we
knew to stop the medication if I saw a rash on my
son. So on the 6th day of taking the medication
my son had a mild rash. I held the evening dose.
In the morning he had a fever of 103 degrees and
a rash on every part of his body including blood
shot eyes. His ears and lips appeared swollen as
well. The doctor knew right away it was erythma
multiforme and he was prescribed prednisone for 5
days. The rash was painful & itchy for
several days and he is now at day 4 and the rash
has improved but persists. I found out a friend
of mine was hospitalized for 2 weeks after taking
the same drug, bactrim, when she was 4 years old.
She had severe blisters and Stevens-Johnson
syndrome. She had been given the full 10 days
prescribed and almost died. Her scars are there
to remind her of the blisters. I shudder to think
what would have happened to my son after 10 days
as was prescribed.
Shara L
BACTRIM: 9
July 2006
I took
Bactrim several years ago for a UTI. I took the
first pill and within 15 minutes had this prickly
feeling all
over my body. Within a half hour I had broke out,
not in hives, but a red rash all over my
body, even
in the whites of my eyes, that looked like I had
a severe sunburn. I began to vomit severely and
my joints
ached terribly. My face swelled up almost
unrecognizably. A few hours went by I called my
doctor and told him that I thought my kidneys
were shutting down or something. They had me come
immediately to the office. He was shocked at what
he saw. He totally believed that it was a
reaction to the Bactrim. He said if I would not
have come in and would have taken the 2nd pill I
would have died! I told him the only reason I
didn't take the second pill was because I was
vomiting so bad I couldn't stand the thought of
taking anything orally, including water to take
that pill. He has since marked it in my file as
extremely allergic to Bactrim and I will never
take it again. He gave me shots of Cortisone to
take down the swelling and counteract the
reaction. I to this day still have joints that
ache terribly at times and bouts of such extreme
fatique that it is very hard for me to get to
work and function. I am now 53, can't quite
remember what year I took the Bactrim, but I
think it was like 9-10 years ago.
BACTRIM: 9
July 2006
Dear Brian,
I didn't
realize there were so many others that had
reactions from this drug (Bactrim)
I was
prescribed the drug Bactrim from my family Doctor
for an infection I had caused by an abscess
tooth, 800 mg twice a day since I am sensitive to
drugs this was my Doctor's drug of choice to
combat my infection. The side effects started the
second day with light headedness, dizzy, aches,
loss of appetite by the forth day I woke up with
a temperature over 103.6 welts and hives from top
to bottom of my body even the palm of my hands
and the bottom of my feet were hurting swollen
and bright red, My mouth and gums and throat were
full of blisters I couldn't even brush my teeth.
I called my
Doctor that morning went into her office she took
one look at me and knew it was a drug reaction,
She sent me to the Emergency Room at the
Hospital, they took me in right away put an IV
started treatment I was in emergency 5 hours I'm
still under Doctors care, This drug should not be
in the market.
I wanted to
share my story
Brenda G,
CA
SULFATRIM:
12 July 2006
Dear Brian,
My best friend's Granddaughter just died this 4th
of July due to taking "SULFATRIM" she
broke out in a rash a short time after taking
it...She brought the little girl back to the
doctor's to let him know she got a rash from it
.He then gave her some Zithromax to take and was
pronounced dead that afternoon. He told her the
week he gave her the sulfatrim that she had a
urinary tract infection. when the rash broke out
they said she had the flu and would just take
time to take it's course. I cannot make any sense
of this and feel for this family ,as I too am a
Grandmother also...What do these parents do?? Are
they going to take this deadly medicine off the
market? This is my first day looking this up.
They said she passed from a viral Mycarditis?..
Please respond to me at your own Convience ,as I
know you must be a VERY busy Man.. I just can't
make any sense out of this ..she was a healthy
little girl.. Regards
Marie D,
N.H
BACTRIM
DS: 12 July 2006
Brian,
I never had
an allergic reaction to medicine until Bactrim
DS.
As described
in numerous previous emails, I woke up with a
bright red rash after taking a generic form of
Bactrim DS. I have to agree with a previous
description, it was like I got a horrible sunburn
and then rolled in poison ivy. My whole body
except for bottom of feet and hands was affected.
The only
thing I can add is it felt like burning from the
inside out. I also took OTC benadryl to battle
allergic reaction.
Interestingly
enough, I found that my sister also had an
allergic reaction to this drug.
Jane B,
Columbus OH
SEPTRA:
15 July 2006
I was
perscribed Spetra for a UTI. I have never had any
health problems before nor any severe allergic
reactions to drugs. I was given a 10 day dosage
of Septra. On the seventh day, I noticed about
four big red spots that kinda looked like bug
bites. Since I garden and my daughter had similar
bug bites, I assumed that was what it was. The
next day I broke out in a rash and experienced
body aches, low grade fever, and a headache. I
wasn't sure what to think at this point. Was it
possible I suffered an allergic reaction to my
new laudry soap the same time I was getting the
flu?? Seemed far fetched. The next day, my
symptoms were the same, save the rash which was
worse. I figured it had to be the medication but
I was on my last three days of it. I mistakenly
thought that if I was allergic, I would have
experienced signs sooner. So, I looked online to
see if Septra could be the reason. A pharmacist
told me it more than likely was. I am kind of
frustarted because the rash is only getting
worse. It is as if the hives are expanding and
huge areas of my arms, legs, and bottem, were
covered in what appeared to be a sunburn. The
rash is mildly itchy but burns terrible. Some of
the hives are purplish. So, here I sit with a
burning rash and mild fever. Nothing compared to
what others have and are going through. I realize
that. I am just angry that such a drug is given
so freely. I know all drugs carry side effects
but this is crazy. I have had a UTI before and
was not given this drug. The sad thing is when I
first looked this drug up online--when I first
got it---it said it was the best thing for UTI's.
And that was NOT by the drug manufacturer. It was
not until I began a search for my symptoms and
possible drug allergies that I came across your
site. I am so glad I did. I only wish that other
sites were more upfront about this. Thank you for
this site. I will be more aware of what I or my
family is prescribed in the future.
Quinn,
Toledo, OH
BACTRIM: 15
July 2006
Brian. I'm
grateful for your website on Bactrim. I thought I
was losing my mind...after a long bought of
chronic urinary retention I was lucky enough to
recieve an Interstim Implant - which works.
However, in the process, I have gotten repeated
UTI's and just got off a 10 day
"adventure" with Bactrim. I had all the
usual and unusual side effects except for the
rash. Lucked out there. The UTI is gone / and the
lethargy from the Bactrim is just now going...5
days after stopping the drug.
Thanks
Nancy
BACTRIM:
15 July 2006
Dear Brian,
I am a 30
year old healthy male who went to the doctor for
a minor staph infection which they put me on
Bactrim to clear up. After the second day of
treatment I started feeling spacey but
contributed it to the infection, on day three I
fell asleep three times at work could not
concentrate and had muscle pains in one of my
biceps. I decided to research the antibiotic and
I couldn't believe the horror stories I read. I
decided right there to discontinue the treatment
and called my doctor which recommended I get some
benadryll before starting an alternative
treatment. I hope I got to it before I caused any
permanent damage. Thank you for posting these
stories, sometimes I feel like Doctors really
don't know as much as they think.
Sean T
SEPTRIN:
16 July 2006
Hello thanks
for your website! Back in 1994 I had repeated
chest infections that culminated in pneumonia
after having four other sorts of antibiotics over
a 3 month period I was eventually prescribed
Septrin which I duly took. It cured my pneumonia
but within 6 weeks I was in agony. Mainly joint
pain particularly the hands terrible flu like
pain - muscle fatigue tremendous nausea kidney
pain with 4+ proteinuria hallucinations headache
mouth ulcers.I ceased to function. Over the last
12 years I have seen numerous doctors and
rheumatologists as my symptoms improve for a
while but then, if I pick up a cold I have a
major flare up of my symptoms lasting for up to
3months at a time I am never entirely well. Lupus
antibodies are negative. Recently I have
developed an allergy to onions as well as alcohol
which is, in fact, what has led me to your site.
I continue to have kidney pain + proteinuria but
my blood results show normal kidney function.
All of the
cases on your website seem to indicate that once
the drug is discontinued that you will improve,
but my experience is otherwise but I am convinced
that this is where my problem stemmed from.
Yours
sincerely,
Michele
C, Devon, UK
BACTRIM:
17 July 2006
Dear Brian,
Thank you
for posting these personal experiences that
people have had with this drug. It has been very
insightful, and has made me realize that even
though my ordeal was confusing and painful, I am
very lucky to have not suffered fatal
consequences. This is my experienceâ¦
I was
prescribed SMZ/TMP (supposedly the generic
Bactrim) as a precaution for a Mexico vacation -
to protect me from dysentery. I have been to
Mexico approx. 6 times - and only the last 3
times I have been having an adverse reaction to
the Bactrim without me realizing that was the
cause. The main reason I didn't realize the cause
was because an hour before my plane left for the
1st trip that I had a reaction on - I folded back
the seat in my car to load our luggage and
accidentally punctured a hole in a can of
mosquito repellent. The repellent sprayed
directly in my eye, in my mouth and down my
throat as I screamed. When I arrived in Mexico
that night (after taking my first dose of
Bactrim, of course) the right side of my face
swelled and went numb, along with the entire
inside of my mouth. The following week consisted
of my mouth swelling, all of my gums and my
tongue swelling to the point that it was very
difficult to eat or talk. Then the inside of my
mouth turned into a ton of sores - almost like
severe canker sores (something I had never had in
my life). After that, all the skin in my mouth
and under my tongue started to die and fall off.
Needless to say, the pain was excruciating. The
whole time, I thought I was having a reaction to
the mosquito repellent.
The second
trip that I had a reaction on was unfortunately,
my honeymoon. It was unbelievable to me, but the
day that we arrived in Mexico, the exact same
thing happened to my mouth - only this time it
was slightly worse - the pain, the symptoms,
everything. So, my only conclusion was that
either I had gained an allergy to the food down
there, or that my mouth was somehow reacting to
the mild mosquito repellent I was putting on my
skin during the trip. When I got home, I
consulted a couple of doctors and they said they
couldn't be sure, but it was probably a reaction
to the mosquito repellent.
So, I just
got back a couple of days ago from my 3rd
excruciating trip to Mexico. I thought this time
I was going to outsmart it - well, I didn't. I
stayed away from the fruit and did not use any
mosquito repellent and the same exact thing
happened to my mouth. Only this time - the
experience was even worse. My skin sloughed off
the entire inside of my mouth, I had huge sores
under my tongue and all the way down my throat. I
couldn't swallow and trying to keep hydrated and
fed was torture. I also started my period (or so
I thought), which was strange because I was on
birth control and had just ended my period the
day we had arrived. I consulted a doctor at the
hotel because I was in so much pain and he said
it was a fungus growing in my mouth -
unbelievable!!! Anyway, I finally got home and
immediately went into my dermatologist to figure
out what was happening - I am allergic to Sulfa.
I luckily went to a doctor that had diagnosed
Sulfa allergies in the past. My doctor knew the
seriousness of it because a couple of his clients
that he diagnosed with Sulfa allergies didn't
take heed to his advise to stay away from
anything that contained Sulfa and later died.
After talking to the doctor, I realized that I
didn't start my period at all - it was actually
another side effect from the Bactrim caused by
internal bleeding sores in my organs - resulting
in vaginal bleeding. I have been in constant
internal pain since I have been home - almost
like there is a fire inside my chest and stomach.
It has started to subside and I hope it will run
its course and I won't have any future
complications. But, if you know of anything I
should be aware of, please let me know if you
have a moment.
I think one
of the scariest things about this drug is that my
dermatologist told me you can take it 25 times
and be fine, then on the 26th time, you could be
allergic. Scary! Thanks for all the info!
DC, Utah,
USA
BACTRIM:
18 July 2006
Hi,
I am a
healthy 39 year old female and I had problems
with my right ear, my doctor said she seen fluid
and wanted me to take to take bactrim so I got
the prescription filled and they gave me the
generic drug. The first day I took it I got
hives, and a horrible headache I thought the
hiveswere mosquito bites but my husband said it
might be the medicine you just took. The second
day I woke up and had acne (white bumps all
around my nose and chin). As I continued to take
the medicine (thinking that if thats all the side
effects I was gonna get then I am okay. WRONG I
woke up the third day and had a red rash all over
my body. I went to the doctor with my husband
(which is my doctor also) and told her about the
reaction she said to stop taking the medicine and
I did but of coursebut the rash it still here. I
WANT IT GONE!!! It is so hard to sleep. I knew I
was allergic to penicillan but not this.
Thanks for
the website.
Tina L,
Columbus OH
SEPTRAN
FORTE: 22 July 2006
Dear
Friends, I was prescribed Septran Forte, which is
Bactrim Double Strength, for a mild urinary tract
infection, about 1 week ago. I had told the
doctor i am allergic to Bactrim, as I got a
head-to-toe rash within a day after taking
bactrim 20 years ago in college. Apparently the
doctor did not check and see that is is the same
drug sold under a different name....
After
beginning the course I became increasingly
nervous and my heart was racing like i had taken
stimulants (far too many stimulants).... I was
sweating profusely and smelled very bad because
of this over-revving of my metabolism. After 4
days, (8 pills) I told the doctor I'm having an
allergic reaction to these antibiotics but he
said that's not likely, i probably have the flu
or it is the urinary infection raging. He told me
to keep taking the pill but i stopped because i
knew it was the pills, although i still had not
made the connection between septran and bactrim.
I developed a high fever that day which lasted 3
days (104 degress, and I am 41 years old). Also I
experienced the most severe pain in my back i
have ever felt in my life. I was literally
writhing in the bed in a pool of boiling sweat
for 3 days, with my head so painful i thought it
would explode, especially behind the eyes. The
fever finally broke, my headache has lessened,
but now, 8 days after begining the sulfa and 4
days after quitting, I have problems walking...my
legs are so weak and I have no balance. I have
fallen down twice (I am a yoga teacher and
ex-gymnast so this is NOT normal). I have
completely impaired muscular coordination and
very bad memory loss. I cannot remember things
that happened 10 minutes ago. I cannot think
clearly. After my fever broke i searched the net
and found that i was taking a double strength
dose of the only drug in the world that i am
allergic to! Today I have developed a red burning
blister on my lip. My eyes burn horribly. I am
stranded in a foreign country with 2 children and
no way to make money to live but to give yoga
lessons and massages, which i cannot do right
now. Anyway, I talked to the very wonderful Gary
of GarrySun.com in Nevada. He carries ayurvedic
medicines, all-natural non-toxic. He asked his
consultant, an ayurvedic physician in India what
to do and here is the reply:
I just got
the opinion and advise from DR Rajesh Kotecha
Ayurvedic MD and stated:-
"
Yograj Gugglu will not help. Ask her start
initially Ashwagandha, triphala and Dashmoola in
the dose of one tea spoon twice a day as she has
in stock for some relief till she receives the
followings for ultimate recovery:-
1.
Samshamani tablets to be taken in the dose of 2
tabs twice a day
2. Laghu
sutesekhar capsules to be taken in the dose of 2
caps 2 times a day.
3. Herbal
compound made with the herbs of Guduchi,
Gokshure, Amalaki to be taken in the dose of one
tea spoon twice a day"
The doctor
said to take ashwagandha, triphala and dashmoola
because I happen to have those herbs on hand. But
the real stuff which will remove the sulfur
toxins from the body (because they accumulate in
the body and don't pass out, which is why we can
suffer for so long with these side effects) are
the medicines (herbs) listed in numbers 1, 2, and
3. Please, if you are suffering from side effects
of bactrim, contact Gary at 775 826 6004 or
through his website garrysun.com and ask him to
send you the Samshamani tablets, the Laghu
Sutesekhar capsules and the herbal mixture of
Guduchi, Gokshure, and Amalaki. (You put the
spoon of herbs into hot water, and drink like a
tea).
I have not
received my herbs yet because i am,
unfortunately, living on a remote peninsula of
Costa Rica. But I have full faith they will help,
as ayurvedic medicine has never failed me in the
past, and the only reason i went to an allopathic
doctor here is because i am travelling and there
are no alternative doctors here in Malpais, C.R.
If anyone is
thinking of starting a lawsuit against this
company I am with you full throttle and let's all
pray our damage will not be permanent. I also
have read that Vit. B6, Vit. C, and baking soda
taken in water immediately after adding will help
remove sulfur from the body.
Julie H
TRIMETH-SULFA:
25 July 2006
In January,
2005, my urologist prescribed trimeth-sulfa for
my UTI. After just two doses, I began suffering
nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, muscular
weakness, severe abdominal pain and decreased
kidney function. My urologist was away for the
weekend during all this, and all that the
physician who was his surrogate could say was to
stop taking the med. I'm back to normal good
health now. Thanks to you and your website, I was
able to discover what was making me ill, and I
now inform all my medical service providers of
this information.
BACTRIM:
26 July 2006
Hi Brian,
My 74 yr old
mother recenlty had a reaction to Bactrim. Mainly
fever, chills, joint pain and fatique. After
stopping the drug all her symptoms have gone away
except severe fatigue. Her blood work indicates
that she is not anemic yet she spends most of her
time in bed. If she goes for a short walk or does
some housework she gets very fatiqued and has to
rest. She was a very active woman for her age
prio to this. Do you have any information on
poeples experiences with fatigue and how long it
lasts???
Thank you.
Wendy
F
TRIMETHOPRIM:
30 July 2006
Dear Brian:
After being
treated for a suspected UTI, I was put on 6 weeks
of Trimethroprim (400 mg per day alone, without
any other a/b). Initially I felt my symptoms (
shakiness, loss of appetite, nausea, anaemia-type
weakness , abdominal pains) were part and parcel
of post-op recovery. Thanks God I found your
web-site. I realised others had suffered
similarly. After 2 weeks I got them stopped. That
was 3 days ago, and I feel normal again now.
My question
is whether this a/b alone is considered as
serious as Bactrim, and if so, why is it still
being diagnosed so widely and with such little
warning?
Even if it
turns out not to be part of the more sinister
collection your expose uncovered, I m glad I
found your work, since I was clearly having a bad
reaction to it!
Many thanks
keep up the good work!
David
P
BACTRIM:
4 August 2006
I have just
finished 10 days of Bactrim for a post op
infection. My hands have been numb and
excruciatingly painful. The same thing happened
when I took Cipro followed by Bactrim in January
for a UTI. The first time my hands were merely
numb and I didn't make the connection. This time
the pain is unbearable and I am trying to figure
out what's going on. It sounds like arthritis or
carpal tunnel, but do you think it could be the
Bactrim? It's too coincidental.
I appreciate
your time very much. Thanks.
Jan
M
SEPTRA
DS: 14 August 2006
Hello Brian,
I was
prescribed Septra DS tablets for a middle ear
infection. The day I began the dosage (Sunday) I
took the grehound bus home from Tallahassee to
Detroit, a 23 hour trip. So when I started
experiencing pain in my tongue and throat I
thought maybe I had caught a nasty germ. But I
also experienced itching and burning around and
on the lips. The irritation is not as bad now and
I have continued the medication but my tongue is
beginning to swell and I'm experiencing more pain
in my tongue and throat. I didn't bit my tongue
and have never had this problem until the day I
began the medicaiton. It's becoming increasingly
painful for me to swallow, eat and even drink.
Could this be an allergic reaction to the
medication? My doctor is in Florida and i'm in
michigan for another seven days. What should I
do?
Latina
M B
BACTRIM:
15 August 2006
Brian,
I had no
idea what SJS or TEN was until my mother became
sick, and died last week.
I don't
understand why she had to die such a horrible
death if the medical society has been so aware of
SJS/TEN for years. How could they have failed to
diagnose her early on and offer treatment. There
are far too many people getting this, and the
more death certificates list renal failure,
resperatory failure etc, rather than SJS or TEN
we will never have the stats available to make a
difference.
My mother
suffered terribly and beyond words.
Marilyn
BACTRIM:
16 August 2006
I am a
Physician Assistant for 13 years in New York
City. I have been prescribing Bactrim/Septra for
many, many years NOT realizing the horrible side
effects until this week. I had a cyst on my leg
and was put on Bactrim DS. I took only 2 doses
and developed side effects. They included: SUDDEN
ONSET of muscle/joint aches and pains, SEVERE
headache, panic/anxiety attacks, flu- like
symptoms, nausea, high fever, severe weakeness
and lethargy, nausea and slight skin rash...I was
stunned, upset and agitated and most of all
GUILTY..GUILTY that i put so many patients on
this poisonous drug and will definately take them
off and switch them to another class of
antibiotics...BEWARE OUT THERE !!!!! SAY NO TO
SULFUR DRUGS...unless your taking
homeopathics..then its OK !!!
Michael
F.
BACTRIM:
23 August 2006
I was given
Bactrim about 2 1/2 months ago for a presumed
UTI. The results of my urine test were negative
for any infection, but the doctor told me to take
it anyway, just in case! After the second dose, I
woke up with all of my muscles cramping &
tensing.....when I say all, I do mean
all.....from my neck down to my calves, & on
both sides of my body. Needless to say, I stopped
taking them immediately, but continue to have off
and on muscle weakness, tingling, & fatigue.
I have since gone through severaI exams &
tests, all coming back negative for other
possible problems. I can only hope the symptoms
subside with time, since the doctors seem to have
no clue what is going on with me. They have all
said, "I doubt it could be from the Bactrim
after this long"
All I know
is, I felt fine before taking it!......other than
symptoms of a UTI.....by the way, it did get rid
of those symptoms.
I now know
not to take BACTRIM!
Bryon.
BACTRIM:
1 September 2006
Brian...
It is now
about 6 weeks since the beginning of this
nightmare reaction from Bactrim. A week into
taking the drug, I experience diarrhea and I took
myself off...but the reaction continued in the
form of hemorrhoids, body rash and then ankle,
elbow and chest ache.
A trip to
the emergency room, in addition to an internist,
and then a doctor of naturopathy...all the
symptoms have returned. I think some solutions to
ridding the body of this poison would be
gratefully received by all....Is there such a
thing? Thanks for listening
Kathleen
W.
APO
SULFATRIM: 2 September 2006
Thank you,
Brian Deer.
On Monday I
was diagnosed with UTI in ER and was given a
prescription for APO SULFATRIM. I was to take a
couple of tablets twice a day for 7 days. Day
One, I couldn't eat without feeling sick, but
managed to finish one small meal, but the worst
part was at night when I had the first panic
attacks in my life, and they kept in a constant
state of fear all night. Day Two, it was even
harder to eat, I couldn't force myself to eat
half as much as the day before. My face became
very emaciated, I felt weak, dizzy, couldn't
think straight and my right eye became slightly
blurry; and the panic attacks continued.
Day Three,
when I tried to eat a few baby carrots I felt
like vomiting. 3oranges is all I could eat that
day. Today is Day Four and I've already taken the
morning dose bringing my pill intake to 14 of the
28 pills and it will go no farther because I've
since found this website and read the emails. I
wish I'd found it much, much earlier because
after you've started taking them it's kind of a
dilemma: I don't want these side-effects and fear
permanent damage, but if I stop early will the
UTI return? Then there's antibiotic resistance. I
went to the ER again but the doctor brushed off
my concerns and sent me back home with the advice
to continue my medication. However, I've had
enough of this hell, no more sulfatrim for me.
Without the support of these emails I know I'd
probably have toughed it out all 7 days and hurt
myself even more. I've just skipped my dose,
hopefully the panic attacks, dizziness, loss of
appetite, etc will go away soon - I will let you
know. For now I'm going to drink lots of water
and take cranberry capsules.
David,
Toronto, Canada.
BACTRIM:
4 September 2006
My 19 year
old daughter took Bactrim to help cure a
tenacious bladder infection. She was halfway
through her 14 day course of pills when our
family went on a vacation to Russia. While in
Moscow she began to have itchy skin - scalp
first, then a raised red rash traveled down her
torso, arms and legs. It got worse when she took
tours outside in the sun. It seemed to come and
go, but get progressively worse. Our attempts to
help her with Cortisone cream and Benadryl (an
antihistamine) were limited in effectiveness. By
the time we reached. St. Petersburg we figured
out it was the antibiotic that was causing this
and she was admitted to a local hospital for
steroid therapy. Unfortunately the Russian
doctors gave her short-acting steroid - over the
course of two visits on two separate days, before
(on the morning we were supposed to fly home )
she began to feel a tightening in her throat.
This time a third Russian Dr. gave her an
intra-muscular shot of a powerful steroid plus a
course of pills that halted the allergic reaction
and allowed us to fly home. Since then her
stomach has been bothering her, and after reading
your web site I have to wonder if it's due to the
Bactrim. It's frightening to learn that this drug
is responsible for so many varied and
debilitating side effects.
Diana C,
Nebraska, USA.
SEPTRIN:
8 September 2006
hi brian you
are nothing but a mesiah.i and alot of people
here in africa have surfferd a lot from problems
created by septrin without knowing.i av read a
lot about sulfa on your site.the last time i used
bactrim was 3months ago but i still have light
fevers most times at night. my abdominal regione
and my lower back feels so hot every night,and
some days i still feel weak and sleepy like i
have not slept in days even when i just woke up,i
had a lot of other symptoms before but now iam
left with this,please and please can you or
somebody get in touch with me at my email address
bigkay662000@yahoo.com i want to know what i can
do to make all this go and i really want to know
more about this so i can talk to the press and
people in government here in nigeria whom i am
well connected with thanks
kay lagos
nigeria.
|