11 replies to this topic

[ritan/]

i have been diagnosed with an ear infection and the doc at the urgent care Rx Azithromycin (5 day dosage). i noticed when i went to take them that they can cause an elongation of the QT rhythm. i've got a call in to the UC doc, but i'm just curious if anyone's had problems with this. 

[hannibellemo]

Ritan/

 

Here is what drugs.com has to say about the interaction (see below). The symbol did not copy but it is considered a moderate risk. I personally try never to double on drugs that might give me the same side effect. I would ask for a different Rx, but that's just me. I make sure pharmacists do the interaction check whenever I'm Rxed something new.

 

If you don't already have QT issues then maybe this isn't that big of a deal. Perhaps someone else can weigh in on this.

 

Good luck

 

azithromycin ↔ dasatinib

Applies to: azithromycin, Sprycel (dasatinib)

Using dasatinib together with azithromycin can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious. You may need a dose adjustment or special monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. You should seek immediate medical attention if you develop sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, shortness of breath, or fast or pounding heartbeats during treatment with these medications. Avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

[Trey]

Since Sprycel has a short half-life in the body (about 5 hours), so if you take the drugs as far apart as possible it would reduce any liklihood of a QT issue.  Gleevec and Tasigna each have half life of about 17 - 18 hours.

[rcase13]

If Tasigna has a half life of 17 hours why do we have to take two daily doses?

[Marnie]

I'm on Sprycel and have taken azithromycin without a problem.  That said. . .next time I'll ask for something different, or at least see if there's something else that the doc recommends.  I'm a bit disappointed that the doc didn't do the interaction check.  I'm a little bit disappointed that I didn't do the interaction check.  I should know better.

[Trey]

RC,

You take Tasigna twice a day because of the QT issue.  It is also why you take it on an empty stomach.  Just be glad they didn't require it to be administered aborally*.

 

 

http://www.oxforddic..._english/aboral

* Many thanks to Tedsey for teaching me that word.  I do so enjoy using it.  And thanks to RC for giving me the opportunity to use it again. 

[CallMeLucky]

I'm taking a zpack right now, my onc prescribed it for me. I've taken it before without any issue.
Probably fine unless you already have a heart issue.

[rcase13]

Thanks Trey... I will never complain about taking Tasigna orally twice daily again!

Aborally... Who comes up with these words? I suspect someone on this board came up with it! I think these TKI drugs put us back into a 3rd grade mindset to help cope with the cancer. It should be a documented side effect.

[pammartin]

I am fairly certain I never left the three-year-old mind set. I refuse to be a responsible adult and fight it kicking and screaming with temper tantrums daily.

[August1]

Hi,

I am on Sprycel and have taken Azithromycin and a number of other antibiotics without any real interactions. We're all different so you might stagger the timing but I at least didn't have any issues. 

 

Take care,

[Antilogical]

Really, Trey?  You had to go there?  Of course you did.

[mlk210]

I'm on Sprycel and have also taken Azithromycin without interactions. Next time I'm going to ask for something else, I should have checked the drug interactions.