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What might be the long term consequences of the 2 years of antibiotic use?
Summary: Long term tetracycline use (2+ years). 1989-1991. Gastro problems are still with me. Any other possible long term consequences I should be aware of?
Details: Back in 1989 I took tetracycline for 2 years for what was then diagnosed as adult acne.The treatment never helped. 5 different dermatologists continued this treatment over the two years. I never missed a dose. I stopped it in 1991. The acne resolved slowly on its own by 1996.
After one year of treatment by 2 physicians in an Air Force Hospital in Weisbaden Germany I requested to be seen by other physicians at an Army Hospital in Frankfurt. Three physicians there continued the tetracycline. The acne never resolved or even reduced. During the first few months of treatment it continued to grow worse, covering my back, arms, neck, face, upper thighs & some chest. I acquired the infection while stationed in El Paso Tx. I also had a stubborn athlete's foot infection (acquired at a Fort Bliss gymnasium) resistant to over the counter meds, but cured by then-prescription Lotrimin.
What might be the long term consequences of the 2 years of antibiotic use? I attribute my gastro problems to the antibiotic, but haven't found anything on long term side-effects in any online literature covering a treatment period of 2 years. My bilirubin levels have been chronically high since 1991. They spent 7 years trying to diagnose various gastro problems that I feel were caused by the tetracycline.
I'm hoping that the gastro problems are the only consequence of 2 years of tetracycline, but am concerned by the high bilirubin.
Thanks for your time,
Michael Polidori
Details: Back in 1989 I took tetracycline for 2 years for what was then diagnosed as adult acne.The treatment never helped. 5 different dermatologists continued this treatment over the two years. I never missed a dose. I stopped it in 1991. The acne resolved slowly on its own by 1996.
After one year of treatment by 2 physicians in an Air Force Hospital in Weisbaden Germany I requested to be seen by other physicians at an Army Hospital in Frankfurt. Three physicians there continued the tetracycline. The acne never resolved or even reduced. During the first few months of treatment it continued to grow worse, covering my back, arms, neck, face, upper thighs & some chest. I acquired the infection while stationed in El Paso Tx. I also had a stubborn athlete's foot infection (acquired at a Fort Bliss gymnasium) resistant to over the counter meds, but cured by then-prescription Lotrimin.
What might be the long term consequences of the 2 years of antibiotic use? I attribute my gastro problems to the antibiotic, but haven't found anything on long term side-effects in any online literature covering a treatment period of 2 years. My bilirubin levels have been chronically high since 1991. They spent 7 years trying to diagnose various gastro problems that I feel were caused by the tetracycline.
I'm hoping that the gastro problems are the only consequence of 2 years of tetracycline, but am concerned by the high bilirubin.
Thanks for your time,
Michael Polidori
asked Jun 08 at 01:48PM in Dermatology
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Something I forgot to add. I have had a chronic sore throat along with a feeling (at times) that there is something in the back of my throat since around 1991. Physicians who have looked at my throat over the years have noticed redness/inflammation but cultures have turned up nothing and I do not have reflux.Michael Polidori MPH commented Jun 11 at 08:38AM
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answered Jun 09 at 09:28PMI am not sure if these problems are from the tetracycline, but a course of probiotics may be of assistance. In addition, removal of sugar from your diet and sticking to a healthy, Mediterranean, low glycemic, portion controlled diet for a while, removal of caffeine, alcohol and soda, and optimization of your weight may cause some improvement. Give that a try for a few weeks.-
Thanks for your answer, but I am not concerned about my gastro problems
My critical concern is other possible side effects of 2 years of tetracycline use
I am certain tetracycline caused fungal overgrowth in my gut. Eliminating sugars, breads, pasta, alcohols & soda provide relief by starving it while taking probiotics temporarily re-establishs a balance. There is no way to permanently correct the imbalance. The fungus eventually overcomes the probiotics unless I maintain the regimen (doing it for a year did not cure me). I use the regimen to return to "normal" eating habits for a while.Michael Polidori MPH commented Jun 11 at 08:57AM
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answered Jun 19 at 11:26AMIt is doubtful to me that 20 years after terminating 2 years of tetracycline that you would be having symptoms related to the tetracycline use. With regard to any symptoms you are now having, you haven't really described the symptoms which you associate with a "gastric problems" and the extent of your workup. Elevated bilirubin levels without any other evidence of liver or biliary tract involvement may be congenital and of no clinical significance. Rather than spending time trying to correlate your current symptoms with a treatment program from over 20 years ago, the goal is to establish the current causes in order to act to relieve your symptoms. That means finding a physician who will work on your current symptoms both the cause, if possible to establish and the appropriate and effective treatment. ..Maurice.-
I believe tetracycline is causally associated with the bowel problems of gas & loose stool I have had since 1991. My current symptoms were "work[ed] on" for 6 years (1991-1997). Lab techs made several unprompted comments of "large #s of yeast cells"
My concern is OTHER permanent changes.Tylenol has a lifetime dose limit, indicating damage is cumulative
Does tetracycline have cumulative or permanent consequences for any organ function?
1989-1991 I also took griseovulvin for the acne (no help) & sporanox for a toenail infection (cured)
Thanks for your response
Michael PolidoriMichael Polidori MPH commented Jul 29 at 12:03PM
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0Votesanswered Aug 29 at 03:09PMWhat you took or used in the distant, distant past I think are not pertinent to your physical concerns. You really need a fresh look at all your symptoms by a physician. In fact, I would recommend a gastro-enterologist as the best resource to now go and visit. ..Maurice.
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