Has anyone taken nitrofurantoin (Macrobid or Macrodantin) antibiotic after GBS? Lowkey freaking out right now
I was just prescribed this antibiotic for a UTI and I already have peripheral neuropathy (was diagnosed years ago), AND have also had GBS that I was hospitalized for on top of it a little less than 2 years ago.
After only taken 2, I looked up nitrofurantoin (THANK GOD I DID) and found out that it apparently CAUSES peripheral neuropathy and in rarer cases GBS, and apparently makes pre-existing symptoms and conditions worse, potentially with further permanent damage.
Taking nitrofurantoin (commonly known by brand names like Macrobid or Macrodantin) when you have pre-existing peripheral neuropathy and a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) carries a significant, high-risk profile for exacerbating nerve damage.
I'm legitimately freaking out right now because the numbness and tingling in my legs and arms is already starting to spike and feels different than my "normal" day of flares and general struggles I already have to deal with.
Has anyone else at all taken this medication that already had peripheral neuropathy and/or a history of GBS? I immediately messaged the doctor upon finding that out and am not going to take anymore of it, but I'm just curious any other experiences similar to mine please ):
Also, the doctor who prescribed wasn't my normal PCP, but one that I used on the new Amazon medical platform to be able to get meds for my UTI quicker and easier -- I would've never known or thought that even something as simple as an antibiotic could be a risk for GBS and neuropathy patients.
So also side note, wanted to also inform everyone to please learn from my mistake and never take this antibiotic if you have or had GBS or neuropathy- another thing added to the list of things you can't take or do with BS GBS.