| Key to ratings for macrobid: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |
| Rating | Reason | Side Effects | Comments | Sex | Age | Time Taken | Date Added | |
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| 1 | UTI | Flushed red face, palpitations, chest pain and blood pressure went from normal to 189/97 within 24 hours of taking this medication. | Had to be rushed to the ER after taking this drug. They told me to STOP Macrobid. Already feeling better. I will NOT take this drug again. | F | 54 | 2 days | 2/7/2010 | 1 | UTI | This medicine has gave me sever gas, stomach cramps . I am tired all the time I have been on the medicine 3 days and feel like crap. I don't understand why doctors give you medicine that make you feel so horrible I have had severe head aches and will not take no more of it . | F | 26 | 7 days | 2/6/2010 | 2 | recurrent uti | Extreme bloating, exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, depression | I'm allergic to Cipro and after Bactrim didn't clear up the infection he chose this - I hate it. | F | 24 | 3 days | 1/31/2010 | 1 | UTI | Follow up post to 12/16. Now 6 hospitalizations linked to 6 separate doses of Macrobid. | Doctor refused to report this to FDA. Said it did not qualify as life threatening. What about life altering? Still suffering from effects of this drug. 1.5 mos. in hospital. Now a previous ICU stay linked to 1 dose of Macrobid. I thought this was mandatory to report! | F | 80 | 1/30/2010 | 1 | UTI | Extreme itching, rash on eyelids down to 2 inches below neck. Lethargy, sinuses hurting. | I'm allergic to many antibiotics including penicillin and sulfa, which never caused a reaction as severe as this. Reaction started at corner of eyes and spread. It seemed to be helping the UTI but it's not worth the reactions! After reading other people's experiences I am stopping it now! It's the weekend so won't be able to call dr's office until Monday. | F | 56 | 4 days | 1/30/2010 | 1 | UTI | Insomnia, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, foggy headed, felt like I was dying. | I have never had a reaction to a drug like this. I thought for sure I was dying. After two days off of the medicine, I started to feel a little better. | F | 43 | 2 days | 1/30/2010 | 5 | kidney infection | The only side effect I experienced was a little bit of drowsiness- this was only when I took it with milk. This never happened when I took it with a full meal. | I was very nervous about taking it after reading all of the horrible reviews. I read ALL of the drug information thoroughly-knew of the POTENTIAL side effects and decided that it must work for some people or it wouldn't be available. I'm glad I did- this drug started to relieve my symptoms by the 2nd day. I've been taking it for 6 days and feel like myself again. I'll finish the prescription (10 days) just to make sure the infection is completely cleared up. I feel bad for anyone that had an allergic reaction-I know it must be miserable. For any skeptics ( I was one of them)- I suggest you READ EVERYTHING enclosed with your meds., and pay attention to any changes in your body. I'm thrilled this drug worked for me with none of the hideous side effects. | F | 38 | 6 days | 1/29/2010 | 1 | UTI | Headache, neck pain, jaw pain, chills and, eventually, heinous hives requiring medical treatment. | I started taking Macrobid on Jan 2, 2010 and completed a 7 day course. I was exhausted and had a headache and chills, but attributed it to the infection. I did notice a slight rash on my leg, but didn't attribute to macrobid. Approximately 2 weeks later the infection recurred, I was placed back on Macrobid and took about 5 pills. I had a headache, jaw, ear and neck pain. When I woke up on the 4th day of treatment, I had hives on my legs, arms, back, etc. I stopped the antibiotic, called the nurse took a benadryl. That evening the hives got worse, clinics were closed, I felt exceedingly ill and did not have the energy to do much other than take more benadryl and cover my body w/calamine. By 8am the rash was so bad that I could barely get up. When I got to the walk in clinic, I was short of breath, I had hives LITERALLY from head to toe, chills, etc and was sent to the ER. I was given prednisone and an additional antihistimine. Two days later and I am still on the course of treatment from the ER, I have hives (though they come and go...but not gently), headache, chills, hot skin, neck and ear pain. Upon picking up the first prescription for this, I looked at it and told my boyfriend that it looked like poison. I am only hoping that when the 6 days of steroid treatment ends, I the hives will be gone. It is sheer luck that I didn't take another pill, as I would likely have gone into shock. I will NEVER take this again and would strongly suggest that no one else does. | F | 41 | 3 days | 1/29/2010 | 3 | UTI | Nausea pretty severe. Slight swelling. Bloating. | I don't think I can take this medication again. The nausea is just to severe. | F | 40 | 10 days | 1/28/2010 | 1 | uti | Chills and abdominal pain | F | 39 | 5 days | 1/28/2010 | 5 | UTI | None | I have been put on this for many UTIs and now use it as a preventative after intercourse. I've never had any problems with it. I would advise to take this at least 4 hours away any vitamins or probiotics as that can cause the medication to not work as well or at all. | F | 22 | 4 years | 1/27/2010 | 1 | POTENTIAL UTI | fever, body aches, chills, stomach cramping, exhaustion | I am allergic to Sulfa. I am nursing. I told this to the nurse practitioner and she still prescribed this to me. I don't think the medical profession is aware of these horrible side effects this medication can cause some people. i was on this for 3 days and on the 3rd day the symptoms started. I was put on for a supposed UTI, but results came clean and I stopped macrobid ASAP. I wonder if this is just some new drug that all the sales reps are pusing? Everytime I am at the dr. the pharmacy reps are there hogging their time and making us all wait more and more. I feel much better today, but still not right. I have been drinking as much water as I can stomach in order to flush this out of my system. | F | 33 | 3 days | 1/26/2010 | 1 | UTI | Severe Nausea,heartburn, indigestion, I thought I was dieing, went to the emergency doctor told me that I had heartburn from the baby growing, I immediatly stopped taking it even though they told me to continue it. | DO NOT CONTINUE THIS MEDICINE IF YOU FEEL SICK WEAK NAUSEA HEARTBURN - Go To emergency!! | F | 18 | 2 days | 1/22/2010 | 4 | recurrent UTI | I am only on day 3 - experiencing a mild "sour stomach" feeling, abates if I keep my stomach full, and frequent bowel movements. | I had a kidney infection last year from undiagnosed UTI,so I take antibiotics at the first signs. Cipro has been good for me, but my doctor doesn't want me to become resistant as there aren't stronger antibiotics. Started Macrobid for the first time, twice daily x 7 days. So far only mild effects as I described. Maybe a mild depressed mood, but can't definitely attribute it to the antibiotic. The UTI symptoms are diminishing. The website is scary though. | F | 58 | 3 days | 1/21/2010 | 1 | UTI prophylaxis | I am the nurse practitioner who posted below, this is an addendum to previous post....by the end of the week I saw my primary doctor again and at that point all my liver functions were elevated. It took over a week of being off the medicine for them to normalize. On the 8th and last day I took this medicine, I developed a rash and had extreme painful swelling of my hands and feet which took days to resolve. I had to reschedule my tests with the urologist due to my "fever of unknown origin" and before I had them done this past week, I tried the Macrobid again but after one dose was convinced my experience in December of '09 was due to the medicine. Within a few hours of taking one pill, I developed chills and again for 3 nights had painful swelling of my hands and feet. | Anyone prescribed this medicine should be warned of potential serious and dangerous side effects. | F | 35 | 8 days | 1/21/2010 | 1 | UTI | Extreme chills, muscle pain everywhere(but esp lower back), extreme lethargy, migraine-like headache, minor cough, shortness of breath when walking, and now severe joint stiffness | Several UTI's but have never been this ill with a drug before. Assumed I had H1N1 in addition to bladder infection. Finally, on the 6th day, went to emerg because of the severe chills, then profuse sweating, back pain, and malaise because I thought perhaps it had spread to my kidneys, or worse. Urine was clean. I was apparently wasting the doctor's time. Told me to go home and finish the Macrodbid (only 2 pills left) and that I likely had the flu. This is day 2 off the drug. Headache is still there but much better. However, my joints are extremely swollen and I can't make it up and down the stairs in the morning without heavily relying on the wall and railing. My finger joints and even toes are swollen and stiff. I am so sick of feeling this way. I am - correction, was - a fit 50 year old who was supposed to meet at the fitness club tonight to start a new regime. Need this to stop. Wonder if you can OD on prolonged use of Advil? | F | 50 | 7 days | 1/20/2010 | 1 | UTI prophylaxis | I am a healthy 35 year old nurse practitioner who has never had any medical problems nor problems with any medication in the past. This drug took 8 days of my life from me. I had about 4-5 UTIs in 2009, which I had never had before, so I decided to see a urologist about them. He wanted to do some tests and put me on the macrobid as prophylaxis until I had them done. Once I started the macrobid, I initially began experiencing muscle aches and fatigue, which progressed into chills and fever up to 103, SEVERE headache, chest tightness like it was hard to take a breath, and a generalized anxious feeling. By day 4 I saw my primary doctor, who I had never seen for anything other than a physical before, and she told me I most likely had a viral syndrome. Through her and the office I work at, during that week I had negative mono, flu, epstein-barr, even parvovirus tests done, a negative chest x-ray, and normal CBCs. But by the end of the week when I went back to see my primary doctor, a | My primary doctor agreed, but when I told the urologist about it, he said he had never had a patient experience anything like that, but at least did point out that any person can have a bad reaction to any medicine at any time. I have seen several patients that can take it no problem, but obviously there is a subset of us who REALLY can't take it and I think prescribers (including myself) ought to be aware of the potential side effects from this medicine. | F | 35 | 8 days | 1/19/2010 | 1 | UTI | Joint Swelling beginning in right knee, after 2 days moved to left knee, moved to foot and then shoulder. Excrutiating pain so bad could not walk. | I've been to my PCP twice for bloodwork, to an orthopedic, and now a Rhuematologist and more bloodwork. No one knows whats wrong with me. I nearly went to the ER twice because the pain was so severe. I'm still suffering the pains from this drug. I started it on 12/22/09 and stopped taking it on 12/28. I'm wondering if I'll ever feel normal again. Do Not Take this Drug! And shame on the Doctor's for prescribing it! | F | 45 | 5.5 days | 1/18/2010 | 1 | UTI | I wrote in earlier and wanted people to know the hell I have been through since taking Macrobid. I stopped taking the drug on my own on the 4th day or 7 as I was so freaked out by all the reactions I was having - joint pain, muscle pain etc. 8 days after stopping the medication I was rushed to the hospital with a tight chest, problems breathing,heart palpatations, dizziness, and my head in a fog - I thought I was having a heart attack! I was in the hospital for 1 1/2 days being monitored and I have a heart monitor attached to me now. I have now been experiencing tingling and pressure on my entire face and head, stomach ache, and nausea, dizziness and my head is still very foggy for 2 days, 13 days after stopping this dangerous drug! I beg people not to take Macrobid as I have always been a very healthy person and now I can't believe the illnesses I am experiencing! | I have now been off the drug for 13 days and I am severely ill. | F | 49 | 4 days | 1/17/2010 | 1 | Never take this med! | This medication is very dangerous. This is apparently a fact that is well known throughout the medical field. One dose can be harmful. I see some people commenting on having no side effects, those people should consider themselves very lucky. It is only a matter of time before it is taken off the market. Meanwhile people are being hurt by this drug. Thank goodness for forums like these, if I hadnt found it we never would have figured out what was wrong with my wife. There are so many other meds that can be used to treat UTI's. why even bother. | M | 30 | 1 days | 1/7/2010 | 5 | UTI | None | I've taken this every time I get a UTI and have never noticed a single side effect. I could easily write horrific reviews about Pennicillin and Sulfa drugs because I'm ALLERGIC to those. It's not the drug or the dr. that's the issue if you're allergic. I've been on this with every UTI. years and years back and am on day 3 of it now. | F | 36 | 5 years | 1/5/2010 | 5 | UTI | Drowsiness, and a little gassy. | The bladder infection, or UTI, itself is a miserable thing to have. So I can endure the side effects as long as it will cure the infection. I was lucky—the side effects were low. The one I seemed to have was drowsiness, although I can’t tell if its from the medication, or the infection itself. Take this medication with food and if taking it twice a day, be sure to take it like clock work. I felt improvements with my UTI within the second dose. By the time my week was over, and my meds gone, I seemed to be cured if the UTI completely! | F | 31 | 7 days | 1/5/2010 | 4 | UTI | Some minor stomach cramping and diarreah (once per day) which is manageable | I took bactrim first for 3 days and it did not resolve the UTI. I am currently on day 3 of macrobid and other than the minor side effects I have listed the drug seems to be working. I am not completely well yet but do think that by the end of my prescription (10 days) that it will be gone. | F | 46 | 3 days | 1/5/2010 | 1 | suspected uti but didn't have one | In March 2006, I was prescribed Macrobid. I was 40 yrs old, athletic, never sick in my life, non-smoker, drinker or drug user. I was given 14 pills. On the 1st pill I got a racy head and felt totally buzzed, and got a hive on my hand. Silly me I continued to take them. On the 4th pill I couldn't even walk up a flight of stairs I had what felt like water on my lungs. I had pain behind my eyes. Pains in my arms. Sick to my stomach. I stopped the meds completely, which in turn, resulted in hundreds of hives from head to foot. My lips were cracked, larengytis, couldn't walk from one room to the other without being out of breath. I was at the ER about 15x in the course of a few months. My blood cell count was so elevated meaning my body was fighting something that was invading my ammune system. I had a period where my head was so painful I thought it was going to explode. I couldn't touch my chin to my chest I was frozen stuck and stiff. My entire tongue, left side of my face and left big | I have had friends use this medication with no side effects. You couldn't give me a million dollars to ever take one pill again as long as I live on the face of this earth. | F | 44 | 4 days | 1/2/2010 | 1 | UTI | Dizziness, Joint pains, muscles tickled, foggy, gas, inability to focus, bloating, nausea, shortness of breath, anxious feeling. | This is my first UTI infection. I informed the doctor I am allergic to penicillin and septra drugs. I am on day 3 of taking Macrobid of a 7 day prescription. After day 2 I went from urinating 7 times overnight to 4 times, but I started feeling joint pain, tickling of the muscles in my arms, legs, and hands and a stomach ache. I called Telehealth Ontario and spoke to a registered nurse after checking this website since I think I may be having an allergic reaction and I'm not thrilled about being on Macrobid. She suggested I take the next pill since I can't see the doctor until tomorrow and then decide after consulting with my doctor. I very rarely get ill, so this is very disturbing for me and I'm just hoping I can be switched to another antibiotic. | F | 49 | 3 days | 1/2/2010 | 1 | UTI | Nausea, dizziness, hot feeling in face and hands, sore throat, spacing out, stomach cramps, fatigue, heartburn | I was prescribed this for a UTI by an ER physician. I took the first pill today and never have I felt more sick in my life!! I feel "high" and sick at the same time. This is the most awful medicine. I certainly will not continue to take this medicine. I am going to ask my Doctor for something else. | F | 26 | 1 days | 1/2/2010 | 1 | UTI | Almost 4 years after taking five MacroBid pills over a 2.5 day period, I still experience the pain of severe nerve damage. The pain is mostly in my arms and hands, but when I have a flare-up, the pain is everywhere. MacroBid was poison to my system and has negatively impacted my quality of life. Stay away from MacroBid. The FDA should remove it from the market, and doctors should be made aware of its impact on many people. | F | 68 | 2.5 days | 12/31/2009 | 3 | UTI | Unsure | I was hoping to gain clarification on something--I came to this site to better understand Macrobid but am reading a lot of horror stories. It seems like a lot of the things people here have in common is an allergy to Nitrofurantoin. Is this true? I haven't seen one person just say "It didn't work for me because I am allergic to the components of this medicine." | F | 36 | 4 days | 12/29/2009 | 1 | Bladder Infection | Hives (welts) on legs and arms--some on torso. Lip swelled. | I took Macrobid 2x/day for 7 days to treat a bladder infection from a foley I had during surgery. No symptoms during the 7 days, but started experiencing a reaction to the med immediately after completing the 7-day cycle. Broke out in large, red, itchy blotches (hives). Put on Predisone and Benadryl after a trip to the ER. It has been 9 days since I've stopped taking Macrobid and I am STILL coping with the side effects of this medication! I am trying to find out how I can cleanse/purge this nasty medication out of my system. If anyone knows, please share with the rest if us. I went to my PCP and she was skeptical it was Macrobid causing the allergic reaction (it seems to be a common theme) and thinks it will clear up on it's own. I am trying to remain optimistic that it will. | F | 41 | 7 days | 12/26/2009 | 1 | bladder infection | I had never taken this drug before in my life. I went to the ER for a severe kidney/bladder infection. They prescribed macrobid. On the 6th day of taking this drug, my eyes were puffy, and I had a terrible headache. On day seven I broke out in hives, and had a fever, and the headache was the most severe I had ever had! I suspected the macrobid, but wasn't sure. I continued taking it because I knew it was important to take all of this medicine to get rid of the infection. After one week of this drug, I went to the doctor suspecting I had a bad case of the flu! I had a high fever, headache, sore throat, my neck and between my shoulder blades hurt, and my skin hurt! All thanks to this medicine! That was yesterday, and after ONE day of not taking it, I feel 99% better!! This is a nasty little drug, and everyone needs to be aware!!! | F | 41 | 6 days | 12/24/2009 | 1 | Bladder Infection | I was sick to my stomache, headaches, bloated from all the water I was instucted to drink(I already have a problem with water retension and take lasik as needed for the swollen day/s). The burning and urgent need to go to the restroom never went away dispite the added medication to stop this urge. | I also have an upper respatory infection which I must take a second antibiotic for. I have never gotten relief from the macrobid for the uti. This is why I hate taking medications. | F | 48 | 9 days | 12/22/2009 | 1 | Misdiagnosed UTI infection | Caused such weakness in my body I could not get off of the floor and into the bed. My husband helped me up. He was ready to call ambulance when I convinced him to let me wait until morning. I fell asleep and the weakness had dimished by morning. | I did not have UTI - a Catskan showed I had diverticulitis. New antibiotics (cipro and Levaquin) and all is ok for now. New doctor too. | F | 75 | 1 days | 12/22/2009 | 1 | UTI | In October I took it first time and by that night was running a fever(102), body aches, chills. Thought I had the H1N1 flu. When that tested negative, I thought maybe I had a systemic infection from this UTI because I'd had it for a while and didn't know it. Took for 5 days and they switched me to Keflex and I was better in a day. Took Macrobid again just the other day. Woke up after first dose with a cough and vomiting and fever. Next day, my fever rose to 103, had severe pain in back of neck, between shoulder blades and head (only when the fever spiked) and it hurt to take a deep breath with a persistant cough. It was a weekend and the temp stayed lower so I didn't pursue treatment until Monday. My doc switched me to another drug. I'm sorry I didn't see this website before...it describes everything I was feeling! | F | 49 | 4 days | 12/21/2009 | 1 | UTI | I felt like I had the flu. Vision changes, couldn't focus, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, cramping in stomach, aching pain in back and neck. | I will never take this again. I have a 5 month old son. I was unable to care for him because this medicine made me so sick. I thought I was going to die. | F | 25 | 2 days | 12/21/2009 | 1 | Uniary Tract Infection | Shortness of breath; anxiety; apnea; muscle weakness; dizziness; mental confusion; heart palpatations; pain between the shoulder blades in my back; exhaustion; headache; pain in my eyes | If you feel any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately you are having an allergic reaction. I was told to stop taking it, call my primary care physician as soon as I can, and to take a benadryl. The side effects of this drug are worse than the UTI it tried to cure. By the way I still have mild symptoms of the UTI still. I will never take this or any related drug like this again. | F | 58 | 3 days | 12/19/2009 | 1 | UTI | Flu-like symptoms and hives | Was prescribed to take for 7 days. Right before I was to take my last dose I started having shortness of breath. Then later I started to have aches all over. By that evening I was running a fever of 102.8. I took Tylenol for the fever took my last dose of Macrobid (generic version) and went to bed. Woke up in the morning with a 101.7 fever and hives. Started to wonder if I had an allergic reaction to Macrobid so I took Benedryl and Tylenol and took a nap. Woke up 2 hours later with a 103.4 fever and went to the ER. They said yes to the allergy to Macrobid due to the hives, but said pneumonia for all my other symptoms, but now that I've read the info. others have provided I'm wondering if it really was pneumonia at all. Anyway, they gave me a prescription for Zithromax, a Steriod (for hives), and Albuterol inhaler (to help with breathing). | F | 29 | 7 days | 12/19/2009 | 3 | uti | F | 37 | 3 days | 12/17/2009 | 1 | UTI | Severe pain in joints and lega and arms, severe headache,stomach pain,high fevers.Extreme shaking from chills,fainting, dizziness All from 1 dose of this pill. | Hospitalized 5 times,once in ICU. Diagnosed with everything from flu, to sepsis, to UTI sepsis. Each episode has now been linked to this drug with symptoms out of control within 6 hours of taking one pill. Each time they released from hospital, they would say resume the Macrobid at home and I would be back in hospital same day. 1.5 mos in hospital. Struggling to survive now. Am asking dr. to file report with FDA. PLEASE, all of you that have written, do the same. This drug almost cost me my life. | F | 80 | 12/16/2009 | 1 | Perscribed by my Doctor (no longer) | SIDE EFFECTS: Entire intestinal track so bloated, there was no room for my lungs to breathe, extreme shortness in every breathe. I can now describe the feeling of your butt being sealed shut. I can now describe 2 + days of major air passing through my every inch of intestines and watery bowel movements (2+ days of it). The side effects were so severe the ER addmitted me to rule out Congestive Heart Failure and Water on the Lungs. What a scare!!! Exact same scare on every other comment on this web site. | TAKE THIS OFF THE MARKET! This Doctor will loose his license. Never even asked if I ... TAKE THIS OFF THE MARKET! Duh!! Hello - people??? What are you doing to us? | F | 44 | 4 days | 12/14/2009 | 1 | UTI | Woke up at 4:00 AM with chills, fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. Literally could not move. After about an hour of that, vommitted. Went to the ER twice and on the first visit (Early November) was given Tamiflu. Second ER visit (late November), was given another perscription for Macrobid. 3 days later, developed swollen feet and hands and rash. I've been off the drug for 2 weeks now but tire very easily, sleep alot and breathing is not as easy as it was before I took the drug. | I cannot and will not take this drug again. I am also allergic to sulfa drugs, however,I only experienced a rash with it, not symptoms that lasted weeks and were so severe. | F | 43 | 12/10/2009 | 2 | UTI | I only am expirience EXTREME drowsiness, fatigue. Immidietaly after I take the pill I feel drowsy,foggy, sleepy, like I have allergies & all around crappy. It goes away after maybe 8 hours, til I take the next one & it starts all over. | F | 21 | 4 days | 12/8/2009 | 1 | uti | low grade fever, lungs hurt when i took a deep breath, itchy palms, feet, roof of my mouth...severe heart burn. | i'm quite sure i've had an allergic reaction...i will not take again. | F | 38 | 12/4/2009 | 1 | UTI | Just took second dose. Extreme fatigue and BAD headache all day. Sore Neck. Body aches on back of torso - all developed today. Itchy welt just developed on palm of right hand 2 hours after second dose. | I will call Dr. tomorrow and request to be switched to something else. If they say NO due to being a Community Health Care clinic and I am not insured right now, not sure what my options are. Am prescribed to take this for a week. I will not finish the course. | F | 39 | 1 days | 12/3/2009 | 1 | UTI | Extreme Dizziness, Headaches, sore throat, chills, and fatigue. | All symptoms appeared within 24 hours of taking the first dose. | F | 37 | 3 days | 12/2/2009 | 2 | Urinary tract infection | after 3 capsules in 2 days: dizziness, lethargy, bad stiff neck, bad headache, chills, sore throat, dry mouth. | After 2 capsules, the urinary tract infection cleared up noticably and I am relieved about that. But I feel terrible otherwise, due to many side effects. I am not going to take any more of this medication, as I am feeling sicker as Day #2 progresses. | F | 49 | 2 days | 11/28/2009 | 1 | UTI | I experienced severe nausea, fever, chills, body aches, headache, and itching, especially on my palms. | By the second dose of macrobid, I was experiencing all of my listed side effects was not able to do anything except curl up in the fetal position and cry. The only time I get some relief is if I skip a dose, but as soon as I take another pill, the side effects return. I have taken many antibiotics in my life, and I have never been this sick from one. I will never take macrobid again. | F | 42 | 5 days | 11/28/2009 | 2 | Suspected UTI | Haven't taken the drug yet. I had my first ever UTI 2 months ago and was given Amoxycillin, then Keflex, and then Cipro, from which I had debilitating side-effects for 3 weeks, and now that my UTI symptoms seem to be coming back my doctor has prescriped Macrobid. Has anyone had side-effects from cipro but gone on to use Macrobid without having side-effects? I am scared to use the stuff. The Cipro gave me terrible pains and a buzzing sensation in my feet, which were freezing but clammy, shooting pains in my arms, my legs, numb fingers, cold sweats etc....My doctor diagnosed plantar fasciitis but was insistent that it wasn't a side effect of the drug. I am an otherwise pretty healthy (apart from allergies) 34-year-old weighing 50kg, and with a desk job.....so strange I would develop "policeman's foot" in both feet after three days on cipro, and it have nothing to do with cipro. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that is common in obese people, or runners, or policeman, (from the | Had to add a rating to be able to post this message, but obviously I haven't used the drug yet. | F | 34 | 0 days | 11/27/2009 | 1 | UTI | FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS, FATIGUE, LOSS OF APPETITE, HIGH FEVER (104 + ) FIRST DIGN OF LIVER PROBLEMS WAS THE YELLOEING OF THE WHITES OF MY EYES. WENT TO ER AND WAS ADMITTED ON MY DEATH BED. ALMOST HAD LIVER FAILURE DUE TO THIS DRUG. IT WAS THE CLOSEST I HAVE EVER CAME TO DEATH AND IT WAS HORRIBLE. THIS MEDICINE NEEDS TO BE REEVALUATED OR THE FDA NEEDS TO REMOVE IT ALL TOGETHER. I DO NOT RECCOMMEND ANYONE TAKE THIS MEDICATION. | THIS MEDICATION BROUGHT ME TO THE EDGE OF DEATH. NEVER TAKE THIS MEDICATION. | F | 36 | 10 days | 11/27/2009 | 1 | UTI | Nausea, bloating, tightness in the chest, extreme fatigue, tinkling in the hands. | Took CIPRO and had problems; took MACROBID and problems got worse; now on Amocillin and hoping to get some relief. | F | 55 | 2 days | 11/27/2009 | 1 | recurring UTI | I have had several UTIs that have ben very resistant to treatment. Tried Cipro for 2 7-week courses and then was put on Macrobid for 30 days. The first week I was on generic Marcobid my hands felt numb and tingly. I also had rapid heart rate and felt like I was going to vomit and faint. After one week into the therapy, I developed acute intestinal bloating gas and cramps like I have never felt before. It felt like hot knives from my stomach all the way down to my lower pelvis and colon. The UTI symptoms were awful, but these are just as bad. I am calling my urologist tomorrow to switch to another course of antibiotics. | F | 41 | 16 days | 11/22/2009 | 1 | UTI | Fever, chills, profuse night sweats, muscle pain,nausea, lethargy and depression.This happened both times I took this antibiotic. | The first time I took Macrobid I had a UTI but was otherwise feeling well and had no fever. Two hours after taking the first pill I had high fever, chills, vomiting and flu like symptoms. After 7 days there was no improvement in UTI symptoms and I wound up in the hospital with a kidney infection. My medication was changed and I began feeling better the next day. On Nov. 10th. I had a cystoscopy to see why I was having recurrent UTIs. I was given Macrobid to prevent infection from the scope. Two hours later I had a 101 fever, chills, sweats, muscle pain, nausea and was depressed and lethargic. I felt this way for seven days, including fever, when once again medication was changed to Cipro. Within twelve hours my temperature went from 101.6 to normal and I felt 100% better. My urologist and my internist both said they don't think it was the Macrobid. I cannot understand how it could not have been. | F | 64 | 14 days | 11/20/2009 | 3 | UTI | Headaches, intense nausea, elevated heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating on driving. | I take Macrobid generic 100mg 2x/day. I was taking Pyridine every 6 hours in conjunction with Macrobid, but had to stop the Pyridine after 2 days because the combination was awful. I continued with just the Macrobid. No matter what I tried (lots of water, eating full meals, etc) I would get these side effects about half an hour to an hour after taking the pill. I would start to feel okay after about 10 hours, but by that time, it was time to take the next pill anyways. I don't think I'll let them prescribe me this again. The nausea, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate is just too much. | F | 20 | 7 days | 11/16/2009 | 2 | UTI | arms and legs felt heavy and hard to move, lightheaded, burning sensation to face (feels like a wind burn). Face is warm to touch, but no rash or redness noted. Mouth is very dry and tongue is sore. | Just feel weak and anxious, plus this burning sensation in my cheeks is driving me crazy!! Called PCP and he said to stop taking right away. Symptoms started about 1 hour after taking 1st dose of medication | F | 34 | 1 days | 11/14/2009 | 4 | UTI | numbness and tingling in my legs (keeping them elevated really helped), excruciating headaches that felt like a bad flu, eyes hurt if I strained them for any reason, lungs hurt when I took a deep breath, nausea | It really is the only thing that clears up my never ending UTIs, this is the first time that it affected me this badly, the side effects started within an hour of taking the drug and lasted for about 20 hours. As bad as my side effects sound it was much better than the side effects of a UTI. | F | 21 | 3 days | 11/9/2009 | 1 | UTI | Causing prickly, itching pain all over my body. I also am having joint pain. | Don't take this drug. It is a neurotoxin. | F | 40 | 7 days | 11/5/2009 | 5 | Continuous UTI's | NONE - Scared to death of what others had posted, but I have no issues whatsoever. | Feel soo much better after taking this medicine, I have more energy, sleep well and instant results. | F | 37 | 10 days | 11/3/2009 | 1 | uti | extreme headache like a migraine woke me in my sleep, metallic taste, nausea, stomach ache, neck ache,sweating,heart palpitations | F | 40 | 2 days | 11/1/2009 | 1 | ACUTE UTI | i've taken macobid two other times and each time i've had to take it was when i was pregnant and each time it made me very sick to my stomach, so i would stop taking it after day one. now that i am 45 years old my doctor prescibed it for me bcause of my recurrent uti, i explained to him that it made me sick especially during my pregnancy. my docotr stated that i should try now. day one i took one dose and i was up vomiting all night, and i feel so nervous and shakie like i am on some type of high, i have a slight headache as well. under no circustances will i ever take this again. i tried three times with the same results. | F | 45 | 1 days | 10/30/2009 | 4 | UTI | I am a bit lethargic and my head feels stuffy | I got my Rx of Macrobid this morning, took one pill, suddenly my pain is gone. I have suffered from chronic UTIs for so many years. My doctor said they were a side effect of Endometriosis, I even had surgery for the condition, but this particular symptom kept occurring. Of all of the antibiotics I have taken, this seems to be my miracle pill. Everyone is different though, if your body seems to be rejecting the medication just stop taking it and go do the doctor. | F | 26 | 1 days | 10/29/2009 | 4 | UTI at 31 weeks preg | extreme headache that felt like sinuses, stiff sore neck and throat, felt like I had no energy, bad stomach cramps and backache, numbness in my right hand. | This med helped my UTI but I had to switch to keflex after 3 days because the side effects were horrible. I would not recommend this medicine if there were other options. | F | 25 | 3 days | 10/29/2009 | 1 | UTI | It started with blisters and swelling on my tongue, then feeling tired, into the 4th or 5th day I was having upper gastro bloat and severe pain like a gallbladder attack (only mine was already gone). On day 8 and 9 I started itching everywhere and everywhere I scratch became a rash, until there was rash covering my hands, arms, legs, lower back. I also ran a fever and had flu symptoms. I went to the ER and they couldn't figure out for sure what was going on so gave me tami-flu for the flu. Then I read this, not going to take the tami-flu, gonna wait for symptoms to subside and treat the itch (which doesn't respond to benadryl or claritin) with a steroid topical creme and cool compresses. It also caused such a severe shortness of breath that the ER gave me I.V. medication for that along with Zofran for the nausea. | I agree with a few other users, this drug should be pulled off the market, these are pretty bad side effects and I don't think they are as rare as they make them out to be. | F | 46 | 10 days | 10/29/2009 | 2 | UTI | Diarrhea, fever, hot flashes, lethargy, stomach pain, extreme nausea, and vomiting | I am taking 100 mg twice a day. I am on day 5 (out of 7) and I don't feel very good. I think this medicine is working to get rid of my UTI, but the side effects are very uncomfortable to say the least. | F | 22 | 5 days | 10/25/2009 | 1 | Bladder Infection | Flu symptoms. I never get sick. I was in bed with nausea, chills, body aches, fever and a migrane headache. I thought I had the swine flu. I quit taking the meds when I was sick. Four days later I started taking the macrobid again. I immediately came down with the same symtoms. Its the macrobid. Horrible | Never Again | F | 45 | 5 days | 10/25/2009 | 2 | UTI | Shortness of breath, upset stomach, general feeling of fatigue, headache. | Was prescribed Macrobid for a recurrence of UTI that Cipro failed to clear up. Was OK except for bad gas during the intial phase of taking two a day for seven days. I thought I was out of the woods. Then began taking it post-coitally and symptoms hit me like a hammer. Shortness of breath was alarming. While I was good about taking the pill with food during the first phase, wonder if not taking it with food post-coitally triggered symptoms. | F | 42 | 13 times | 10/23/2009 | 1 | repeated UTI | hives over 4 inches in diameter, fever, vomitting, wheezing, confusion and delirium | Took a full week to recover after 20 hour hospitalization. Had taken it once before for a week and had small hive reaction and nausea, but misattributed that (apparently) to an allergic environmental allergy. NEVER TAKE THIS .... I nearly died and now carry an epipen just in case I get something similar again | F | 57 | 1 days | 10/23/2009 | 1 | prevention of recurrent UTIs | I was prescribed one 100mg capsule of the generic macrobid after intercourse. Because it's the season of viruses and flu, I didn't make any connection to the chills, body aches, lethargy, headache, cough, stratchy throat and sinus headache. After weeks of feeling awful, getting a little better and then feeling horrible again, i finally put it all together after reading this website. I am a very healthy 57 year old and to have an illness linger for weeks is not typical for me. I will never take this medicine again after reading all the other women who experienced similiar reactions. My doctor seemed surprised, but believed that it could be the drug. I can't wait until the drug is completely out of my system and i'm back to feeling healthy again. | F | 57 | 4 weeks | 10/20/2009 | 3 | UTI | Nausea, Dirrehea, Fatigue, Dizziness, Sore Throat, Runny Nose, Bad Cough, Chills, Flu-Like Symptoms | I started a 2 pills a day for 7 days prescription, last week. I am currently on day 5. Other than my UTI, I had no other health problems the day that I began Macrobid (I was given the generic version). About an hour after I took the first dose, I was extremely nauseous. The next day, my stomach felt very acidic, but I took my next dose in the morning. That evening, I came down with a bad sore throat and a fever. 3rd day, had cough, runny nose, chills, fever, sore throat...continued to take the medicine because I didn't want the UTI to continue. I am now on day 5...still have flu-like symptoms & cough is at its worst. I am going to finish the meds and I am hoping these side effects will lessen, then go away quickly, when I am done taking the pills. I will never take Macrobid again after this experience. | F | 33 | 7 days | 10/19/2009 | 1 | UTI | 5 days after starting drug I went into anaphalactic shock and almost died. flu like symptoms preceded the outbreak of rash and BP so low I was near death and unable to function. Serum sickness. I have known allegies to all pennicillan drugs but did not know of this one. I have been treated for aplastic Anemia 20 years ago in which serum sickness was a problem too. No more Macro bid. | dose was 100 MG Generic for Nitrofuran Monohyd | F | 62 | 5 days | 10/16/2009 | 5 | UTI | Sleepy and tired, but that could have been from recent surgery. | I had a laproscopic hysterectomy on Sept. 23rd. Then, on Oct 6, I was diagnosed with a UTI. I was given macrobid and after reading this forum, I ALMOST didn't start it because, frankly, this scared me. I wanted to let everyone know that not everyone has the bad reaction described by so many on here. I was tired and sleepy, and felt like my brain was in a fog, but otherwise, there were none of the horrible side effects described by so many here. | F | 44 | 7 days | 10/14/2009 | 1 | urinary tract infection | Several hours after taking the first pill I felt like I was coming down with a chest cold. Soon after taking the second pill I came down with a fever of over 100, stiff neck, headache, backache, leg aches, chills, dizziness, nausea, no energy and my chest felt like someone was sitting on it. I quit taking the pills and called my doctor. It has now been almost 48 hours since I took the last pill. I still have a headache and my chest hurts when I breath. I have now developed a nasty cough but hopefully that will clear my chest. The doctor put me on another UTI medication called Bractrin. I have not noticed any side effects from the new medication. FYI-other than the urinary tract infection I was not sick before taking Macrobid. | This pill should be taken off the market. | F | 54 | 1 days | 10/14/2009 | 1 | UTI | After taking my second pill, I immediately when to having sever chills and then high fever, aching all over, could not get out of bed. Of course all DR's and pharmcies, say that this med. would not cause this. I quit taking it for 2 days, and then decided to try again, immediately started the same all over again. | I will call my Dr. Monday and tell him ,he will have to change my medicine, because he said I would need to be on an antibiotic for a long term , as my infection had been going on for a while. | F | 55 | 2 days | 10/10/2009 | 3 | bladder infections | None for about 5 years until last Saturday. Extreme hives. All over body. | I had taken macrobid off and on for about 5 to 6 years. Recently I got another bladder infection and was put on macrobid for 7 days and then every other day indefinitely.Saturday I woke up itching on my back and head and by the evening it was all over. Wherever I would itch it would flare up with huge raised marks all over. I was put on a steriod on Monday and a heavy dose of Alledgra(benadryl makes me too tired) and I am still itching like crazy. I don't know how long this will last. Today is my third day of the steriod. I guess I can't take macrobid anymore. I am going to try something more natrual now. I think it is called g-mannose or something. It is a simple sugar that you put in your water and it attaches itself to the bad bacteria therefore preventing a bladder or uti. We will see. | F | 38 | 10/7/2009 | 1 | Bladder Infection | Flu like symptons, fever, chills, muscle pains, nausea, weight loss | Would never take this drug again...stopped after three days of misery. Will check with dr. today for a change in medication. This drug is the worse I have ever taken. | F | 78 | 3 days | 10/6/2009 | 1 | uti | First given cipro. After 2 tablets, felt pain in my legs so asked to change to a different antibiotic. Given Macrobid. After 2 tablets had to go to the ER. Dizziness, anxiety, horrible headache, nausea, heartburn, burning pain in kidneys coming in waves, urinating every 20 minutes,shaking, chills-all severe. They tested me for a kidney stone--none there. It was the antibiotics. Both are very dangerous. If you feel bad after one tablet of either one, I would stop immediately. These drugs are prescribed way too indiscriminately. And ER's should know about them too!!! | F | 60 | 2 days | 10/5/2009 | 3 | Macrobid is doing it's job, so I have to give it that. But as soon as I started taking macrobid, I have felt like I've had the flu. I have had the hot flashes, and I seriously thought I may have a fever. The naseau has not gone away since I began taking the anti biotic, and I have had dissentary. I do not feel like doing anything. Macrobid has taken me out of commisio for about 4 days, and I have three more to go. BUT like I said it is working, and it is too late to turn back now. So, No, I would not take it again, and I will remember to put down that I am alllergic to it on my medical chart. I can't see the next time being any better. | F | 36 | 4 days | 10/4/2009 | 1 | UTI | Extreme fatigue and nausea, diarrhea and vomiting | Hate this medicine will never take again! | F | 27 | 5 days | 10/4/2009 | 4 | UTI / Kidney Infection | Lethargy, joint ache, depression from feeling lethargic, muscle weakness. I'm not sure if this is a side effect of Macorbid, but I now have canker sores that appeared after starting Macrobid that I cannot seem to remedy. | I had no idea that Macrobid had the side effect of exhaustion. I am fit, eat well, and exercise regularly, but while on Macrobid I had NO energy. I have 2 boys under the age of 3 and feel tired majority of the time, but while taking Macrobid I was depleted of all energy. While taking Macrobid I felt my immune system was compromised, I now have canker sores, cold sores, and still feel tired after completing the drug 3-days ago. Hopefully, my energy will return soon. | F | 35 | 7 days | 10/3/2009 | 1 | UTI | sleepiness, nausea, chills, body aches, neck stiffness and pain | Prescribed 5 days, found this site with one dose left, knew something was not normal after a few days, will be following up with dr as side effects are lingering | F | 47 | 5 days | 10/2/2009 | 4 | UTI | None | I've been taking 4 capsules a day (100MG ea.) for the last 14 days and I have had none of the symptoms described on this site. I am taking Nitrofurantoin Mono, which is a generic version. I have two more days and hope I have none of the after effects described here! I am so sorry to hear of all the horrible problems others have had. | F | 49 | 14 days | 9/30/2009 | 1 | bladder inf | bad headache, cramps, very tired | F | 28 | 1 days | 9/30/2009 | 4 | UTI | Mostly fatigue and brain fog. I also have the headache, but I suspect it'ss because my doctor told me not to drink caffeine while on this, so I was in caffeine withdrawal. I ignored her yesterday and had a cup of green tea -- and got the palpitations. So today I made a very weak cup of green tea, teabag in for only about 15 seconds, added an herbal bag for some flavor. That worked: Headache gone, no palpitations, and some of the fog is even lifting. Still pretty fatigued though; dragging butt through the workday. | Seems to be working. 5 more doses to go (out of 14). Let's hope so. But thank heaven, I'm not having most of the nightmare others are describing here. | F | 56 | 5 days | 9/29/2009 | 2 | Urinary Tract Infection | Lethargy, headache, upset stomach, did not cure ailment. Also possible kidney damage. | I have had urinary tract infections before and I was always treated with Bactrim, with much success and minimal side effects. However, I am 20 weeks pregnant and the doctor insisted on putting me on Macrobid. The medicine made me feel very dizzy and strange the first hour after ingestion. It also made my urine turn extremely dark, and it has not returned to normal. I was getting headaches during pregnancy beforehand, but they seemed to worsen during the time I was taking the Macrobid. I also got very tired and had an upset stomach. I also got a yeast infection which I contribute to the Macrobid killing beneficial bacteria. I also still had a UTI after taking the medicine as directed. I am returning to the doctor (a different doctor this time for sure) in the hopes of finding something pregnancy safe, and having my kidneys tested to be sure they weren't permanently damaged from the medicine. When you drink only water your urine should not be brown. | F | 24 | 7 days | 9/28/2009 | 1 | UTI | Extreme fatigue, could hardly walk around, wanted to sleep all day and night, muscles soreness, chills, scratched my lower legs and ankles due to itching, nausea, 99.5 Temp (started after two doses. | I had taken it for a short while a couple of years ago but got changed to Cipro...I changed myself last night when in the midst of these horrible symptoms and very foggy, no Dr's. available so my daughter helped me make the decision...one day back on Cipro and the symptoms are gone. | F | 61 | 2 days | 9/26/2009 | 2 | UTI | None yet. I was prescribed the medicine in the ER on Saturday. Filled it on Sunday, but after reading this I'm really scared to take it. Suppose to take it twice a day for five days. I've taken Biaxin and Cipro and have had bad reactions. So, I'm really scared to take it based on all the comments | Because all the comments scared me, I'm thinking of just drinking lots of water and cranberry juice and pray that it don't get worse! | F | 38 | 9/21/2009 | 3 | possible UTI | "Hot" feeling that resembles a hot flash but lasts and lasts. Joint and muscle pain in lower legs. General soreness in muscles in back. Headache that feels like a sinus headache. | So glad I found this site! Was beginning to wonder if I was crazy with these symptoms! Hoping this drug works to clear UTI because definitely don't want to take anything worse than this. | F | 45 | 4 days | 9/20/2009 | 4 | uti | I had a constant slight headache, that occasionally got bad. some nausea but not too severe. fatigue | i started taking this for a uti, about a day after I noticed that i had a dry throat. I figured it was just a side effect and shrugged it off. As time progressed I was feeling a lot better, but still had a sore throat with some congestion. About a day before my last dose I got a terrible fever of about 102 with fatigue and diziness. I thought it was a side effect, I called the doctor and they said that this medicine shouldn't give me the fever. I then decided to go to the doctor, they said that a bacterial infection formed in my throat and that's what was causing the fever and sore throat. I'm now using amoxicillin for the uti and the the bactirea in my throat. don't be afraid to call a doctor. Not everything is a side effect of the medicine, this website kinda scared me, but now i discovered that the UTI macrobid was doing it's job. | F | 19 | 5 days | 9/17/2009 | 1 | UTI | Took 2 rounds, appx. 9 weeks apart for a recurring UTI. The first time I had no problems while taking the drug, but 2 days later I developed a horrible itching that turned into a rash where ever I scratched - the welts were in the shape of my scratch marks. I asked my doctor if it could be an allergic reaction to the medication and was told "no". She told me to take Zyrtec for a month. I did this and when I stopped taking it, the rash came back. I continued the Zyrtec for 3 months before I could get off of it. 9 weeks later I got another UTI and was again given Macrobid. Same reaction -- 2 days later. Seemed to me that it was related to the Macrobid, but again told "no". Took Zyrtec for another 2 months. | Developed a 3rd UTI and was given Cipro by another doctor and told that I had definitely had an allergic reaction to the Macrobid. Who do you trust? I know I will never take Macrobid again. It was the worst rash I've ever had. (I also have a severe allergy to sulfa, but am told there is no relation). | F | 52 | 5 days | 9/17/2009 | 3 | UTI | I took the generic form of Macrobid. This medicine, the first antibiotic I can remember taking in my adult life (I am 47), created extreme fatigue and a dull headache that sometimes became acute behind my left eye. I also felt "out of it," and sometimes a little dizzy. Basically, I felt flu-like on it, although I did not have a fever. I'm glad that I was off of work for most of the 5 days I was taking it. I did not experience many stomach problems, which was good. I took it about 20 minutes after eating a lot of food, a tip I received from this site! I also took a probiotic pill a few days before starting and several times a day while taking Macrobid. While I was uncomfortable taking it, it did cure my UTI for now. I was afraid to take it after reading comments on this site, but I would try it and see if it works for you. | 2x day for 5 days | F | 47 | 5 days | 9/15/2009 | 1 | UTI | Severe migraine-like headache, nausea, chills, severe neck pain, leg pains, shakiness. | Only took 3 doses over 1.5 days. Took as directed with food and full glass of water. Drank lots of water while on medication. Side effects started after first dose -- got very dizzy and drowsy and took a 4 hour nap. Woke up with headache that worsened with each dose. Called doctor and told them about effects and that I stopped taking it. I am calling 1.800.fda.1088 to report my side effects. | F | 29 | 1.5 days | 9/11/2009 | 1 | Bladder Infection | Fatigue, an extreme, stabbing headache, blurry vision, balance problems, nausea, chills and sweats (but no fever). The headache trumped any migraine. | I only took two doses, contacted my doctor and was instructed to immediately stop taking the medicine. The headache, vision and balance issues lasted for about 24 hours and then went away. I felt like I was going to die. I would never let someone I know take this drug. | F | 38 | 1 days | 9/11/2009 | 1 | uti | sudden onset severe chills, tremors, fever headache, arthralgia, severe muscle pain, weakness, couldn't walk, thought I would die rushed to Ed by ambulance after apparent vascular collapse. Had nausea vomiting, a real nightmare! | I took this Rx had above side effects 4 hours later called MD in a.m. said most likely viral. Stopped taking while sick took 4 days to get over. Started to take again 1 week later, wound up in ED blue nails cold feet hands, SOB unable to walk. Took 4 days to get over. Never take this drug!! | F | 54 | 1 days | 9/10/2009 | 1 | UTI | ACUTE LIVER FAILURE! | Barely made it before getting a liver transplant. If anyone prescribes this medication to you don't take it. | F | 64 | 9/8/2009 | 1 | long term suppression therapy UTI | over 18 months I continued to get worse without any positive bacterial cultures in my urine-but had pain, fatigue, confusion. Finally I collapsed and ended up in emergency with diffuse intersticial lung disease and fulminant hepatic failure. My lungs responded to treatment, but my liver finally was necrotic. I received a liver transplant July 5 2008, spent 2and 1/2 months in the hospital, and will be on immunosuppressants forever. I also have neuorpathy in my right arm, though it seems to be improving. | The effect of the drug is insidious-and the symptoms could I think have mimiced a UTI. I saw my GP at least twice a month, and a urologiest 5 times over the course of prescribed treatment. My advice is if you take this drug for more than a month, get frequent blood tests to check for liver function. Be alert to breathing difficulties. | F | 57 | 18 months | 9/4/2009 | 1 | UTI | Constant nausea, vomiting, chills, dizziness, sweating, severe knee joint pain, fatigue, weakness, unable to eat or keep anything down. | Cannot believe that a Dr. would prescribe this medication. My mother had a recent severe illness & got a bladder infection from the catheter. She called Dr. with the symptoms after beginning this drug and he told her it was probably just the flu. She took this for 3 days....hours after first dose she was constantly vomiting, had chills/sweats, couldn't eat, dizziness, felt like she was going to die. It was all she could do to get from bed to bathroom each day. Day 3 afternoon was feeling a little better, until she took her evening dose....it all started back again! I looked up this med online & wish I would have done it earlier. After all she has been through - this was totally unnecessary. | F | 59 | 3 days | 8/29/2009 | 1 | UTI | Tightness in chest and upper back, chest pain, coldness in lungs & difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue, rapid heart rate, panic attacks, nausea, lack of appetite, unexplained coldness in hands & feet, overall body weakness, pain in hips, wrists, ankles and knees, diarrhea, frequent need to urinate, continued side effects post-medication cessation. | I was sick with what I thought was an autoimmune illness for nearly 4 weeks before the nurse practioner who works w/ my dr. ordered a CT scan to see what might be causing my endless nausea and abdominal pain. When I couldn't get in to see her the next day for the results of my test, I went to the ER of the hospital where I had the test. While there, I had a urinalysis and found out that I had a UTI. They gave me 100 mg of Macrobid and a prescription for 14 more pills (100 mg) of the Macrobid generic Nitrofurantoin. I didn't start experiencing the side effects until the next day when I woke up from a nap to extreme panic attack-like symptoms (closed throat, difficulty breathing, RAPID heart rate and chest pain). I was so afraid that I was having a heart attack, that I called 911 and went back to the hospital via ambulance. As I have panic/anxiety disorder, they diagnosed it not as an allergic reaction, but rather a panic attack. The ER called my dr. and he said for me to stay on the drug. During the next four days, I suffered the same side effects around the same time every day, some more than once a day, others continuously. Finally, on the evening of day 4, I paged my dr. at home and he called me and basically felt that it was anxiety-related, despite my talking about all of my other symptoms, none of which I get when I have a panic or an anxiety attack. I took my last pill 48 hours ago and I'm still experiencing most of my side effects, again which are being called anxiety- | F | 39 | 7 days | 8/27/2009 | 4 | Bladder Infection | Mild stomach ache with ocassional stomach cramps, mild to moderate fatigue. | Was prescribed Nitrofurantoin Mono/Mac, the generic form of Macrobid for an acute bladder infection that developed 3 weeks after being operated on for bladder cancer. Also had to have a stint put in my bladder to protect the site where the cancerous tumor was removed during the same surgery. Pain and nausea from the pressure of the stint in my bladder since the surgery 3 weeks ago has been indescribeable and goes well beyond the threshold level of 10 on a 1 to 10 scale for pain & suffering. Have somehow survived it all so far and the stint will finally be surgically removed 5 days from now IF THE MACROBID CLEARS UP THE BLADDER INFECTION IN TIME! So, I'm really counting on the Microbid to do what it is supposed to do...otherwise, surgery to remove the stint will have to be postponed until the bladder infection clears up. My Macrobid dosage is 100 mg twice a day for 10 days. Was previously prescribed Bactrim which resulted in only minimal improvement in clearing up the infection. Have been on the Macrobid approaching 3 days now with 7 more to go before finishing the 20 capsule prescription. At this point, other than experiencing some mild nausea and ocassional stomach cramps for about an hour or so after each dose, haven't had any severe side-effects or adverse reactions to this drug. | M | 57 | 3 days | 8/26/2009 | 1 | UTI | I was fine for the first day, but on the second day I suddenly developed severe itching and tingling in my hands and feet. We were out to dinner near a bookstore and immediately went to a bookstore to find a Physician's Desk Reference. We looked up Macrobid and found that this was a serious side effect and could lead to permanent nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), and if it occurs the drug should be discontinued immediately. I did so and contacted my doctor the next morning. Fortunately, the symptom did not persist (well, it did, sort of -- see comment) | Ever since taking that Macrobid several years ago, I have had what seems to be a unique symptom in detecting future UTIs. Whenever I get a UTI, my first symptom is a recurrence of that same heavy, tingling, itching feeling in my feet that I got with the Macrobid. Within an hour of that, I will start feeling the other symptoms. So, it DOES seem to be permanent nerve damage, although in my case it's actually proved helpful. Not that I would recommend getting nerve damage for any reason, mind you. | F | 42 | 2 days | 8/25/2009 | 2 | UTI | I am experiencing fatigue, severe throat tightness, mild tightness in the chest, definitely feeling sort of "disconnected" and oh my gosh these headaches are the worst I've ever had. I've only been on it for 3 days. Should I stop? | F | 23 | 10 days | 8/24/2009 | 1 | Urinary tract infection | I was supposed to be on it for ten days but on the sixth day I started to have nausea and severe stomach pains and back. I tried it for two additinal days and gave up. It was taking too much out of me and I was very weak, and tired all the time. Had tried Ciproflox and it didn't help,similar symptoms but not as bad as Microbid. I have also tried Sulfatrim. After eight weeks of trying these drugs none has solved the problem. | I am a fairly healthy senior, not taking any other medications and no other problems, except a little arthritis | F | 80 | 8 days | 8/24/2009 | 1 | chronic UTI | i was prescribed macrobid by a urologist to take twic a day for 2 weeks then once a day for two weeks. by the third week I developed severe chills and fever 101 to 103 degrees with complete loss of appetite. I saw my primary physician on the 5th day with fever of 102.8. He did a complete lab, chest xray, and influenza test...all negative. My only other symptoms were shortness of breath and severe fatigue. I stopped the Macrobid and the fever subsided within 2 days. I am certain this was a reaction to this medication. | F | 57 | 3 weeks | 8/23/2009 |
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ratings: 5-Very Satisfied: this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal. 4-Satisfied: this medicine helped. 3-Somewhat Satisfied: this medicine helped somewhat. 2-Not Satisfied: this medicine did not work to my satisfaction. 1-Dissatisfied: I would not recommend taking this medicine. |