There are a number of supportive care considerations when undergoing therapy for mycoplasma infections. Self-care approaches to better manage therapy includes understanding and managing long-term antibiotic treatment, including controlling adverse reactions to treatment and preventing side effects of treatments.

The first week or two of antibiotic treatment will be the most difficult in terms of symptoms (however, for some, this can be a longer than two weeks). One might feel much worse. Feeling worse at first is really a good sign! It means that the antibiotic is working. This reaction is called Jarisch-Herxheimer (or Herx). Symptoms that are associated with a Herx are: chills, fever, night sweats, muscle aches, joint pains, mental fog, and extreme fatigue. However, if you have symptoms of a rash, hives, swelling, tightness in the chest, wheezing or difficulty breathing, you may be having an allergic reaction to the antibiotic. Notify your physician or seek immediate medical aid if these symptoms occur.

Sometimes a Herx occurs from the mycoplasma die-off. The dead organism produces toxins, which trigger the immune system. The cytokine production of the immune system will be stimulated. The elevated cytokines (such as interferon, interleukin, tumor necrosis factor, etc.), can cause many of the initial Herx symptoms. Sometimes a Herx can be from the generation of free radicals when the immune is over-activated.

If the symptoms of a Herx are too severe notify your physician. Stopping the antibiotic or reducing the dose for a couple of days has been beneficial and will not affect your overall treatment. In anticipation of a Herx, one may want to plan on doing nothing for the first week or two of treatment. Also, arrange for a supply of pain medications on hand, arrange for a massage therapist, have a Jacuzzi handy, and/or alert the family of the need for plenty of rest, space, and tender loving care during this time.

If the Herxheimer is not too severe, some individuals have eased the symptoms by doing the following: drinking at least 2 quarts of water extra a day, taking a supplement like vitamin C or chlorella. drinking a Whole Lemon-Olive Oil potion (1 blended whole lemon, 1 cup fruit juice, 1 tbs olive oil—strain and drink liquid) . Some substances are known to bind to the toxins. Richie Shoemaker, MD at chronicneurotoxins.com has information on how one can test for and successfully get rid of the toxins. He recommends prescriptions of Actos, Questran and/or Welchol to absorb the toxins and help move them out of the body. Additional information about a Herx written by Meg Magnin, RN from the Autoimmunity Research Foundation is for those who have a diagnosis of sarcoidosis but may also be applied to anyone who has a chronic mycoplasma infection.

Mycoplasma Support does not make specific recommendations for individuals, nor does Mycoplasma Support endorse commercial products. The recommendations for self-care listed in this section are potentially useful; however, they are only examples that could be beneficial to individual's with chronic mycoplasma infection.  

The information contained in the supportive care information is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or other health care professional. The information presented is to help you make informed decisions about your self-care. The information should not take the place of medical advice. The information should not be considered complete, nor should it be relied upon or interpreted to suggest a course of treatment for any individual.  It is information only and it should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation or the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.  You are encouraged to share this information with your physician.

(Created 7/10/05 by Sharon Briggs)