Cipro
Jul 26th, 2006, 03:57 PM
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Actually, "E. coli" stands for "Escherichia coli." "Entertoxigenic" describes its mechanism of action.
I wouldn't advise keeping unused Cipro tablets around for 4-5 years. By the time the pharmacy dispenses it to you, that stock bottle on its shelf probably has about a two-year expiration date, and the way the average person stores prescriptions in their home, you're probably talking about the tablets keeping for less time than that. There may be medications you could get by taking beyond their expiration date, but antibiotics are not among them.
Also, there are generics for Cipro now. (The patent was still in effect during the anthrax scare in 2001.) Ask your prescriber to write the prescription generically (ciprofloxacin), or ask your pharmacist to make the substitution, assuming the laws of your state allow that. (Most do.)
Have a great trip, Lucia!
I wouldn't advise keeping unused Cipro tablets around for 4-5 years. By the time the pharmacy dispenses it to you, that stock bottle on its shelf probably has about a two-year expiration date, and the way the average person stores prescriptions in their home, you're probably talking about the tablets keeping for less time than that. There may be medications you could get by taking beyond their expiration date, but antibiotics are not among them.
Also, there are generics for Cipro now. (The patent was still in effect during the anthrax scare in 2001.) Ask your prescriber to write the prescription generically (ciprofloxacin), or ask your pharmacist to make the substitution, assuming the laws of your state allow that. (Most do.)
Have a great trip, Lucia!
Jul 26th, 2006, 07:40 PM
#22
Lucia78
Have a good time in Kenya and Rwanda.
In fact I am right now watching a tour programme on Kenya and Rwanda...it looks hot and poor in some places, but I am sure you will be in a nice place(hotel).
There sure are a lot of animals.!
Take the Cipro with you.
I double checked with the Pharmaceutical Company that makes Cipro, it is good for 4-5 years( from the date it is made) and even 6-12 months beyond their expiry date...but they really do not want you to know that.
By law all pharmaceutical drugs have to have an expiry date on them..and not only that but it has to be such as to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the drug.
That is why I have Tamiflu with an expiry date of 2011 and 2012...the Government is stock piling this drug in case of a bird flu epidemic.
No drug maker wants to have a class action billion dollar law suit...that is why their expiry date is accurate.
If you can get Imodium over the counter then take some with you( the quick dissolve pill).
If you have to see a doctor for the Cipro you might as well ask about Imodium and/or Lomotil.
Jeff you are correct about what the E. stand for..I was giving the mode of action.....actually it is strain 0157:H7 that causes all the damage...it is the worse strain out of the more than several hundred strains of E.Coli.
This terribly toxin strain was first recognized in 1982.
Other strains are less toxic ..heck you can have a bladder infection of E. Coli bacteria and probably not feel any distress for a while.
But Lucia78, you are going to Kenya and I am sure the last thing you want is to be sick....never mind the strain or the expiry date of the drug... you just want to stay healthy and enjoy what is going to be great trip.
I am planning to go there next year.
Take some Cipro...my fingers are crossed that you will never have to use it
Take Care
Percy
Have a good time in Kenya and Rwanda.
In fact I am right now watching a tour programme on Kenya and Rwanda...it looks hot and poor in some places, but I am sure you will be in a nice place(hotel).
There sure are a lot of animals.!
Take the Cipro with you.
I double checked with the Pharmaceutical Company that makes Cipro, it is good for 4-5 years( from the date it is made) and even 6-12 months beyond their expiry date...but they really do not want you to know that.
By law all pharmaceutical drugs have to have an expiry date on them..and not only that but it has to be such as to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the drug.
That is why I have Tamiflu with an expiry date of 2011 and 2012...the Government is stock piling this drug in case of a bird flu epidemic.
No drug maker wants to have a class action billion dollar law suit...that is why their expiry date is accurate.
If you can get Imodium over the counter then take some with you( the quick dissolve pill).
If you have to see a doctor for the Cipro you might as well ask about Imodium and/or Lomotil.
Jeff you are correct about what the E. stand for..I was giving the mode of action.....actually it is strain 0157:H7 that causes all the damage...it is the worse strain out of the more than several hundred strains of E.Coli.
This terribly toxin strain was first recognized in 1982.
Other strains are less toxic ..heck you can have a bladder infection of E. Coli bacteria and probably not feel any distress for a while.
But Lucia78, you are going to Kenya and I am sure the last thing you want is to be sick....never mind the strain or the expiry date of the drug... you just want to stay healthy and enjoy what is going to be great trip.
I am planning to go there next year.
Take some Cipro...my fingers are crossed that you will never have to use it
Take Care
Percy
Jul 26th, 2006, 09:25 PM
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Time will elapse after the drug leaves the pharmaceutical manufacturer, then is sent to a wholesaler, then goes to the pharmacy, then is dispensed to the patient. You just won't get 4-5 years from the time you pick up your prescription. Ask the pharmacist when you pick up the tablets what the expiration date is on the stock bottle on the shelf since, in this case, it's something you may not have to use -- let's hope that's the case -- and could save for a future trip.
Then, when you're home, keep the bottle in a cool, dry place, not the medicine cabinet in your bathroom. The warmth and humidity degrade the tablets over time. Room temperature is best.
I'm a pharamcist by training.
Then, when you're home, keep the bottle in a cool, dry place, not the medicine cabinet in your bathroom. The warmth and humidity degrade the tablets over time. Room temperature is best.
I'm a pharamcist by training.
Jul 26th, 2006, 10:27 PM
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Re Immodium, using it means the infection STAYS in your gut, which means you don't get any better. Repeated use may even make you MORE ill
Only use it if you have no choice - ie travelling away from a loo - otherwise let nature take it's course & have a good selection of reading material
Only use it if you have no choice - ie travelling away from a loo - otherwise let nature take it's course & have a good selection of reading material
Jul 27th, 2006, 12:01 AM
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In the UK, almost all Cipro is dispensed in original blister packs (of 10 tablets), and therefore the expiry date on the pack applies.
The expiry date of most tablets and capsules is determined by stability tests. This is determined by how long it takes a drug to degrade to 90% of its original potency (i.e. The expiry date is when the potency of the drug has decreased by 10%).
I always carry Brewer's Yeast tablets (a herbal product) with me, as they are safe and excellent for regulating the acid-base balance in the stomach. We also use Brewer's Yeast in our hospital for resistant bacterial diarrhoea (Clostridium difficile) and it works very well. These patients would have tried every injectable antibacterial known to man (including cipro and much more potent drugs) without success - but yet the use of a simple health food supplement has worked wonders. Brewer's Yeast is cheap and safe. When in Afica, I take it on a daily basis to maintain a regular gut and it has not let me down on my last three trips.
Gaurang
The expiry date of most tablets and capsules is determined by stability tests. This is determined by how long it takes a drug to degrade to 90% of its original potency (i.e. The expiry date is when the potency of the drug has decreased by 10%).
I always carry Brewer's Yeast tablets (a herbal product) with me, as they are safe and excellent for regulating the acid-base balance in the stomach. We also use Brewer's Yeast in our hospital for resistant bacterial diarrhoea (Clostridium difficile) and it works very well. These patients would have tried every injectable antibacterial known to man (including cipro and much more potent drugs) without success - but yet the use of a simple health food supplement has worked wonders. Brewer's Yeast is cheap and safe. When in Afica, I take it on a daily basis to maintain a regular gut and it has not let me down on my last three trips.
Gaurang
Jul 27th, 2006, 05:09 AM
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Gaurangs correct in how manufacturers come up with these dates. I'm guessing that the UK is a bit more legit than the US when establishing the expiration dates. What I'm saying, is those dates in the US are usually pushed forward due to the powerful drug lobbyists. I know lots of people who work or have dealings with the FDA.
Moving the exp. dates forward, as you can imagine, will keep the flow of meds. moving much faster and allow these supposedly expired drugs to then be sent to various countries who don't have such short expirations.
Not that I'm promoting this, but I usually add an extra 1 year to the expiration of meds that I've purchased in the US. Worse case scenerio is that the drug may be slightly inert but harmless.
Those that I've got elsewhere such as Turkey or Africa, I abide the expiration date and throw it away b/c as stated the expiration is more apt to be accurate. That's just me.
Sorry to confuse the issue, Lucia.
Sherry
Moving the exp. dates forward, as you can imagine, will keep the flow of meds. moving much faster and allow these supposedly expired drugs to then be sent to various countries who don't have such short expirations.
Not that I'm promoting this, but I usually add an extra 1 year to the expiration of meds that I've purchased in the US. Worse case scenerio is that the drug may be slightly inert but harmless.
Those that I've got elsewhere such as Turkey or Africa, I abide the expiration date and throw it away b/c as stated the expiration is more apt to be accurate. That's just me.
Sorry to confuse the issue, Lucia.
Sherry
Jul 27th, 2006, 05:33 AM
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Hi Sherry
That's an interesting system that they use in the U.S. This system has its plus points too, for example: there are many patients who are prescribed a medicine and have some left over after treatment. If the medicine has a long shelf-life, some patients will use it again 2 or 3 years later, if they have returning symptoms. This encourages self-medication without seeing a doctor, and could mask the real underlying cause of the symptoms.
I also take expired tablets and capsules myself in the U.K., as long as it is just a case of loss in potency. I would avoid using liquids, creams and drops as these may have sterility issues.
Gaurang
That's an interesting system that they use in the U.S. This system has its plus points too, for example: there are many patients who are prescribed a medicine and have some left over after treatment. If the medicine has a long shelf-life, some patients will use it again 2 or 3 years later, if they have returning symptoms. This encourages self-medication without seeing a doctor, and could mask the real underlying cause of the symptoms.
I also take expired tablets and capsules myself in the U.K., as long as it is just a case of loss in potency. I would avoid using liquids, creams and drops as these may have sterility issues.
Gaurang
Jul 27th, 2006, 06:05 AM
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Good point Gaurang, Placing one's health back onto a hopefully pro active patient isn't always a bad idea though. I have to go with the theory that most people would be smart enough to not take improper meds. or if their illness is bad enough they would seek help. This is something in my humble opinion, that does not need to be regulated by a governmental agency.
As you know, medicine is and fairly new and quite an imperfect science. So my reasoning is that, each person needs to evaluate the course of treatment for themselves all while researching as much as they can. - Think, Brewers yeast, for instance.
Sherry
As you know, medicine is and fairly new and quite an imperfect science. So my reasoning is that, each person needs to evaluate the course of treatment for themselves all while researching as much as they can. - Think, Brewers yeast, for instance.
Sherry
Jul 27th, 2006, 07:04 AM
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Sherry
I strongly support pro-active people taking responsibility for their own health. Many people in the UK don't think this way because the National Health Service will always bail them out for self-inflicted illnesses. I think the attitude would change if everyone had to pay for their medication and care.
I strongly support pro-active people taking responsibility for their own health. Many people in the UK don't think this way because the National Health Service will always bail them out for self-inflicted illnesses. I think the attitude would change if everyone had to pay for their medication and care.
Jul 27th, 2006, 10:00 AM
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Gaurang,
I agree with you. One question: I was told I should take 2 pepto-bismol tablets each day that we are in Africa, just in case, to counteract minor stomach problems. Would you say the Brewer's Yeast would be a better suggestion? A nurse friend of mine also suggested Charcoal tablets to settle the stomach. What do you think?
I agree with you. One question: I was told I should take 2 pepto-bismol tablets each day that we are in Africa, just in case, to counteract minor stomach problems. Would you say the Brewer's Yeast would be a better suggestion? A nurse friend of mine also suggested Charcoal tablets to settle the stomach. What do you think?
Jul 27th, 2006, 10:58 AM
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Hi everyone,
I'm Kibokos's husband and I am a physician and Professor of Medicine at a medical school here on the East Coast of the U.S.. Normally I don't provide medical advice on this topic or on this sort of forum because it is not posssible to address all of the different diseases that might occur and present as diarreah. However, my wife (kiboko) has told me how wonderful this forum has been in helping her plan our safaris so I'll make a stab at clearing up some of your issues. First let me say that travelers diarreah (TD) is very common in travelers to certain parts of the world. According to our U.S. CDC, 30%-50% of travelers to East Africa will develop TD if they stay in country more than 10 days. Let me caution you that even if you think that number is high, it is still significant. Now how does one handle TD while on Safari. First, if the diarreah is uncomplicated (no blood in the stool and no fever) you can take imodium and an anibiotic. The antibiotic most used by physicians themselves is probably Cipro. However, a newer antibiotic Rifaximin (Xifaxan made by Salix Pharm.) is proving as effective and is not absorbed from the GI tract. Many U.S. physicians traveling to high risk areas take it on a daily basis to prevent getting TD. I know many who give it to their entire family because they feel it is so safe and better than risking a bad bout of TD. In all cases it is Better to take an antibiotic at the first sign of uncomplicated TD than to take an antimotility drug (imodium) alone and wait to see if it gets worse. If you do that, all your doing is giving the E. coli a chance to flourish and in nearly all cases this will mean you will have symptoms for at least 3 days. The combinded use of antibiotics plus an antimotility drug (i.e.imodium) is our recommended treatment for uncomplicated TD, here in the U.S.. I would encourage you to speak with your own physicians about Cipro and Xifaxan. Don't be surprised if your docs aren't aware of Xifaxan. It was only approved by the FDA last year but it has been widely used for several years in parts of Europe. Feel free to show them my post. In closing let me add that dehydration something you need to address. Take along some of the rehydration salt packets or just some salt and sugar packages. As for the other measures mentioned in many of the prior posts, all I can offer is that I have been on trips to remote places with travel mates that relied on them and they were NOT at all effective. I hope my post does not offend any of those who offered advice previously. By the way, I enjoy all of your pictures and would like to thank all of the people who go to the trouble to post them and their trip reports. It is much more fun to read those posts than to learn all about TD.
Cheers, CJ's husband.
I'm Kibokos's husband and I am a physician and Professor of Medicine at a medical school here on the East Coast of the U.S.. Normally I don't provide medical advice on this topic or on this sort of forum because it is not posssible to address all of the different diseases that might occur and present as diarreah. However, my wife (kiboko) has told me how wonderful this forum has been in helping her plan our safaris so I'll make a stab at clearing up some of your issues. First let me say that travelers diarreah (TD) is very common in travelers to certain parts of the world. According to our U.S. CDC, 30%-50% of travelers to East Africa will develop TD if they stay in country more than 10 days. Let me caution you that even if you think that number is high, it is still significant. Now how does one handle TD while on Safari. First, if the diarreah is uncomplicated (no blood in the stool and no fever) you can take imodium and an anibiotic. The antibiotic most used by physicians themselves is probably Cipro. However, a newer antibiotic Rifaximin (Xifaxan made by Salix Pharm.) is proving as effective and is not absorbed from the GI tract. Many U.S. physicians traveling to high risk areas take it on a daily basis to prevent getting TD. I know many who give it to their entire family because they feel it is so safe and better than risking a bad bout of TD. In all cases it is Better to take an antibiotic at the first sign of uncomplicated TD than to take an antimotility drug (imodium) alone and wait to see if it gets worse. If you do that, all your doing is giving the E. coli a chance to flourish and in nearly all cases this will mean you will have symptoms for at least 3 days. The combinded use of antibiotics plus an antimotility drug (i.e.imodium) is our recommended treatment for uncomplicated TD, here in the U.S.. I would encourage you to speak with your own physicians about Cipro and Xifaxan. Don't be surprised if your docs aren't aware of Xifaxan. It was only approved by the FDA last year but it has been widely used for several years in parts of Europe. Feel free to show them my post. In closing let me add that dehydration something you need to address. Take along some of the rehydration salt packets or just some salt and sugar packages. As for the other measures mentioned in many of the prior posts, all I can offer is that I have been on trips to remote places with travel mates that relied on them and they were NOT at all effective. I hope my post does not offend any of those who offered advice previously. By the way, I enjoy all of your pictures and would like to thank all of the people who go to the trouble to post them and their trip reports. It is much more fun to read those posts than to learn all about TD.
Cheers, CJ's husband.
Jul 27th, 2006, 11:08 AM
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Sounds like everyone is going away expecting to have some tummy problem, or whatever else. Sure, one should be prepared with, but give me a break.
Cipro is a pill, which will rarely be needed, but should be included in your kit - just in case; along with pepto or immodium or lomitol (that's scripted), and then forget about a pill for this and a pill for that. It's your holiday.
Sure, I pack stuff - over-the-counter, scripts, vitamins, and sleeping pills. Have I needed these? No. Certainly not to the point where I worried about "what if" or gave them much thought! I invariably forget the vitamins, can't remember if I've even taken a pepto or immodium. Absolutely take the sleeping pills or I'd be a zombie.
The one time I needed Cipro, I was in France. France folks, not Africa - not Egypt, or Jordan and for sure not in Kenya or Tanzania - FRANCE! Had a scare in Southeast Asia, but realized it was the heat and humidity that turned the tummy... one day without any food (but absolutely did drink bottled water) - went about my tours, visits and shopping - I was good as new next day.
My best friend has Crohn's disease that doesn't respond to even the newest therapies. Against doctor's orders, she volunteered and spent three-months in the refugee camps in Southeast Asia; except for two minor episodes in all that time, she was fine. Better than if she had been at home. Now if she can manage in that environment, the heat, the strange foods, I believe most everyone should be able to get thru two-weeks in Africa or anywhere else.
Pack the stuff, (do remember to check your supply and expiry dates before each trip) then forget about it and enjoy yourself.
Cipro is a pill, which will rarely be needed, but should be included in your kit - just in case; along with pepto or immodium or lomitol (that's scripted), and then forget about a pill for this and a pill for that. It's your holiday.
Sure, I pack stuff - over-the-counter, scripts, vitamins, and sleeping pills. Have I needed these? No. Certainly not to the point where I worried about "what if" or gave them much thought! I invariably forget the vitamins, can't remember if I've even taken a pepto or immodium. Absolutely take the sleeping pills or I'd be a zombie.
The one time I needed Cipro, I was in France. France folks, not Africa - not Egypt, or Jordan and for sure not in Kenya or Tanzania - FRANCE! Had a scare in Southeast Asia, but realized it was the heat and humidity that turned the tummy... one day without any food (but absolutely did drink bottled water) - went about my tours, visits and shopping - I was good as new next day.
My best friend has Crohn's disease that doesn't respond to even the newest therapies. Against doctor's orders, she volunteered and spent three-months in the refugee camps in Southeast Asia; except for two minor episodes in all that time, she was fine. Better than if she had been at home. Now if she can manage in that environment, the heat, the strange foods, I believe most everyone should be able to get thru two-weeks in Africa or anywhere else.
Pack the stuff, (do remember to check your supply and expiry dates before each trip) then forget about it and enjoy yourself.
Jul 27th, 2006, 11:43 AM
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Thanks, Sandi. Your post calms this soon to be Africa traveler. It's so easy to become unduly anxious about "being prepared" for so many possible events. Your reassurances are certainly appreciated.
Jul 27th, 2006, 11:57 AM
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Why would you take an antibiotic at the first sign of uncomplicated diarrhea when you don't know what the cause is? It could be E. coli or it could be something else entirely. Don't antibiotics have the potential to cause further stomach upset/nausea?
I'm not a medical professional so can only speak from personal experience but in my travels I've only had one case of TD that didn't resolve itself by the following day and that was a trip to China in 1992. I also never take Immodium unless I have to travel that day.
I'm not a medical professional so can only speak from personal experience but in my travels I've only had one case of TD that didn't resolve itself by the following day and that was a trip to China in 1992. I also never take Immodium unless I have to travel that day.
Jul 27th, 2006, 12:03 PM
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Cindysafari....Brewer's Yeast is definately a much cheaper, safer and natural option. Most of the evidence for Brewer's Yeast is anecdotal but it helps to maintain a regular digestive tract by supplementing your good bacteria and regulating stomach pH (these are things the bad bacteria try to imbalance). I would definately NOT use Pepto-Bismol on a regular routine basis. In the UK, Pepto-Bismol contains a salicylate (similar to aspirin) and this can actually cause damage to the stomach if used on a regular basis. In the UK, Pepto-Bismol is now restricted to people over 16 years of age. I am not sure if the US formulation contains the same ingredients. Charcoal will not help against bacteria, it is used to bind to poisons that are then removed in the stools. It is commonly used in hospitals in cases of drug overdoses and the main side-effect is black stools!!
Kiboko's husband....thank you for your input and the US update on rifaximin.
Sandi...I totally agree with you regarding cipro use not being common in Africa.
Lucia78...as Sandi says just pack it and enjoy your trip. I have regularly been travelling to all parts of Africa, for 10 years now - and I have NEVER needed to use an antibiotic for my stomach. The only time I had to use antibiotics was for a dental infection - but that's because I have bad teeth
Regards
Gaurang
Kiboko's husband....thank you for your input and the US update on rifaximin.
Sandi...I totally agree with you regarding cipro use not being common in Africa.
Lucia78...as Sandi says just pack it and enjoy your trip. I have regularly been travelling to all parts of Africa, for 10 years now - and I have NEVER needed to use an antibiotic for my stomach. The only time I had to use antibiotics was for a dental infection - but that's because I have bad teeth
Regards
Gaurang
Jul 27th, 2006, 12:06 PM
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Hello Kiboko's husband,
Thanks for your input on this somewhat controversial subject about the dreaded diarrhea affliction
Although I'm not questioning your answer or being facitious, I do wonder how the CDC goes about compiling the 30-50% incidence of TD from those visiting E. Africa.
I can't imagine that these occurences are all reported to one's doc or the CDC. I'm <b>NOT</b> by any means stating that one should not take Cipro or Xifaxen or similar, btw. I just question the means of gathering the data.
I wonder if we did a loose (pardon) poll on this site if that # would be so high.
Just a thought.
Sherry
Thanks for your input on this somewhat controversial subject about the dreaded diarrhea affliction
Although I'm not questioning your answer or being facitious, I do wonder how the CDC goes about compiling the 30-50% incidence of TD from those visiting E. Africa.
I can't imagine that these occurences are all reported to one's doc or the CDC. I'm <b>NOT</b> by any means stating that one should not take Cipro or Xifaxen or similar, btw. I just question the means of gathering the data.
I wonder if we did a loose (pardon) poll on this site if that # would be so high.
Just a thought.
Sherry
Jul 27th, 2006, 01:05 PM
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Hi Sherry,
Good question. Let me attempt to answer your sencond question first. My guess is that this statistic is put together by a panel made up of members of the World Health Organization and the U.S. CDC. As such it includes all travelers to high risk areas. They divide the world into three regions for the purpose of TD, 1) low risk, i.e, the U.S. and Western Europe, 2) moderate risk i.e., Eastern Europe and 3) high risk, i.e. Africa, South America. Members of the panels that determine these numbers are epidemiologists (physicians that specialize in the analysis of disease occurance and distribution). Having said this I would venture that the particpants of this forum are not indicative of their sample population. For example, lots of young adults (18-25 yrs) travel to high risk areas, often camping and drinking local water and are a part of this statistic. We have done a lot of travel to high risk areas and I cannot think of anyplace that I would want to have an attack of TD less than on safari. Think game drive. Remember, when you become ill on safari, you also have an effect on other members of your group. For those interested in learning more i suggest going to the CDC website, click on diseases, diarreah, and then travelers diarreah. You can examine the geographic distrbution of TD and also copy down the components to make up your own oral rehydration salts (ORS). By the way, I'm glad to answer your questions, medical students and young doctors question more than you can ever imagine. By the way, I have been on trips where mambers of my group insisted that one antedotal remedy or another was an effective preventaive for TD. In brief, they were never successful. Many travelers to East Africa are seniors. Seniors can be quickly run down by even mild cases of TD. Talk to your physicians about your particular circumstances and remember, the cost of these meds is insignificant when viewed as a percentage of your entire trip cost. Now, go out there and take some good lion pictures.
Cheers, CJ's husband
Good question. Let me attempt to answer your sencond question first. My guess is that this statistic is put together by a panel made up of members of the World Health Organization and the U.S. CDC. As such it includes all travelers to high risk areas. They divide the world into three regions for the purpose of TD, 1) low risk, i.e, the U.S. and Western Europe, 2) moderate risk i.e., Eastern Europe and 3) high risk, i.e. Africa, South America. Members of the panels that determine these numbers are epidemiologists (physicians that specialize in the analysis of disease occurance and distribution). Having said this I would venture that the particpants of this forum are not indicative of their sample population. For example, lots of young adults (18-25 yrs) travel to high risk areas, often camping and drinking local water and are a part of this statistic. We have done a lot of travel to high risk areas and I cannot think of anyplace that I would want to have an attack of TD less than on safari. Think game drive. Remember, when you become ill on safari, you also have an effect on other members of your group. For those interested in learning more i suggest going to the CDC website, click on diseases, diarreah, and then travelers diarreah. You can examine the geographic distrbution of TD and also copy down the components to make up your own oral rehydration salts (ORS). By the way, I'm glad to answer your questions, medical students and young doctors question more than you can ever imagine. By the way, I have been on trips where mambers of my group insisted that one antedotal remedy or another was an effective preventaive for TD. In brief, they were never successful. Many travelers to East Africa are seniors. Seniors can be quickly run down by even mild cases of TD. Talk to your physicians about your particular circumstances and remember, the cost of these meds is insignificant when viewed as a percentage of your entire trip cost. Now, go out there and take some good lion pictures.
Cheers, CJ's husband
Jul 27th, 2006, 01:53 PM
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TD info from the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/disea...diarrhea_g.htm
I was going to say something else but decided against it.
I was going to say something else but decided against it.
Jul 27th, 2006, 02:26 PM
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What about meds for vomiting and diarrhea? My husband has gotten very sick twice on trips-once in India and once at a camp in Botswana where we were all eating the same food. Both times, he had to have injections- by a hotel Dr. in India and the camp manager in Botswana. What can I routinely start taking with us that might help with this problem?
