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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Safe Alternative For Cubicin Antibiotic

I have a history of Osteomyelitis/Chronic Spondylodiscitis (twice in the lumbar region, and now a 2nd time in the cervical spine) and now have an infection in my C6. Unfortunately, I cannot afford the Cubicin antibiotic which numerous doctors believe is the only medication that will alleviate this infection (tried Levaquin IV, Vancomyacin, etc.). I do have Medicare and secondary coverage. Neither cover the $35,000 cost of Cubicin. Any suggestions? What risk do I run of this infection moving to my brain or causing paralysis?? Very concerned. No where to turn. Thank you.
Mon, 21 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.

Based on the history you seem to have developed recurrent vertebral osteomyelitis of C6 (6th vertebra in the neck).

The selection of antibiotic in such cases is generally determined by culture and sensitivity test results. However, Vancomycin or Daptomycin (Cubicin) are the standard first line antibiotics used to treat such infection.

Other alternate effective antibiotics may include Doxycyline, Clindamycin, Rifampicin or Linezolid.

The antibiotic therapy should be given for 4- 8 weeks depending upon the extent of the infection. Surgical debridement may become necessary if there is spinal instability, significant deformity, and/or neurologic deficit.


Infections of the spine like C6 are extremely destructive and can lead to catastrophic neurologic deficits & paralysis (paraplegia) and death if not properly treated.

Hope these answer your queries.

Wishing you best of your health.
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Suggest Safe Alternative For Cubicin Antibiotic

Hi & Welcome. Based on the history you seem to have developed recurrent vertebral osteomyelitis of C6 (6th vertebra in the neck). The selection of antibiotic in such cases is generally determined by culture and sensitivity test results. However, Vancomycin or Daptomycin (Cubicin) are the standard first line antibiotics used to treat such infection. Other alternate effective antibiotics may include Doxycyline, Clindamycin, Rifampicin or Linezolid. The antibiotic therapy should be given for 4- 8 weeks depending upon the extent of the infection. Surgical debridement may become necessary if there is spinal instability, significant deformity, and/or neurologic deficit. Infections of the spine like C6 are extremely destructive and can lead to catastrophic neurologic deficits & paralysis (paraplegia) and death if not properly treated. Hope these answer your queries. Wishing you best of your health.