I am wondering if anyone else has issues on long term Flagyl usage? I have noticeable tingling in my feet, sometimes hands. They have told me this comes with the long extended use. But for awhile now I have been suffering hot flashes all day long. I attributed this to either the Flagyl, or the onset of menopause. Wasn't sure what was causing it? My prescription ran out, and my pharmacy did not have it on auto refill. I found myself missing 2 doses by the time it was filled. I decided to test it by not going back on it. I have noticed that the hot flashes subsided immensely. But now after 5 days the rectal pain is back, and bathroom visits are up. I took my Flagyl again tonight. I don't want to get really out of control again. Has anyone else experienced these horrible hot flashes while on it? They have never tried Cipro to see if that would work. The Entocort did nothing for me except give me headaches. I am wondering if there is something else I should be asking them to try? I had my j-pouch surgery 8/29/13. I've had pouchitis from the very beginning. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
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I don't know about the hot flashes, but your other symptoms are consistent with the adverse side effect of peripheral neuropathy. If you continue to take Flagyl, it can become irreversible. So, you need to discontinue it and take different antibiotics.
Jan 
If I were in this situation I'd certainly inquitre about trying Cipro instead of Flagyl. Rather than telling them what to prescribe, which seems to often damage relationships with doctors, something like the following might be an effective approach:
1) Let them know that you're quite concerned about the tingling, since you understand that it can become permanent if Flagyl is continued once the neuropathy starts. Tell them you had to stop the Flagyl, but you need an alternative. Ask if your doctor can call you.
2) Let them/him know that you've read that Cipro is also commonly used in pouchitis, and ask if it's a reasonable choice in your situation.
You might need an appointment to have this conversation, if your doctor won't get on the phone. Some office staffs are great at this sort of communication, and some are pathetic. I controlled pouchitis with Cipro for years. You might also want to consider additional steps to help with pouchitis. A very low carbohydrate diet might help, and a significant dose of VSL #3 can have an impact. VSL is expensive - the single strength is available over the counter, but the double strength requires a prescription (and is sometimes covered by insurance).
I'd leave the hot flashes out of the discussion. It won't help, so it's likely to be a distraction.
On the other hand, if the hot flashes improved when you stopped the Flagyl, they may be related, even if they are menopausal. There can be many triggers during the perimenopausal period. I was extremely sensitive to alcohol during my perimenopausal period of about ten years. Flagyl can contribute too, as some people get a disulfram-like reaction with Flagyl, triggered by alcohol. Hot flashes can be part of that reaction.
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/metro...le-side-effects.html
I note that you also were diagnosed with PSC before your colectomy, so be sure you are staying up to date with your liver testing. Flagyl can contribute to liver inflammation.
Also, be aware that Cipro is also associated with peripheral neuropathy, but it is worth trying.
Jan
Thanks Jan. I have my liver/labs done every 3 months. My numbers have been perfect for so long that my hepatologist just moved my follow ups to once a year. I see my gastro every 6 months. He's great at doing phone consults as well. I was doing fine with the pouchitis until I stopped taking the Flagyl. I'd like to see about trying something else. I Just want to take a break and see if anything works better, or with less side effects. But I sure don't want to slide too far backwards.
Sounds like it is time to stop the Flagyl and try Cipro. Might be a good idea to rotate with rifaximen, and maybe Septra, Augmentin, tetracycline or other antibiotics.
But, you definitely need to stop the Flagyl. It is a great drug, until it isn't... I have NAFLD (non alcoholic fatty liver disease) and my liver enzymes have been great too, since losing some weight and getting off NSAIDs for my enterpathic arthritis.
Jan