Simple Anthrax prevention: Cipro 500 mg OR Doxy 100 mg twice daily prior to anthrax exposure

Treatment of Biological Warfare Casualties, Headquarters Departments of The Army, Navy and Marines ^

[Dr. Brian Kopp]

Short version: Cipro 500 mg OR Doxycycline hyclate 100 mg every 12 hours prior to imminent biological attack-- simple important info

This information has been condensed from Treatment of Biological Warfare Agent Casualties, Headquarters Departments of The Army, The Navy and The Air Force and Commandant, Marine Corps

Washington, DC
17 July 2000
Field Manual No. 8-284
NAVMED P-5042
Air Force Manual (Interface) No. 44-156
Marine Corps MCRP 4-11.1C

Please see the website linked above for full information on detection, diagnosis, treatment, etc. I hope you find this helpful.
--Dr. Brian Kopp (proud2brc)

Anthrax, Plague and Tularemia are the only biological germ warfare agents for which pre-exposure prophylaxis (taking antibiotics before exposure to prevent infection) is available. Standard prophylaxis is:

Cipro 500 mg every 12 hours prior to imminent anthrax attack
OR Doxycycline hyclate 100 mg every 12 hours prior to imminent anthrax attack

Cipro is very expensive and much more likely to cause side effects. It cannot be used with children because it causes premature growth plate closure. Unless there are no alternatives and the child’s life is in danger, do not use Cipro in pediatric patients.

Darby Drug and other medical catalogues carry Doxycycline 100mg, quantity 500, for approximately $50, if you or a close friend or relative is a pharmacist or doctor or dentist who can order these drugs wholesale.

If 5 individuals are to be prophylaxed with Doxycycline, they will need 10 tabs per day. Optimally, prophylaxis should start 12 hours prior to imminent anthrax attack. Since there is obviously no way to predict if an when such attack is imminent, a prudent decision must be made as to which individuals are most at risk. Those individuals may need to take Doxycycline indefinitely. Thousands of teenagers take Doxycycline for extended periods for acne with few side effects, so there is no real fear of problems with chronic Doxycycline use.

Five individuals taking Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for a month will require 300 tabs. At $50 per bottle of 500, this works out to $30 per month, or $6 per person per month, a reasonable investment if attack is truly a possibility.

For those allergic to Doxycycline, Cipro can be purchased for approximately $500 per 100 tablets. I would strongly recommend asking local physicians to donate samples, and a pharmacist may be able to purchase both Cipro and Doxycycline at far lower prices than those quoted here.

Most docs have samples of Cipro on their shelves, but they may not want to give it away at this point. It is the drug of choice as prophylaxis, they know that, and they will keep it for themselves and family and friends.

If you are concerned and want a prescription for Doxycycline, just ask your doctor for one. If they resist...play on their guilt:

"Oh c'mon, doc, I know you have cipro samples for yourself. The least you can do is write me an Rx to put my mind at ease. You know that Doxycycline is harmless, cheap, and a good prophylaxis for anthrax and plague. How about writing an Rx for me. I'll probably never take it, but it will at least let me sleep at night."

Any kind of doc can write for this, i.e., MD's, dentists (they prescribe it for gum disease all the time, they should have no problem Rx'ing this), podiatrists. Ask for a two month supply per person. That's equal to 120 Doxycycline 100 mg tablets per person. Don't take it unless you have good reason to believe there has been a release. But get the prescription filled so you have it on the shelf.

Anthrax

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis:
Cipro 500 mg every 12 hours prior to imminent anthrax attack
OR Doxycycline hyclate 100 mg every 12 hours prior to imminent anthrax attack.

Post-exposure Prophylaxis:
Use immunization with chemoprophylaxis to prevent the clinical manifestation of the disease. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended as an adjunct to immunization for post-exposure prophylaxis.

Cipro 500 mg every 12 hours for at least 4 weeks.
OR Doxycycline hyclate 100 mg every 12 hours for at least 4 weeks.

Plague

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis:
Cipro 500 mg every 12 hours prior to imminent anthrax attack
OR Doxycycline hyclate 100 mg every 12 hours prior to imminent anthrax attack; discontinue if the employment of plague BW can be excluded.

Post-exposure Prophylaxis:
Doxycycline 100 mg orally every 12 hours for one week or Cipro 500 mg orally every 12 hours for one week.

Tularemia

Pre-exposure Prophylaxis: Chemoprophylaxis given for anthrax or plague (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline) may confer protection against tularemia, based on in vitro susceptibilities.

Post-exposure Prophylaxis:
Doxycycline 100 mg orally every 12 hours for 2 weeks; or tetracycline 500 mg orally every 6 hours for 2 weeks; or
ciprofloxacin 500 mg orally every 12 hours for 2 weeks.
Melioidosis, Q Fever, Brucellosis, Glanders:
No antibiotic prophylaxis available

[kcvl]

Thanks!

[copycat]

Good info...thank you.

[vbmoneyspender]

somebody better check to see if bin Laden bought stock in the makers of Cipro.

[riri]

Doxycycline 100 mg orally every 12 hours for 2 weeks

I have four bottles of Doxy. I also have a four year old and a 9 month old-is this medication safe for children of this age? I am still nursing my son (9 mos.)..any knowledge would be greatly appreciated.

[vetvetdoug]

Doxycycline from my distributor costs $27.00 for 500 100mg tablets. Veterinarians use doxycycline routinely for treatment of Rickettsial diseases.

[AuntToots]

Cipro is often prescribed for urinary tract infections.

[CheneyChick]

Um, don't you have to have a prescription to get this?

[diotima]

First off, be reminded women, that if you take the BirthControl pill anitbiotics will interfere with its effectiveness. Also, women suffer from "female" issues when taking antibiotics for an extended amount of time. This isn't a criticism of the post, just a reminder.

[American Soldier]

Serious question: Does anybody know if anthrax causes discoloration one's mucous the way other illnesses can (i.e. turn your snot yellow or green)?

[Carry_Okie]

We already have the doxy in house.

[hole_n_one]

A little off topic...but is anyone else getting probed by any of the following:....

I could answer yes if your list contained the option......

a delicious red head named Ginger

[July 4th]

Whatever you do, do not convince yourself that we are under "imminent threat of attack." You don't want to start taking this stuff only to take it for months on end, screw up your system, and then worsen the efficacy of the drug when you may REALLY need it. Just something to keep in mind.

[Lizzy W]

Doxy may cause tooth discoloration and growth impediments in children under 8 years old. It does pass through breast milk and should not be used by nursing mothers. Finally, it is teratogenic = known to cause birth defects in developing baby. Pregnant women beware.

[Dr. Brian Kopp]

I made this very clear.

From my article above:

Don't take it unless you have good reason to believe there has been a release. But get the prescription filled so you have it on the shelf.

[JustPiper]

I am a CphT and we got calls 2 wks ago asking us to call md's for 8 wks of cipro therapy, twice daily $5 a pill.We called the MD's with these requests and were told by several 1. Insurance companies will not pay for the lengthy treatment, 2. people cannot afford it and 3.the treatment is useless prior for that length of time due to the fact your system will reject it it and weaken your ability to fight anthrax.

So we've been seeing this type of panic, I cannot count how many Doxy I filled just today! People the time to get it in you is before its rendered useless after 'overuse'. They caught that 2nd victim early, antibiotic therapy should help, but it won't be 'just' tablets, he needs shots!

Please save your money and make sure your not killing your system with overdosing on antibiotic and breaking your banks.<p. And remember when you kill 'bad' bacteria you must replace it with good bacteria in order to fight the fight inside of you.

[Robert Lomax]

Now if Bin Laden will give me a two week heads up on when he'll spray us I'll be ok.

[riri]

thanks

[patriciaruth]

Doxycycline, like its related drug, Tetracycline is not harmless in children. It can cause permanent bone lesions and staining of the teeth among other problems. Anyone who is contemplating using this in a prepubertal child should discuss it with a pediatrician on family physician.

[Dr. Brian Kopp]

GENERIC NAME: doxycycline

BRAND NAME: Vibramycin

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Doxycycline is a synthetic broad-spectrum antibiotic derived from tetracycline. It is effective against a wide variety of bacteria, such as Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, and many others.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 50mg, 100mg; Tablets: 100mg; Suspension: 25 mg/teaspoon; Syrup: 50 mg/teaspoon.

STORAGE: Capsules should be kept below 30°C (86°F). The suspension should be refrigerated and shaken prior to each use.

PRESCRIBED FOR: Doxycycline is used for many different types of infections, including respiratory tract infections due to Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It also is used for the treatment of nongonococcal urethritis (due to Ureaplasma), Rocky mountain spotted fever, typhus, chancroid, cholera, brucellosis, anthrax, syphilis, and acne.

DOSING: Doxycycline should be taken at least one hour before or two hours after meals because food binds doxycycline and prevents its absorption. For most infections, doxycycline is taken once or twice daily for 7 to 14 days. Sometimes, the first dose is given as a "double dose," that is, twice as large as the remainder of the doses.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: It is recommended that doxycycline not be taken at the same time as aluminum-, magnesium-, or calcium- based antacids, such as Mylanta, Maalox, Tums, or Rolaids because, like food, these medications bind doxycycline in the intestine. Similarly, doxycycline should not be taken with minerals (such as calcium or iron), with bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismal) or with dairy products.

Doxycycline may enhance the activity of warfarin (Coumadin) and cause excessive "thinning" of the blood, necessitating a reduction in the dose of warfarin. Phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), and barbiturates (such as phenobarbital) may enhance the metabolism (destruction) of doxycycline thus making it less effective.

PREGNANCY: Tetracycline antibiotics, such as doxycycline, can have toxic effects on development of bone in the fetus. Therefore, tetracyclines are not recommended during pregnancy unless there is no other appropriate antibiotic.

NURSING MOTHERS: Doxycycline is secreted into breast milk. Since tetracyclines can cause decreased bone, the use of tetracyclines in nursing mothers is of concern. The physician must decide whether to recommend that a nursing mother discontinue nursing during treatment with tetracyclines or to choose a different antibiotic. SIDE EFFECTS: Doxycycline is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are diarrhea or loose stools, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, may cause tooth discoloration if used in persons below 8 years of age. Exaggerated sunburn can occur with tetracyclines; therefore, sunlight should be minimized during treatment.

[Dr. Brian Kopp]

Doxycycline is contraindicated for malaria prophylaxis during pregnancy and lactation because of adverse effects on the fetus (disoloration and dysplasia of the teeth and inhibition of bone growth). Thus, during pregnancy, doxycycline is indicated only to treat life-threatening infections due to multidrug-resistant P. falciparum.

[Utah Girl]

Here's what is contained on the package insert for doxycycline. Talk to your dr before taking it.

WARNINGS

THE USE OF DRUGS OF THE TETRACYCLINE CLASS DURING TOOTH DEVELOPMENT (LAST HALF OF PREGNANCY, INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD TO THE AGE OF 8 YEARS) MAY CAUSE PERMNNENT DISCOLORATION OF THE TEETH (YELLOW-GRAY-BROWN). This adverse reaction is more common during long-term use of the drugs, but it has been observed following repeated short-term courses. Enamel hypoplasia has also been reported. TETRACYCLINE DRUGS, THEREFORE, SHOULD NOT BE USED IN THIS AGE GROUP UNLESS OTHER DRUGS ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE EFFECTIVE OR ARE CONTRAINDICATED.

All tetracyclines form a stable calcium complex in any bone-forming tissue. A decrease in fibula growth rate has been observed in prematures given oral tetracycline in doses of 25 mg/kg every 6 hours. This reaction was shown to be reversible when the drug was discontinued.

Results of animal studies indicate that tetracyclines cross the placenta, are found in fetal tissues, and can have toxic effects on the developing fetus (often related to retardation of skeletal development). Evidence of embryotoxicity has also been note in animals treated early in pregnancy. If any tetracycline is used during pregnancy or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential hazard to the fetus.

The antianabolic action of the tetracyclines may cause an increase in BUN. Studies to date indicate that this does not occur with the use of doxycycline in patients with impaired renal function.

Photosensitivity manifested by an exaggerated sunburn reaction has been observed in some individuals taking tetracyclines. Patients apt to be exposed to direct sunlight or ultraviolet light should be advised that this reaction can occur with tetracycline drugs, and treatment should be discontinued at the first evidence of skin erythema.

PRECAUTIONS

General

As with other antibiotic preparations, use of this drug may result in overgrowth of nonsusceptible organisms, including fungi. If superinfection occurs, the antibiotic should be discontinued and appropriate therapy should be instituted.

Bulging fontanels in infants and benign intracranial hypertension in adults have been reported in individuals receiving tetracyclines. These conditions disappeared when the drug was discontinued.

Incision and drainage or other surgical procedures should be performed in conjunction with antibiotic therapy, when indicated.

Drug Interactions

Because tetracyclines have been shown to depress plasma prothrombin activity, patients who are on anticoagulant therapy may require downward adjustment of their anticoagulant dosage.

Since bacteriostatic drugs may interfere with the bactericidal action of penicillin, it is advisable to avoid giving tetracyclines in conjunction with penicillin.

Absorption of tetracyclines is impaired by antacids containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, and iron-containing preparations.

Absorption of tetracycline is impaired by bismuth subsalicylate.

Barbiturates, carbamazepine, and phenytoin decrease the half-life of doxycycline.

The concurrent use of tetracycline and methoxyflurane has been reported to result in fatal renal toxicity.

Concurrent use of tetracycline may render oral contraceptives less effective.

[Dr. Brian Kopp]

I Agree!!!

[FITZ]

Whatever you do, do not convince yourself that we are under "imminent threat of attack." You don't want to start taking this stuff only to take it for months on end,

Yes, it's more important than ever for people to keep their normal flora intact.

[gg188]

What U.S. drug companies are involved in the production of Doxycycline or Cipro, do you know?

[JustPiper]

From WebMd:

What Is Anthrax?

Anthrax is a disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. The germ produces infectious spores that, when buried in the ground, can live for years. Anthrax is most often seen in wild and domesticated cattle, but it also can sicken humans who touch or inhale any spores from a live or dead infected animal, or eat undercooked meat from an infected animal.

According to the CDC, anthrax is a likely candidate for use as a weapon of biological terrorism, or bioterror. The antibiotic Cipro is the only drug currently FDA-approved for preventing the development of anthrax after exposure, or the worsening of symptoms after the disease has taken hold. Anthrax is curable if it is recognized and treated early enough in the development of the infection.

The disease takes three distinct forms depending on how the germ enters the body: cutaneous (through a cut or scrape on the skin), inhalation (breathed in), and gastrointestinal (eaten). All forms of anthrax are quite rare in the U.S. But when one does occur, symptoms usually show up a day to a week after exposure. Here is a list of what these symptoms look like:

Cutaneous: Starts out with a bump like a mosquito bite, usually on the hand, but within a few days, it turns into a painless, open sore with a tell-tale black center of dead tissue. This form of anthrax is highly treatable, and about 20% of untreated victims die.

Inhalation: At first, it feels like the common cold, but it can rapidly progress to severe pneumonia with difficulty breathing and shock. This form is usually fatal without treatment, but it is not contagious.

Gastrointestinal: Begins with loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and fever, and it progresses to vomiting of blood and severe diarrhea. This form is deadly in 25% to 60% of cases but is extremely rare in humans and almost unknown in the U.S.

Farm animals are regularly vaccinated against anthrax, but formulas prepared for livestock should never be used in people. A human anthrax vaccine does exist, which is used to boost the immune system. The vaccine for people is about 93% effective, but for now, it's available only to military personnel deployed to areas with a high threat of biological warfare and to people who work closely with the bacteria, potentially-infectious animals, or animal by-products. The only other way to develop immunity to the disease is to have survived a previous anthrax infection. The body then recognizes the dangerous type of bacteria again and knows how to fight it.

Immunization isn't a quick fix, anyway. It requires three shots given two weeks apart, three more shots given six, 12, and 18 months later, then annual booster shots after that. There are no live or dead anthrax bacteria in the vaccine, and the serious adverse reactions are rare (about 0.2%).

You can reach the Anthrax Vaccine Immunization Program in the U.S. Army Surgeon General's Office at 1-877-GETVACC.

Now I'm going in search of what an anthrax spore looks like.

[hole_n_one]

I'm not kidding though...I keep getting probed by the Soldier Biological Chemical Command....and it is coming from both locations....Mass. and Maryland...

Joe, please don't swallow the purple one just yet.......this could just be your superiors testing you for the BIG one!

[Dr. Brian Kopp]

People the time to get it in you is before its rendered useless after 'overuse'...save your money and make sure your not killing your system with overdosing on antibiotic and breaking your banks....And remember when you kill 'bad' bacteria you must replace it with good bacteria in order to fight the fight inside of you

Bacteria only become "resistant" to an antibiotic after exposure. You should know this. You can take an antibiotic for years, and the only bacteria that may become resistant are those already IN YOUR BODY. When the exposure to anthrax hits, it will NOT be resistant just because you've been taking the drug.

Doxycycline is bacteriostatic, not bacteriocidal. Therefore it simply is not used in mainstream medicine much. So even if resistance develops, there are other newer better drugs available.

Doxycycline is used for long term treatment of acne and Lymes disease and other conditions, with few if any side effects.

Finally, these are the guidelines the US Military uses, not mine. If the only folks who deal with these bioweapons say this is the protocol, who are you or I to question it. They have a vested interest in this. They use this protocol to keep the military fighting in times of war. The protocol is the result of extensive research. I trust it.

[JustPiper]

My son had to have extensive oral surgery at 1 1/2 because of Doxy! He had 12 teeth removed or worked on, was under 3 1/2 hrs and hasn't been the same since!

[hole_n_one]

Hi sweetie!

You crossed my mind earlier this evening when I was wondering where you were........and, lo and behold, here you are.

I'm thrilled to find you safe and sound.

[JustPiper]

Not for the weak of heart

The Recipe for Anthrax

Provided as a public service by the Underground Railroad

First - take two ounces of sweat from the brow of a scandal-plagued President (Clinton era)

Second - stir in tons and tons of valuable oil which inspires stronger states to intrude in the affairs of weaker states.

Third - add ten pounds of horse manure from the mouths of government spokesmen trying to justify needless military aggression (which will distract the public from the troubles of a scandal-plagued president) Clinton era

And finally - pour in two cups of saliva from a**-kissing media outlets willing to regurgitate government propaganda unquestioningly, and demonize a small-time demagogue who poses little threat to the outside world.

There you have it! Combine all these ingredients and thousands of innocent people will be killed...

From this website:

Click on Mask

[griffin]

I contacted our family doctor a week ago and asked for 4 prescriptions of cipro. They denighed it saying clinic policy was not to give out prescriptions unless someone required treatment. I argued for about 5 minute. She finally stated that we should just hope an attack does not happen here...blah, blah... I told her she is then forcing me into animal tetracycline..made little impression. I have the powdered tetracycline, but would much prefer the Doxy that you recommend. Any other suggestions on a convincing argument?

[griffin]

BTW, thanks for the post! My 3 and 18 month old thank you...you may be saving many peoples lives. I wish all MDs had your guts.

[philomath]

Now I'm going in search of what an anthrax spore looks like

Try Anthrax by Dixon, et. al. from NEJM, Sept 9, 1999. A word of warning on Cipro and all flouroquinolones: Necrosis and tearing of tendons can occur from even very short usage. Achilles rupture is most common. Don't go out and get Cipro (or any of the other antibiotics discussed here) without a good working knowledge of their side effects. Data on this thread is primarily for preexposure treatment (prophylaxis); suspected inhalational anthrax should be ideally be treated intravenously, which can be fatal in untrained (and even trained)hands. I'd be interested in the data to back up the military oral protocol listed at Virtual Naval Hospital.

[Patriot2000]

OK so these antibiotics can save your life if taken correctly. Where do I get the stuff? Do I need a prescription? Can I get a prescription for future use? I bet you can't get it without a prescription and if a highly populated region gets hit........... you get the picture - we're SOL!

[Dr. Brian Kopp]

Before you take any of these drugs, please re read the excellent contributions to this thread by patriciaruth, Utah Girl, and JustPiper. All their points are valid, and MUST be taken into consideration in making a decision to treat prophylactically for anthrax.

Frankly, I have some Doxy.

I absolutely WILL NOT give it to my children unless there is imminent danger. By that I mean verification or very high suspicion of an attack. All drugs, especially antibiotics, can have side effects. Pediatric use (less than age 7-8) of Doxycycline is contraindicated unless the childs life is literally in danger.

Even though I have repeated several times the fact that teens use Doxy chronically for acne, that does not mean it is safe for pregnant and nursing mothers and children under age 8. Cipro too is contraindicated in pediatric patients due to damage to bone.

My apologies if I have appeared to be flippantly recommending antibiotic prophylaxis. I just felt the basics weren't being properly expounded here. I truly appreciate the valid input on this thread.

[Dr. Brian Kopp]

Data on this thread is primarily for preexposure treatment (prophylaxis); suspected inhalational anthrax should be ideally be treated intravenously, which can be fatal in untrained (and even trained)hands

Excellent points, this needs to be reinforced. I'm sorry if I didn't make this clear enough.

Your other points too need to be heeded. I'm glad this aspect of the prevention of anthrax is finally being discussed.

[griffin]

Re your 39

I agree and understand. I definitely would not be taking it with breakfast everyday. Nor would I be giving it to my children unless I was absolutely sure there was a reason to. I am aware of the tooth discoloration issues and am frankly one of those that is even wary about taking asprin.

However, ITSHTF, I want to be able to get my family through it if at all possible.

Incidently, I have been hearing good things about colloidial silver....a natural antibiotic...

[Dr. Brian Kopp]

Yes, you need a prescription or medical license. From the article:

Darby Drug and other medical catalogues carry Doxycycline 100mg, quantity 500, for approximately $50, if you or a close friend or relative is a pharmacist or doctor or dentist who can order these drugs wholesale.

Most docs have samples of Cipro on their shelves, but they may not want to give it away at this point. It is the drug of choice as prophylaxis, they know that, and they will keep it for themselves and family and friends.

If you are concerned and want a prescription for Doxycycline, just ask your doctor for one. If they resist...play on their guilt:

"Oh c'mon, doc, I know you have cipro samples for yourself. The least you can do is write me an Rx to put my mind at ease. You know that Doxycycline is harmless, cheap, and a good prophylaxis for anthrax and plague. How about writing an Rx for me. I'll probably never take it, but it will at least let me sleep at night."

Any kind of doc can write for this, i.e., MD's, dentists (they prescribe it for gum disease all the time, they should have no problem Rx'ing this), podiatrists. Ask for a two month supply per person. That's equal to 120 Doxycycline 100 mg tablets per person. Don't take it unless you have good reason to believe there has been a release. But get the prescription filled so you have it on the shelf.

[philomath]

I just felt the basics weren't being properly expounded here

These are unusual times, so "First do no harm" has to come under some hard examination. I agree with your position; people who want to know how to defend themselves and their families should have access to the proper information. This includes information on anthrax, including transmission and treatment. A crash course on antibiotics is fine with me. I also feel that if people have read the information and understand the risks and benefits of prophylaxis they should have access to it. The problem lies in the inevitable consequences of mass consumption of antibiotics: Some deaths and horrible side effects will ensue. The prescribers and drug companies will need shielding from the plaintiffs' attorneys to make this work on a large scale, and I don't see this forthcoming. In answer to Patriot 2000, yes, all these drugs are prescription.

[Dr. Brian Kopp]

REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK
Anti-anthrax drug
'a waste of money'?
Pentagon officials stock up on 'Cipro' despite cost, side effects

---

By Paul Sperry
© 2001 WorldNetDaily.com

WASHINGTON – Though the threat of bioterrorism is small, some Pentagon officials are not taking any chances.

They're stocking up on Ciprofloxacin, an antibiotic that's considered to be the most effective drug against anthrax – if you take it long before the hemorrhagic disease's early flu-like symptoms appear, that is.

"Cipro," as it's commonly known, is expensive and not covered under most medical-insurance plans. A two-week supply of the drug for a family of four costs about $400.

"Maybe it's paranoid of me," said one Pentagon official, "but as they taught us many years ago, 'Be prepared.'"

However, a Washington-area pharmacist, who has only 30 tablets of Cipro left in stock, said individual stockpiling of the anti-anthrax drug is "a waste of money." It also could deplete supplies for those who may really need it.

"How will you even know if you have it? It's odorless," he said of the potentially fatal pulmonary anthrax. "By the time you know, it could be too late."

"You have to take it in advance of symptoms," he explained. "That could get very expensive."

And your body could build up a resistance to the drug, which has many side effects, he says.

What's needed is a home-test kit to detect antibodies fighting infection from anthrax, botulism or small pox. Unfortunately, no such test is available on the market right now.

Related story:

Experts debunk bioterrorism myths

[dbbeebs]

I would strongly recommend asking local physicians to donate samples....Most docs have samples of Cipro on their shelves, but they may not want to give it away at this point. It is the drug of choice as prophylaxis, they know that, and they will keep it for themselves and family and friends.... If they resist...play on their guilt: "Oh c'mon, doc, I know you have cipro samples for yourself.

Are you in the habit of giving away free services and products?
How much "free" Cipro does the average MD have?

[patriciaruth]

When the exposure to anthrax hits, it will NOT be resistant just because you've been taking the drug.

True. It will be resistant because the bioterrorists developed a strain that no drug kills.

Folks, it's hard to spread this germ to significant numbers of people in a population because each person has to be directly infected more or less by the terrorist. It is not a "contagious" disease, meaning it is not spread from one human to another.

So, I think it is wiser to think about stocking up a bit on food, medicines and stuff you use regularly instead of antibiotics that probably won't work. Stocking up on regularly needed items is in case there is a disruption in transportation delivery of these products due to terrorist sabotage, or in case your area is hit and you need to go into quarantine or hide in your home.

And have some regular nonscented liquid bleach on hand (sodium hypochlorite). A few drops can purify a gallon of water, and it makes a great disinfectant for color fast surfaces and for hands, too.

Buy batteries, buy masking tape, buy charcoal, buy Neosporin Ointment and bandaids, buy a bicycle...but don't waste money on prestocking antibiotics.

[DB]

The risk is that we needlessly use the current supply of antibiotics that maybe desperately needed in a real outbreak later. There is only so much in the country and it can be made only so fast. A shortage in an actual outbreak would be a tragedy.

Just MHO...

[winodog]

Good points. We can also do a topic search at Fr for Joel Skousen. He has a good article on building up your immune system before you get anything and what to do after.

[ventana]

I have lyme disease and have taken long term doses of tetracycline for lengthy periods of time: 500mgs 4x a day three months. Lots and lots of water. It has been the most successful medicine in my fight on this disease which hospitalized me four summers ago with meningitis, not fun. Lyme is controversial as is its treatment, but tetra. has worked for me. V's wife.

[StarFan]

Ping.