POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: bobsmth on November 07, 2012, 09:44:18 pm
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Hi, after reading several posts it looks like taking Bactrim for PCP is an ongoing thing.
I've just been diagnosed + and my ID doc put me on Bactrim already. We're awaiting testing compatibility or whatever it is to see what drugs I'll be on. So my Question is does everyone on bactrim take it long term?
This is my second post and I'm very glad I found this site, everyone is so understanding and helpful.
CD4s 206
% 12.1
VL 57,000
bobsmth
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You seem to be in my boat.... With your CD4 you will be on it until you get above 250 .....
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technically Bactrim is to be taken as a prophylaxis anytime a person has a cd4 count under 200 to prevent PCP.
several people here have taken bactrim for quite some time. I took bactrim for 10 years. During the last 9 months I did have a cd4 count that hovered from 225 to 245; but I kept taking Bactrim. Because almost dying twice from PCP was quite enough for me, I continued to take Bactrim until I "felt" I go continue on without it.
with your viral load and cd4 count just barely over that 200 mark, I sure would keep taking that bactrim if I were you. ;)
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Bob, I had similar numbers at diagnosis but I was however not put on any Bactrim.
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Thanks for the responses everyone that clears up my question.
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After seven days I developed a severe rash and itch. Stopped Bactrim 10 days ago now, and starting my first AVR tonight. ID Dr. is starting me out on Atripla. I wont test again till January 4th.
10/29/12 CD4 206 VL 57970
11/02/12 228 no test
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i took bactrim only until i had two cd4 readings above 200
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I have been taking Bactrim from day one..My doctor has not said anything about going off bactrim. I had a minor fling with pneumonia a month after diagnosis and do not want that again. My numbers are getting stronger..I may ask my doc about Bactrim on my next visit in Jan...
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I took Bactrim for many months following my bout with PCP with numbers in the mid-200's. It's not an infection I'd recommend, by the way. Fortunately, I finally became undetectable after 18 months and stopped the Bactrim. As for its side effects, I only had a slight bit of sun sensitivity. Good luck with the Atripla; it's what I take and has worked well for me.
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I took it for 7 years until my levels were over 200 for 3 visits which amounted to 9 months after the first 200 level.
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Hi bobsmth
I was told to take Bactrim....a.k.a Co-Trixamole for at least a yr after having PCP.Its worked so far....It helped me fight off fluey type virus (before it could develop further about a month ago!)
Just had my flu jab and appt at clinic yesterday and got another 3 months supply of Bactrim.My CD4 count is okay now..and 436 in Sept.....will hear my november results soon.
Britchickx
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Not for eveyone. My Husband used to take Bactrim and they took him off of it. I like to think it is because I made him so happy. I am 14 years younger than him and well I cook good as well.