Atripla and Bactrim flu-ish side effects? quick question

[thelovedones]

I've taken Atripla now for the past 6 nights; in the morning I've been taking Bactrim as a precaution against PCP (per my Atripla diary). My CD count and VL are in my signature. Everything has been fine so far.

Today for the first time I started feeling a little week, a little feverish, with chills. These are my only symptoms. Is this par for the course? Should I be getting my ass to the emergency room, calling my doc???

I'm coherent and I do have an appetite.

[Miss Philicia]

It's one of two things most likely 1) you're coming down with a run-of-the-mill cold just like you would be if you were HIV-negative or 2) you're possibly allergic to sulfonamides contained in Bactrim (many are).

I'd say for now monitor your fever because most allergic reactions to Bactrim manifest themselves as rashes, not a fever.  And certainly you can take an OTC drug for your fever.  However speaking from experience my allergic reaction was a persistent low-grade fever that I endured for a week-10 days before going off of it. 

[thelovedones]

thanks for your response. I called my doc and he said it doesn't sound like a reaction to the drug; it's prob just a little bug. he said take aspirin. if my fever accelerates, go to the ER. He's kind of matter of fact about this stuff

[Miss Philicia]

I should have clarified my earlier statement when I said many are allergic to Bactrim -- by many I mean still a small amount on the order of 3-4%, so your doctor is right that the greater by far likelihood is that it's just a seasonal bug.  It's still beneficial to know the change of an allergic reaction.

[drewm]

Docs are frequently matter of fact, mine is because he sees so many peeps who are poz. I take the lead from him now and don't, generally, freak out. The one lesson I got was to treat any symptoms the way I would have BEFORE my dx and then if I don't see improvement...go to the doctor.

[buginme2]

Also don't be suprised that over the next few months you start to experience an increase in "illnesses" as you could be experiencing a form of immune reconstitution.  Prob not yet as its most likely too soon..but its a possibility.

[thelovedones]

I hope it doesn't happen but I'm glad you said this. I had a feeling it might have something to do with that but wasn't sure. Thanks for the insight.

[thelovedones]

(posted also in Atripla Diary)

BIG CURVE BALL ---- I'll try to keep this brief. On Thurs night I went to the Emergency room. I had been having terrible fatigue, chills and fever for 2 days and my doc said to do go in. They gave me a bag of antibiotics and other liquids, but the fever came back. They took Xrays but they were clear. They took about 20 viles of blood; all came back negative for infections. They were speculating PCP, even Malaria. My fever spiked at 105 degrees on Friday so finally the Infectious Disease checked out my skin and said "you've got a serious rash; I think you're having an alergic reaction against the Bactrim or the Atripla; probably the Bactrim." I stopped both and the fever was gone the next day. The ID doc wants me to be "rechallanged" on Atripla by my HIV doc as soon as the rash is clear, hopefully this week.

If anyone has any ideas if they think it's the Bactrim or the Atripla. The rash was all over my body and kind of looked like really bad sunburn with goosebumps. It's cleared up a little but still there.