Getting Off Preventative Antibiotics, Is it Wise?

[Southern.Artist]

Hey Guys, I'm new to this forum and very glad I found this site.  I was diagnosed with HIV back in late March of 2011, and in April I found out I had AIDS, with a tcell count of 30 and viral load of well over 1,000,000.  In fact I think it was closer to 1.5 million.  I'm a relatively young guy at 27 and was scared to death at the time.  (I guess I still am afraid...but come to be at peace with it.)  However, after just 3 months of being on Atripla, as well as Dapsone and Azithromycin for preventative antibiotics, my tcell count came up to 220.  And as of October 2011 my cell count was up 257 and my viral load had diminished to only 156.   (Thank God!)  I'm still waiting for my bloodwork from January to come back and see how the counts are now.  Hopefully I will be undetectable before long.  My Question is actually concerning my antibiotics.  Last week the doctor told me that I could get off the Azithromycin and Dapsone.  I have been on them for 9 months now.  I was just wondering if this is wise? Or should I stay on them for a little while longer?  Does anyone know how long your suppose to be on the preventative antibiotics for?  Any advise would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks guys!

[Assurbanipal]

Welcome to the forums.

...and congratulations on your improved health.  Back when I was on the prophylaxis my doc wanted 6 months above 200 to take me off.  Since I felt vaguely itchy the whole time and had to be careful about sunburn I couldn't wait.

There's up to date material in the lessons, here
http://www.aidsmeds.com/articles/PCP_6889.shtml

Be well
Assurbanipal

[aztecan]

Hey Southern Artist.

You ask a very pertinent question. You mention your CD4s were pretty low and viral load high, but that with treatment, this has reversed itself.

Good work, keep it up!

Now, about the antibiotics, you don't mention if you had any brushes with any opportunistic infections.

If you didn't, that what Assubanipal said is a pretty good rule of thumb.

If you had an OI, such as PJP, MAC, etc., then my doctor usually keeps people on antibiotic prophylaxis until their counts hit 300, and remain there for a while, just to be safe.

Different docs do things differently. If you would be more comfortable waiting a bit before dropping the Dapsone and Zithromax, then speak with your doctor and explain your feelings.

Remember, you are your best caregiver and you must advocate for yourself. Most doctors I have known prefer a patient to be more proactive rather than their being complacent about their health.

I can pretty much tell you aren't complacent.

Let us know how it goes.

HUGS,

Mark

[Andy Velez]

Southern, it's good to know that your numbers are improving.

I strongly agree with the recommendation that you discuss the question of dropping antibiotics with your doctor. A good working partnership with your doctor is one of the best tools to remain healthy. That includes your being able to speak up when you have questions about your treatment. As time passes you're going to learn a lot about taking good care of yourself.

You're always welcome to come here and discuss anything that's on your mind, whether it's HIV or other-related. In the responses you have received you've gotten a sense of how willing others are to support members here and to share their experience-based knowledge.

Again, welcome.

[Southern.Artist]

Hey Guys,
     Sorry it took me a while to get back with you guys.  Its been a hectic few weeks down here in Mississippi...haha!  Thank you all for the responses... I appreciate you all taking the time to respond and I am so greatful to each and every one of you.

Aztecan,
     The only opportunistic infection I had was the Cytomegalovirus...I was very fortunate in not having Pneumonia or anything...  and the doctor told me that the ARV would wipe the Cytomegalovirus out.

Again...Thank you all for the responses
Love to all you guys... God Bless