Question
Do i need to keep taking Septrin?
18 December 2015. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Complications and coinfections, Starting treatment.
I started HIV treatment 3 months ago. I am also taking septrin. Do i need to keep taking that?
Answer
Hi,
Septrin is often given to people a as prophylaxis. This means it is used top prevent other infections. It is often given to people who have HIV.
People are often given it if their CD4 count is lower, under about 200. The Septrin helps your immune system fight off infections and the illnesses.
If you do not know why you are taking the Septrin and you CD4 count is high you should ask your doctor or clinic. They will be able to let you know if you need to carry on taking it.
Hi Hezron, it is great how well you have been doing on treatment. A non-detectable viral load is the same as undetectable. They both mean that your treatment is working so well that HIV is being suppressed so much that these tests cannot detect it’s activity.
What is your CD4 count? Septrin is an antibiotic used to prevent other infections. It is not used to treat HIV. It is used when your CD4 count is low because your immune system has been weakened. As you have been on treatment it is likely you have a CD4 count greater than 350? If this is the case there would no longer be a benefit from taking Septrin.
hi
i have been on ARV for close to 13 yrs now.
for quite some time my viral load count test has returned – non detectable level (ndl).
recently my doctor told me that my viral load is now – u=u (undetectable – un transmittable)
he advised that i can stop taking septrin.
is this okay.