Question
Can I take bactrim without knowing my CD4 count?
24 February 2017. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Starting treatment.
I’ve recently been diagnosed as HIV positive. I had my CD4 tested today but the lab test person told it will take a week for report . I’m healthy and active . I have read a lot of articles on the internet and came to know about bactrim/septrin so before my CD4 count test reports arrive can I use bactrim a day on my own ?
Cause after this result doctor told to go with viral load test so it may take 2-3weeks so can I go for bactrim ?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
How are you coping with your diagnoses? Are you able to get any support?
Please don’t take any medication unless its been prescribe to you by your doctor. If your CD4 is less than 350, or even 200 you will be advised what to do and what to take. If this includes taking bactrim then you can take that alongside your ARVs.
Once your CD4 is back and your resistance test, you’ll be given ARVs. You shouldn’t have to wait until your results of your viral load come back.
Because you’re going to be starting meds soon, you may find our, ‘Introduction to ART’ guide helpful.
https://i-base.info/guides/starting
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