Question
Is Novatrim the same as nevirapine and zidovudine?
13 August 2020. Related: All topics, Pregnancy, Southern Africa.
My baby is exposed to HIV so I was given nevirapine and zidovudine. But when I went for refill for zidovudine because it has finished the nurse gave me Novatrim without asking any questions. Is it Novatrim and is it good for my son of three weeks.
Answer
Hi there
No, these are different medicines.
Nevirapine and zidovudine are both HIV medicines. They are only given to you baby for a short time – usually four weeks.
Novatrim is an antibiotic that is also called cotrimoxazole This tablet contains two antibiotics. This is usually given to the baby afterwards and for a much longer time.
If the times were different or if you are still worried, please call you clinic so they can double-check.
Hello Lethabong and thank you for the question.
Novatrimm is the brand name for the antibiotic co-trimoxazole.
There are many indications for this antibiotic so I can’t be sure why it was prescribed.
What did your doctor say?
What is nova trim
And nova trim helps 4 what
Hi Thando – please ask your doctor or clinic about care of your baby, including feeding and medicine. We routinely say this for any related questions about your baby. This is because guidelines can be different in each country.
How many mls should I give my baby novatrim suspension
Hi Nelly, congratulations on having a baby.
Are you on treatment yourself? After 6 weeks (12 in a few countries) it is not recommended to continue with HIV treatment for baby.
Even while breastfeeding, there is no continued benefit to give baby nevirapine/zidovudine. Some doctors will suggest Bactrim but this is not prevent other infections while breastfeeding and not HIV itself.
More information about baby’s meds can be found here: https://i-base.info/qa/factsheets/infant-meds-when-the-mother-is-living-with-hiv
Hi
My baby is 8months now, I’ve been breastfeeding only and giving her Nevirapine as per instruction, but of late Nevirapine is out of stock everywhere. Dr then prescribed adco-zidovine. Does it work the same way as Nevirapine? I’m abit worried about how reliable it is.
I’m undetected and I still take my meds w everyday.