Question
Is Novatrim the same as nevirapine and zidovudine?
13 August 2020. Related: All topics, Pregnancy, South 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.
Hi Doreen, most babies will start teething by 6 months. There are a number of symptoms you can look out for. This is explained in detail here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/teething/baby-teething-symptoms/
Hi how can I know when my child is teething.
Hi Zinhle, yes you continue with novatrim until you stop breastfeeding. Novatrim is used to prevent any other infections that baby might be at risk of while breastfeeding. It is safe for baby to continue taking it.
Hi my baby is 28 months old and still breastfeeding and I’m hiv positive but viral load is undetectable should I continue with novatrim till stop breastfeeding
Hi Aster, congratulations on having a baby. Are you on treatment yourself? and do you know your viral load?
In most places it is recommended that baby stay on Novatrim for the duration of time they are being breastfed. If you have a healthy CD4 count with an undetectable/suppressed viral load, there is less need for Novatrim.
Novatrim is used to prevent other infections that could be passed on via breastfeeding. Though if you are not at risk of them due to your own treatment, there isn’t much need for baby to be taking Novatrim.
Hi they gave me novatrim for my baby when l went for 6 week and then l went for 4 months they said she is negetive l my stop giving here novatrim they did give me novatrim and lm still breast feeding is it safe to continue breastfeed of what l don’t know l worried for my baby please help
Hi Patience – I am sorry that you need to contact you clinic about this. It is becasue different doses are soemtimes used in different situations. Your clinic will be happy to help.
Hi how many ml must I give my baby novatrim, because at clinic they forgot to tell me
Hi Saseki, Novatrim is an antibiotic. It is not a drug used to treat HIV. Novatrim is used to treat bacterial infections which is why your doctor has given it to you.
Hi,I had swollen yellow tonsil so my doctor gave me novatrim but I’m not HIV positive..can I drink it or leave it?