Question
Should I stop Bactrim now my CD4 count is above 200?
16 May 2023. Related: All topics, Newly diagnosed.
Hello,
I am a 32 year old male who was diagnosed positive on April 5, 2023
My CD4 count was 143 and viral load 163,000 at time of diagnosis.
Today may 15th 2023 my one month labs came back with CD4 count 212 and viral load of 80. (I am feeling very well)
I am on Dovato and Bactrim. My doctor told me these are great results and that I can discontinue Bactrim ? Do you guys agree or should I stay on Bactrim longer I have read mixed opinions on this on here.
thank you all for creating this safe space and a great community for everyone.
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
It is great to hear that you are feeling very well.
Where are you? Different countries will have different recommendations about when to stop Bactrim.
WHO guidelines recommend that Bactrim should be used until the patient has a CD4 count above 350.
Some countries will suggest that Bactrim can be stopped after achieving. CD4 count of 200 or more.
Josh.
Hi Wingo, if you are living in England, then it is recommended here to stop co-trimoxazole once your CD4 count is above 200.
In countries where risks and healthcare are both different, co-trimoxazole is often continued until the CD4 count is above 350 and sometimes even above 500.
England here. I started Co-trimoxazole (same as Bactrim) as I had a cd4 of 62. My doctor told me I’m going to stop taking now as my CD4 is above 200.
Hello Josh,
Thanks for your reply. I am in the USA, the doctor said since my cd4 percentage doubled from 10 to 20 percent in one month and that I am adhering well to the Dovato so quickly that he was confident I would be okay without the bactrim. But I had seen the recommendation of the 350 cd4 count that’s why I was curious if I would be okay.
Thanks again.