Question
If I am pregnant can I take AZT on its own?
8 July 2010. Related: All topics, Pregnancy, Resistance, Side effects, Starting treatment.
Hi,
Thanks for this site once more.
I’m currently 35 weeks pregnant. My viral load is 5000 and CD4 286. I’ve been taking AZT since 28 weeks in to my pregnancy. I want to know how effective is the AZT because I’m not ready yet for a lifetime of ARVs?
I’m currently taking AZT alone, is it good for my baby or should I consider another combination?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
Taking HIV medications should get your viral load to undetectable levels before delivery, which is what your doctors should be aiming for.
If your viral load is still detectable, then adding other HIV drugs now would be routinely done in the UK.
There are two options available to pregnant women in the UK (Canada may have its own policies but I expect they are probably similar to the UK).
- Use Short Term Triple Antiretroviral Therapy (START). With START, you begin treatment during the second trimester at 20 to 28 weeks, and then stop after delivery. You can choose to plan a Caesarian-section at 38-39 weeks or a vaginal birth.
- Use AZT monotherapy, without any other ARVs, and have a planned pre-labour Caesarian-section at 38 weeks.
The second option is only suitable for women with a high CD4 count and a low viral load who would not need to use ARV treatment for several years.
Although AZT is the only drug that is licensed for use during pregnancy, nearly every other commonly uses HIV drug is also used in triple combinations in pregnancy. This use is supported by good safety results. For example, AZT is often used in combination with 3TC and either nevirapine or Kaletra (lopinavir and ritonavir). AZT is more effective if used in combination with these other drugs.
For more information on which drugs to take during pregnancy please follow this link
Current recommendations state that treatment should be started at a CD4 count of around 350. If your CD4 count is 286 you may need to begin preparing yourself for starting treatment full time once you have given birth. As a new mum your health is especially important if you are to cope with a newborn. Taking medication will help you remain healthy.
For a general guidebook on ‘HIV, Pregnancy and Women’s Health’ please follow this link
Hi Khabo,
It’s great that your sister was undetectable when the baby was born. This can help the baby to be HIV negative. But babies can be given a short course of meds – usually AZT – after they are born. You can find out more about this here.
It’s important that your sister takes the baby to see the doctor if she thinks she is not growing like a normal child.
My sister has just delivered her baby in December she has undetectable viral her babby girl was given AZT to take for morning and afternoon since then the babby cries day and night she does not sleep and she’s does not growing like normal child
Hi Poppy,
Have they transfered you onto Atroiza? If you have been put onto this new pill or another combination treatment then this will help protect your baby. Atroiza contains 3 ARVs. Treatment with 3 ARVs is the most effective way to treat your own HIV and also to prevent your baby being infected. Please see our pregnancy guide for more information. Your midwife or healthcare worker should also be able to explain more about this if you are worried.
Im 32wks they stop me to take AZT im take the new pill my baby will safe