Question
Do I need to continue taking cotrimoxazole prophylaxis?
21 June 2023. Related: All topics, Opportunistic infections, Starting treatment.
hi i am hiv+ since 12 years … I’m Using ARV medication since 9 month … my viral load is undetectable level and cd4 is 175 and I’m taking Tavin-M (tenofovir+FTC) and Atazor-R (atazanavir).
My dr is also giving me Becosules Z and Sepmax (cotimoxazole) daily one tablet and Zocon 150 (acyclovir) one tablet in a weak … want to know why he is giving me extra tablets ?.. I don’t like Sepmax can I discontinue this tablet?
Answer
It looks like you are having a great response to treatment.
Has your doctor explained why you are being prescribed these other meds and how long you need to take them for?
Sepmax is a generic form of an antibiotic. It is also called cotrimoxazole and is a combination of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (other names are Septrin and Bactrim).
This is recommended for anyone whose CD4 count is under 200. It protects against a chest infection called PCP and other infections. If you have never had these problems your doctor might say it is okayyou stopping this now, or may want you to continue a bit longer.
In the UK, once a person’s CD4 count increases to above 100 cells when on treatment, then they can stop Septrin. That is only if they have never had PCP.
Anyone who has previously had PCP, it is recommended to continue until the CD4 count is above 200 cells/mm3. This is based on EACS guidelines (v11.1, October 2022).
Some countries recommend continuing above 200, so it depends on the country you are living in.
Becosules is a multivitamin – again, ask your doctor how important this is. If you have a balanced diet and you don;t have a vitamin deficiency, your doctor may decide this is optional or may still recommend this.
Finally, Zocon is an antifungal drug and whether you continue this will depend on your previous health and history.
All these meds are commonly used by HIV positive people. Your questions are all good though and your doctor should take time to explain this to you, together with how long you are likely to need to continue taking them.
Updated in June 2023 fro a question first posted in November 2011.
Hi David, herpes is a life-long condition. Regardless of being treated, symptoms of herpes can reoccur.
A HiV person..had herpes..cured.. can it reccur
Hi Lydia, Seprin is an antibiotic used to prevent other infections. How long have you not been taking it for? Have you been to see a doctor about these symptoms? Do you know your recent CD4 count? While not taking Septrin, if you have a lower CD4 count you will be more vulnerable to other infections. Though it is possible this is also coincidence and this is something common like a cold or the flu.
Since I stop taking ceptrine am having joint ackes irritated throat ,and cough s during the night and morning and level of acidity has increased
Hi Fatima,
Thank you. If you, or a friend or family member, are living with HIV you can ask any question about HIV treatment at this link http://i-base.info/qa/
I will like to be part of this information
Hi Fredrick,
Septrin is often given as a precaution if someone has a CD4 count of 350, or is some countries 200. If your CD4 is below these numbers, then yes you may still need to use it. You will need to talk to your doctor about this.
Is. It. O. K to completely. do. away.with. septrin. but. continue. with. only. Arvs
Hello,
Please speak to your mother’s doctor about these symptoms. These could be a side effect of sepmax (cotrimoxazole) or they may be a sign of a different infection. If these are a side effect her doctor should be able to give give her anti-nausea medication to stop the vommiting.
Is your mother taking any other medicines? Because her CD4 count is under 350 she should be taking antiretrovirals (ARVs).
sir my mother is hiv positive cd4 is 92, doctor advised to take sepmax daily one in afternoon .problem is after taking this tablet she suffers from vommiting and other effects like fevour and suffers much why its happening so what to do