Question
Should I continue taking septrin if my CD4 count has risen to above 200?
24 January 2023. Related: All topics, Opportunistic infections.
How long can a person take Septrin?
Is it ok to continue taking it even if CD4 levels have risen (from below 10 to 270)?
Thanks.
Answer
It is really good news that your CD4 count has risen to 270 cells from such a low count.
Septrin is prescribed as prophylaxis against PCP [a type of pneumonia] when someone has a CD4 count of below 200 cells, and against toxoplasmosis (a type of brain infection) someone is at risk of developing with a CD4 count of less than 100 cells.
In the UK, once a person’s CD4 count increases to above 100 cells when on treatment, then they can stop Septrin. That is, unless they have previously had PCP.
For someone 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).
In some African countries, Septrin is recommended until the CD4 count is over 350 (and sometimes until over 500). This is because the background risk of infections can vary in different countries.
In countries with high risk of malaria or severe bacterial infections, prophylaxis should continue, irrespective of CD4 count on ART. There are also different recommendations for children and in other specific circumstances. (WHO consolidated guidelines, 2021)
In terms of safety, if your doctor has recommended that you continue taking the septrin, then this is very safe to do so.
This pot was updated in January 2023 from a question frost answered in January 2012.
Hi James, thanks. Great that you tested positive in time to use all these meds and hope you are doing well on them. At some time you might be able to stop the Septrin. This depends on your CD4 count becoming stronger again – and your doctor can talk to you about this.
It is not good to stop the HIV meds though (called ART). This is because stopping ART will let HIV progress again.
Using the meds properly – ie as your doctor recommends – means you could lead a normal and natural lifespan.
I have been using Septrin (co-trimoxazole) plus the HIV tablets…
Can I stop taking these tablets?
How long can I live in my life when I use the medication properly?
Hi Boaz, what do you want to learn about?
Want to learn more about hiv
Hi Giddy, ringworm is a fungal infection that is treated by antifungal drugs like miconazole, clotrimazole and terbinafine. These should be available to buy over-the-counter from a pharmacist. This link has information from the UK NHS:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ringworm/
Septrin is an antibiotic and is not a treatment for ringworm. Please talk to your doctor about whether you still need to be taking Spetrin
I stopped taking Septrin 4 months ago. My cd4 is above 800, but I have developed skin fungal infection (ringworm). should I start taking Septrin again?
Hi Belinda,
Septrin is an antibiotic which is commonly taken by people who have a CD4 of less than 350. Unless your doctor has said you need to take it, then HIV wise you may no longer need to take it. Please do consult your doctor.
My CD4 count is 759 should I continue taking septrin
Hi Courage,
Septrin is an antibiotic, it’s commonly taken by positive people who have a low CD4 count. It helps reduce the risk of opportunistic infections.
How does septrin work for an HIV Patient?