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.
I am so glad and I have learned a few things, from zambia
It’s important that you take your meds about the same time each day. However, a window period of about an hour either side of your usual time is okay for most drugs and most people.
Once your viral load becomes undetectable you may have a bit more flexibility, but it is still important to take adherence seriously.
You can read more about adherence and why it’s important in this guide:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting/adherence
Please, must I take my meds at the same time/ hour each day? If I am to take my drugs by 10pm, can I take it by 8, 9 or 11pm as the case may be? Cos I have read and seen a some article talking about one particular time. Please I want to be enlightened. Thank you
Hi Chidi,
Septrin is an antibiotic med and it’s used for treating infections caused by bacteria. It’s sometimes used to prevent opportunistic infections – such as pneumonia. Your CD4 count is good, 755 is strong.
You can talk to your doctor to find out if you already have an opportunistic infection, or if you’re taking Septrin to prevent infection.
It’s important that you ask the doctor if your sore throat is an infection. If so, is Septrin being used to treat it?
Hello . Good morning!
On my last appointment to the doctor on the 28th of July, Septrin was given to me to take alongside my meds of Efivarenz 600mg, Lamivudine 300mg and Tenofovir 300mg. In June, two months ago, my cd4 count was 755. She(the doctor) actually said the septrin is for opportunist infection. I want to know if it is necessary as since I started it, I feel I have soar throat. I am on my second month of taking this meds and the doctor said I cannot perform a viral load test as it is still early and might not show any improvement. Should I discontinue the septrin if this side effects continue?
Thanks.
It sounds like good advice from your doctor. That’s because, in May 2015, study results showed that HIV treatment has important benefits for your health, even if your CD4 count is still high.
This study found out that if people started treatment at any CD4 count they had reduced risk of illness. This included illnesses that are not necessarily the result of HIV.
Many countries around the world now recommend starting HIV treatment (ART) at any CD4 count.
You can find out more about starting ART in this guide:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
Dear sir, My CD4 count is more than 700 and my doctor suggest me to start medicine so please tell should I start medicine or not.
Hi,
I’m HIV and I’m on septrin, my CD4 count was 619 on my last appointment. Will the use of septrin increase the chances of my CD4 count rising. And how will I know if my viral load is high?
Gbenga,
Lagos, Nigeria.
Hi Gbenga. Your CD4 count is svery good – you don’t need to worry about it having to go higher. If you are not yet taking HIV treatment, then when you start, this will keep your CD4 count high. \ Septrin is an antibiotic that can protect against infections. The only way to know your viral load is to have a viral load test.
Hi innocent. Please ask your doctor this question. i-Base are not doctors and we do not have youtr full history. Your doctor needs to explain why.