Question
Why am I on ilvitrim? (co-trimoxazole)
29 July 2013. Related: All topics, Opportunistic infections.
I am worried why my CD4 count is dropping so fast,what can i do to keep it above 500? I am currently put on ilvitrim, why ilvitrim?
Answer
Hello,
Thank you for your email. Can you give me a bit more information?
It would be useful if you could tell me what your most recent CD4 count is, and the last few results so that I can understand how quickly this is decreasing.
If your CD4 count is above 500, then your immune system is still very strong. This is likely to slowly go down over time until you start ARVs. This is the only proven way to increase your CD4 count.
The CD4 count guideline for starting treatment will depend on where you live. Can you tell me which country you live in? For example, in the UK, the current recommendation is to start when the CD4 count is about 350.
Ilvitrim is a brand name for two antibiotics in one pill. The generic name for this is co-trimoxazole. Other common brand names are Purbac, Septrin and Bactrim.
The two drugs in co-trimoxazole are trimethoprim (TMP) and sulphamethoxazole (SMX). It is mainly used to either prevent or treat infections, including PCP which is a type of pneumonia and toxoplasmosis which can affect your brian.
In the UK, this med is given to everybody who has a CD4 count under 200. In some other countries, especially in Africa, this is used at higher CD4 counts (under 350) because it also protects against a broad range of other infections.
As with any medicine, it is important to ask your doctor or nurse these questions so you understand this part of your life.
Hi Thuthula,
For info about shingles, please see here:
http://i-base.info/qa/52
The following may also help:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
http://i-base.info/qa/4643
Hi
I’m HIV Positive and my CD 4 count is 37 I’ve started the ARV’S already. I have shingles and they gave me antibiotics and they spread i change the doctor went to the local clinic. Its been 3 weeks now, what i’am experiencing now is the pains that are so strong. My shingles are on my right side of the face starting from the ear down to my chick. The most painful pain will come straight from the ear and my right side of the head will have that sharp pain that last not longer than 3 minutes. The nurse in the clinic gave me the Beta gesic tablets, there only tablets that makes me better its Panado. My question is how long must i feel these pains before my shingles can be heeled, one doctor told me that you only feel the pains when you are in the stage where your shingles are getting better.
Hi Lindo,
Ilvitrim isn’t used to treat HIV. For its usage please see the above post.
I’ve found the ilvitrim tablets on my boyfriend’s room , does that means he’s HIV positive ?
Hi Pearl,
Ilvitrim is an antibiotic that is commonly given to people who have a CD4 of less than 350. Does this mean that your CD4 is less than 350? If it is then you should also be on ARVs. This is because only ARVs can help control your HIV.
If you’re worried about taking ARVs at the same time as ilvitrim, then you don’t need to worry. This is because there shouldn’t be any drug interactions.
I’m positive, but not taking ARVs. I’m taking ilvitrim only. Is this OK?
Hi Zanele,
i-base advocates can’t comment on your child vomiting because we aren’t medical doctors. Therefore, please take your son to see a doctor. Having him tested at 10 weeks is a good thing to do. As too was giving him nevirapine. The ilvritim isn’t for HIV.
Hi
am hiv positive n ma child has not been testess yet ,he z 1month 3weeks ..he was given Cipla nevirapine for 1moth then @6weeks he waz given ILVITIM suspension 100ml nw he z coughing n vomiting ..am using formula milk only ..in de clinic they siad they will test him @ 10weeks ..should i be worried abt him vomiting??
Hi Sisa,
Is your mother-in-law living with HIV?
My 72years old mother in law have been given Ilvitrim after suffering from coughing for about 3 months.After taking it with other medications she’s having muscle cramps on hands and feet,will it be it?