Question
Can I take antibiotics if I am HIV positive?
24 August 2007. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Drug interactions, Opportunistic infections, Starting treatment.
I have just been prescribed antibiotics.
Does taking antibiotics have an adverse affect on the immune system?
I have been diagnosed HIV+ but I am not yet on any medication. I have not told the doctors of my condition as my clinic said I did not yet need to.
Answer
It sounds like you are seeing two different doctors – one for your general health and one for HIV treatment.
Your HIV doctor needs to know about any medication you are taking and if s/he has said this is ok, then you should take their advice.
Antibiotics are used to treat a wide range of infections, and just like an HIV negative person, if you need these to treat an infection then it is important to take them. They will not damage your immune system.
For your HIV care, HIV treatment is usually started before your CD4 count drops below 200 cells/mm3.
More information about HIV treatment and how and when to use it is included in the i-Base Introduction to Combination Therapy.
Hi Jabu, I am sorry you are having these problems. Please ask your doctor about the likely cause and whether there are skin medicines that can help. this would be more likely to be effective.
I need help am on arvs and now my face has acne and now it leave me with dark sports and am dark now?
If I take a route of using herbs what’s the danger am putting myself to
Hello Johanna and thank you for the question.
Most ARV medications don’t interact with penicillin.
You can check here for any drug interactions with your ARVs:
https://www.hiv-druginteractions.org
If your question is about what treatment to use when you have arthritis, please discuss this with your doctor
Im HIV positive. Can I use penicillin as I’m on treatment for arthritis (knees)?
Hi Nomthandazo, have you been told when you will start treatment? HIV treatment should be started from testing positive, you do not need to wait until your blood work comes back.
What symptoms do you have causing you to feel sick? and have you gone to see a doctor about this?
Starting treatment: https://i-base.info/guides/starting
Hii I found out that I have HIV bt I’m not on treatment because I just got results 1 week ago they gave me antibiotics while am waiting my blood results but now I saw that I’m getting little bit sick not sure I’m going to get sick or what must I use to not get sick yet until I started my medication
Hi Gift, has your friend seen a doctor about this?
Sir my friend is having ulcer in his mouth and dry mouth what will he do
HI Maureen, this needs to be talked about with a doctor. He will be able to take antibiotics, but which ones needs to be decided by the doctor who can examine your brothers rash.
Pls my brother is HIV positive and he has rashes in his body , can he takes antibiotics if yes which one, thanks.