Question
Multiple questions re: treatment
10 October 2008. Related: All topics, Drug interactions.
Hi
This my second time to post. My questions are:
1. I have been taking Bactrim as a prophylaxis since my CD4 count was 61. Now my CD4 is 211. Can I stop taking the Bactrim?
2. I am having mild to moderate allergic ‘hives’ like on my back, foot and arms. Taking the availability of different treatments in my country, I have decided to tolerate the side effects and continue taking the treatment. Is my decision correct?
3 My red blood cells count is 4.1 x106, below the standard range 4.7 – 5.49 x106, but my haemoglobin is 15.1 which is within the standard range. I think the decrease in my red blood count is the AZT. However I have decided to continue the treatment so long as my haemoglobin is within the standard range. Is my decision correct?
Hoping to get answers for all my questions.
Thank you again for your help.
Answer
Hi,
I will reply to your questions following your numbering.
1. The antibiotic Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim) is used as a prevention of a pneumonia called PCP and is regularly used in people with a CD4 count below 200. Even though yours is 211, perhaps it makes sense to stay on it for a little longer until your immune system recovers better. Bactrim can slightly increase the levels of AZT and that to lead to increased side effects of the AZT. I understand from your question that you are on AZT and perhaps your doctor should take that into account.
2. I cannot understand quite your question about the allergic reactions. This needs to be seen by an allergy expert. It cannot be done via internet. As for the treatment options, I am afraid, I cannot comment, as I do not know what are the treatment options in your country, as well as what you are taking either (apart from AZT)
3. Your results are nothing to worry about. There are some labs with broader reference ranges than the one where you have your monitoring. Generally, the erythrocytes are 4-6 millions/mm3. Then there are means of intervening if they go really low, but nothing to worry about, so far.
Comment