HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Prolonged Intake Of Bactrim Prophylaxis Safe?

default
Posted on Wed, 15 Oct 2014
Question: I have been very sick for the last 3 years I have gone threw a lot Starting in 2008 till now I was told I had hep c started treating it but had to stop to have a neck surgery 6 months after that I had a car wreck and had to have a another neck surgery Then 2010 I had to have a repair on my lower back surgery my back had broken into from 2 previous surgery's summer of 2011 I started a nother treatment for hep c inferon a shot and a another kind of medicine that I had to eat a spoon of peanut butter with it , It nearly killed me I was in ICU for 2 mo with pneumonia a week before I was put in the hospital the doctor had to give me a blood transfusion it took a week to land me into the Icu They blew me up with fluids and had me stomach had a tube and I was on a breathing machine for 2.5 mo lost down to 88 lbs from 120 when I was in the home I fell off the walker and messed up my neck again but being so weak my Doctor could not fix it about 6 mo went by then I was taking to the hospital with a infection in my neck they had to drain neck and irrigate to fix hardware ,came home with a pick line with antibiotics. I also was having seizure's before I landed in the E R this was dec 2012 then I had another hardware problem infection 5 mo later And in between all that I had a gallbladder removed a mess of infection now I am told by my doctor in XXXXXXX that the hep c is gone that's good news I have gained back up to 110 lbs feeling better but going threw a lot of chronic pain from 7 spinal surgery's I want to feel better but I have a lot of pain also the doctor in XXXXXXX says I need to keep taking the Bactrim for 2 more years I just don't trust Doctors so much any more because what I HAVE BEEN THREW Please ad vise about the Bactrim 2 years will that ruin me as far as my immune system And what will all this pain meds do to me over time thanks XXXX 58 and want to live again come threw a lot doing a lot better just don't know if the doctor is right about the antibotics
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (21 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thank you for posting your query on HCM.

Well looking into your problem I would like to tell you that I understand the amount of pain you have gone through and have all the concern for you .

Now regarding the bactrim prophylaxis that your doctor is giving , yes its a common thing and we also prescribe it for years in patients having a risk factor for developing infections . Since you had hepatitis B and the medicines you have taken have taken a toll on your immune system plus you had pneumonia earlier and were also on ventilator . So in my opinion your doctor is right in giving you bactrim . When give in prophylaxis its dose is less than normal so side effects are not much. Side effects of taking medicine will be low as compared to getting another infection .

Next regarding pain medicines , you have to tell the details of pain medicines that you are taking then only I can guide you regarding that.

Take care.

Dr. Shruti
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (38 hours later)
U went to pain management today I am considering a pain pump I am taking 60 mg a day of oxycodone 45 mg of slow release morphine I think ir might better on me to have a pump I hate keeping up with all the stupid rules I know they have to be strict it just feels like a noose around my neck Thanks. Look forward to talking more XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (35 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thanks for reverting back.

Yes you can consider the option of pump , it provides very good pain control all round the clock . The drugs that you will be using are more or less safe except for minor side effects like constipation , drowsiness etc. But in right amount I dont think you will have much problem and your body will adjust to it soon. Dont feel the noose , if it works for you your quality of life will be improved a lot, so go for it.

Dr. Shruti



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (15 hours later)
Thank you so much I watch a video on it today and to night I am up all night because I can't find my meds the doctors gave me today Walgreens want let me call and ck stock so I don't have to drive all over Florida That is the noose I can't win for losing What about paralysis the information mentioned that was a possible side affect I have a appointment for this soon. I will keep you posted Thanks again for your input XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thank you for reverting back.

Well paralysis is a rare possibility in case of overdose , if you maintain the drug levels and be watchful about it , this a remote possibility. This is a certified treatment and I think there is no harm in having that plus your treating doctor also agrees on the same.

Dr. Shruti



Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (3 days later)
Well it is now Saturday all my medicine they will not the oxycodone 15 mg rapid release a little green pill I have the slow release morphine 15 mg I have been to Walgreens every where, A least 25 stores in the past 2 days how unfair is that I did not ask for this to happen but it has I can't see the Dr. till Tuesday I am taking morphine I was able to fill that but not the Oxycodone 15 mg I have not slept more than a hour at a time When I try to lay down I wake with pain I have to move around then try to go to sleep again I am up all night I recently started taking a zanx right before It helps me sleep about 4or 5 hours isn't that addictive I have enough that I am addicted too I am real frustrated about my pain meds but the only good thing is I am consumed with all this when you hurt it affects everyone I wish I never had surgeries but you can't go back change it just got too push on I will keep you posted as I fight these battles Thanks XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follows.

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Thank you posting your query.

It is very sorry to hear this . Xanax contains alprazolam which is not that addictive so you be rest assured . You can take this for pain relief and sleep if it helps you . Till the time you didnt get any pain medicine prescribed to you can continue to take it without worrying .You will need to keep your spirits high to fight out of this situation.

Take care.

Dr. Shruti
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani

Rheumatologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2366 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Prolonged Intake Of Bactrim Prophylaxis Safe?

Brief Answer: Follows. Detailed Answer: Dear Madam, Thank you for posting your query on HCM. Well looking into your problem I would like to tell you that I understand the amount of pain you have gone through and have all the concern for you . Now regarding the bactrim prophylaxis that your doctor is giving , yes its a common thing and we also prescribe it for years in patients having a risk factor for developing infections . Since you had hepatitis B and the medicines you have taken have taken a toll on your immune system plus you had pneumonia earlier and were also on ventilator . So in my opinion your doctor is right in giving you bactrim . When give in prophylaxis its dose is less than normal so side effects are not much. Side effects of taking medicine will be low as compared to getting another infection . Next regarding pain medicines , you have to tell the details of pain medicines that you are taking then only I can guide you regarding that. Take care. Dr. Shruti