Bactrim

I'ts been 2 years since my kidney transplant and along with my anti rejection meds I have been taking bactrim for the last 2 years and i have had no infections yet my doctor has not advised me to stop taking this med and i have heard that taking it unnecessarily long term can actually cause problems. Is it safe for me to just stop taking it?

[Dara3351]

I am one year post transplant. I am allergic to Bactrim so I took another drug for six months. If I get an infection the nephrologist treats me with an antibiotic for 7-10 days. Is this the transplant team or a nephrologist who is making you take Bactrim? I would get a second opinion.

[LisaSnow]

No it is NOT SAFE to stop taking any medication without approval of your doctor. Please consult with your doctor about any adjustment you are thinking, for your safety.

[Hidden]

No, speak with your doctor first. Not sure why you are still on it. They usually keep you on it for about 6 months, but everyone is different.

[KathleenMA]

I have been on a 90 day rotation of Bactrim and Cipro for at least 10 years. I was having kidney infections so was on Bactrim as preventation but eventually broke through and got an infection so then did the 90 day rotation. I had my transplant in June 2016 and my nephrologist has continued the 90 days on Bactrim, then 90 days on Cipro. I have had no infections since transplant and no issues being on antibiotics long term.

[lkhenderson]

I stayed on Bactrim for one year with the understanding that if I started having recurring UTIs or other infections I would go back on it. I have been off of it for 7 months and so far so good. Keep talking to your doctor about it.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

Was the Bactrim prescribed by your transplant team? Have they told you "why" you still have to take it 2 years post transplant? Did you get frequent UTI's?

It is common to take antibiotics immediately after transplant. I know I had to take a viral and a bacterial antibiotics but, I only took them for 6 months, however.

[Dna4christ]

Hello there,

Yes, you should ask your transplant team if you have to keep taking Bactrim. I was on bactrim for about 6months and never since. And, when I did get an UTI, I was given a course of anti-biotics which wasn't that often either. Please take care and dont hesitate to speak to your team

[maryalraines NKF Ambassador]

I’m 4 yrs post KT - have been on Bactria (SMZ) 3 x a week (M-W-F) since the beginning. They have told me to keep taking. I’ve had no rejection or issues whatsoever.

[bakermaker222]

I am 6 months post kidney transplant and my care team had me stop Bactrim. I would get a second opinion also. Good Luck.