How to prevent PCP

May 2008     View PDF     En español

The bottom line on PCP prevention

• You can prevent getting PCP. The best way to prevent it is by keeping your CD4 count above 200.
• If you develop the disease, you may not feel symptoms at first. Most people will feel dry cough, fever, trouble breathing, weight loss or a general sense of illness. Report these symptoms to your doctor immediately.
• Your doctor will start you on preventive PCP medicine if your CD4 count falls below 200, your CD4 percentage falls below 14%, or if you have a fungal infection, recurrent fevers or have had your spleen removed.
• Four drugs are used to prevent PCP: Bactrim/Septra, dapsone, Mepron, NebuPent. Your doctor can work with you about which drug is the best option for you, depending upon your tolerance for side effects, cost and other health issues.
• Pregnant women and children may have special concerns when taking PCP medicines.
• Medicines used to prevent PCP should be taken as long as you are at risk for PCP. If your CD4 count goes above 200 and stays there for three or more months and you are not having other symptoms of concern, you may be able to safely stop taking preventive PCP therapy.