Bactrim and Fever: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Sav...
• December 18, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "This is an awful medication, and I recommend it to anyone. Went to the ER for stomach pain to find out I had a bad UTI. Took 1 pill that the doc gave me and was completely fine. Took the next pill 12 hours later, with some saltine crackers and a bottle of water. 4 hours later, I was shaky, nauseated, thought I was going to throw up, my heart rate sped up, I had a fever (did go down with ibuprofen), had a minor rash on my cheeks, headache. Now marks 6 hours after taking it, laying down with a towel over my head, took Benadryl to help with the rash. Nausea has eased some, heating pad helps, the rash is not as red. Going back to the ER tomorrow for a different medicine. I'd rather take Amoxicillin, never have any reactions with that."

• Ros...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "Not a good option for me. I will never take it again. I was prescribed Bactrim for a recurring UTI. I think I may have taken it before and done fine, but not this time. I took my first pill in the evening and vomited. I didn’t really think much about it. I have the lap band, so that’s not all that unusual. I took my second dose the next morning and started going about my day. I started feeling body aches in all of my joints within four hours, with a slight headache. By the afternoon, I couldn’t tolerate light. I had a high fever and was short of breath. I was itchy, and some of my skin tags had become swollen and irritated. Every cell in my body hurt like I had been beaten with a bat. It was miserable, and I felt like death. Those symptoms lasted all night. The headache was the most debilitating part for me. Kind of afraid to take the new RX after that experience."

• Anonymous
• June 6, 2015

For Kidney Infections "Rushed to the ER because of unbearable flank pain. Doctor noticed a large amount of white blood cells in the urine and prescribed Bactrim. The first two days I felt okay, nothing really improved. By the fifth day, the back pain disappeared, but the urge to pee was still present. On the sixth day, I got a high fever, headaches, body aches, and a rash. Felt like crap! Stopped taking it and side effects subsided. I'm severely allergic to Bactrim. Was prescribed Cipro, it works great!"

• Goo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 16, 2022

For Kidney Infections "I was given Bactrim after going to the ER for a rapidly progressing UTI that was making its way to my kidneys (potentially from an infected kidney stone). I was doing okay with Bactrim until days 5-7, when I ran a fever of 101 for 72 hours straight. I went to urgent care on day 6 and asked if the fever might be caused by Bactrim. They said no and pushed that I finish the medication. HOWEVER, on day 8 (after the 7-day dose was complete), I broke out in a full body rash (face and lips included - legs the worst). Though Bactrim did improve my kidney infection symptoms, I still have a UTI, and now I am covered in a rash. If you do have a consistent fever with this medication, and feel like you have the flu (muscle tingling, joint pain, inflamed lymph nodes), this could be an early sign of an allergic reaction! I wish I had stopped sooner when I knew something wasn’t right."

• Jam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "So glad I visited and read all these reviews. I thought I was going mad! I'm halfway through a 5-day x 2 a day script and feel just awful - fevers, then freezing cold, aches, pains, and dull headache, and the nausea and reflux is like being pregnant (except I'm menopausal!). Hopefully, the UTI is ebbing and, like others, I can't wait to stop taking it in a couple of days."

• hop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim for 5 days for UTI and did not feel any relief until day 4. But from day 2, I had side effects like burning pain of the scalp with the slightest touch and dizziness with fast head movements. From day 4 on, I had a fever with chills. Then, a couple of hours after the last dose on day 5, I developed a skin rash of red dots all over my torso, arms, and face, the dots grew larger and also spread to my legs and feet by the end of the night. I had to take prednisone and antihistamine to control the rash and take another antibiotic to treat my UTI that Bactrim only partially treated."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 17, 2015

For Acne "While I was only on Bactrim for one week, I feel like it was an experience to share! In this week, I did notice a difference in my skin, and it was probably the best my face has ever looked. That being said, I developed allergy symptoms pretty quickly but did not make the connection right away. High fever and nausea for a few days before a full-body rash on the 8th day. I was taking two pills a day. Always watch for symptoms and consult the doctor. I would still recommend this medication to others as it appeared VERY promising at clearing up my moderate hormonal acne. If I could go on it again, I would."

• Ban...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim for 3 days, 2x a day. The first two pills were fine, except I felt like I had taken NyQuil or pain relievers, I was delirious. The second day, I felt horrible with throbbing headaches and almost unbearable nausea and body aches, as well as a slight fever. Today is day 3, and I don’t even want to take them because I feel so horrible, and my mouth is dry, and I’m still so, so nauseated I can hardly move, and the pain is still there, as well as my fever. The last time I took it (May 2020), I only had a headache, so IDK why I feel absolutely like death this time. I don’t recommend Bactrim for anyone unless it’s the only option you have left because it’s horrible, and I haven’t felt this sick in my life, but my UTI is gone."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 2, 2020

For Bacterial Skin Infection "Got a nasty couple of mosquito bites that ended up streaking up my arms. Was prescribed Bactrim for the bacterial skin infection. First few days, my tummy was bad and not sleeping well. On the 7th day, I suddenly had the worst chills/shivers and low fever. By morning, my arms, legs, and torso were covered in a rash. Went to the ER and they immediately determined it was a Bactrim reaction. Said the drug is known to have nasty reactions and not sure why I was prescribed it when there are alternatives. If you have an alternative drug that is just as effective, not worth the risk."

• gel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 10, 2022

For Diverticulitis "Have been on Bactrim now for 9 days with the 10th day almost completed, for an intestinal infection. Around day 7, I started feeling achy with a mild fever and chills. I’ve also had some gastrointestinal uneasiness, headaches, and insomnia. Basically, the intestinal issue is resolved, so Bactrim did its job. But others should be aware of the side effects. I have to admit I had not fully informed myself about them. Side effects can be very uncomfortable, and I suppose that if they were much worse, they even could be dangerous."

• Sla...
• August 17, 2018

For Urinary Tract Infection "This stuff worked really well but kicked my ass. I was on 1 pill 2x a day for 3 days. I was borderline concerned I was having a bad reaction, I am also allergic to penicillin. Fever, aches, sweating, headache. I had a fever and body ache before I started taking these meds, but it definitely exacerbated my symptoms. Had a bladder infection, which is why I was prescribed Bactrim. I missed 3 days of work, but my bladder was fine when I woke up day 2, I was just left over with the fever and headaches. The ‘sulfa’ aspect of it, OMG, it’s all I can smell and taste. I feel gross even after taking multiple showers. I feel like I have green smoke piping out of every pore. Also, side note: I’ve had psoriasis on both my elbows for about 8 years now, and after my shower on day 2, I noticed it was completely gone! Holy moly! Amazing. I’d still be hesitant to take again, it was pretty terrible. I’d do it if I really had to."

• Cra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2020

For Acne "Two weeks into my twice-daily Bactrim RX, and suddenly I felt like if I did not lie down, I would FALL down (EXTREME exhaustion feeling out of nowhere). Then I noticed I had a fever. I slept all morning and most of the afternoon. Woke feeling fine... UNTIL that evening, when once again I felt like if I did not lie down, that I would FALL down. And, once again, a fever. I went to bed very early, slept until morning. The next morning, I woke feeling much better. Figured I was coming down with something and gosh, at least I'm on an antibiotic. BUT shortly after taking the morning Bactrim, I had the exhaustion/fever slam me again. That is when the lightbulb finally went on that this was BACTRIM doing this to me. As I lay there shivering, I noticed my lip starting to itch. I discontinued the Bactrim and did well. = Allergy to Bactrim/Sulfa drugs."

• owi...
• January 4, 2021

For Bacterial Skin Infection "Was prescribed Bactrim-DS BID for 10 days for an infected cut on my wrist from punching glass. The first 2 days were HORRIBLE. I was tachycardic, nauseous, gassy, itchy on arms/legs, and had no appetite, jaw clenching, and severe panic attacks. Plus, my symptoms were just getting worse. I was forming clusters of stinging/itching blisters around my cuts, my wrist was swollen and warm to the touch, and I felt feverish. I ended up getting prescribed Keflex to take with Bactrim starting Day 3. Side effects subsided and symptoms got better. Some nights, I'd wake up at 3 AM with a panic attack that lasted until I took my next dose. Other nights, I'd be able to sleep just fine. Days 6-7, I got gas pain that felt like chest pain. The side effects didn't get better until Day 8. By then, all I had was some itchiness but no full-on rash. I never want to take this drug again. I give it 3 stars only because it did treat my infection despite taking all 10 days and all my willpower to pull through."

• Jja...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2019

For Bacterial Skin Infection "Was misdiagnosed with cellulitis, later went to a podiatrist who removed an ingrown toenail that was infected. I didn’t even need this Bactrim. Gave me intense, shooting, burning pains all over my body, high blood pressure, severe dehydration, a fever, and panic attacks back to back. I was shaking violently from being so cold, I could not feel my limbs, but they were on fire at the same time. Poison."

• ASa...
• April 8, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "UTI - Bactrim for 7 days. Day 1 stomach discomfort. Day 2 UTI slight urgency but manageable, that night had an anxiety attack and heart palpitations. By day 4 exhausted, hardly able to do my daily work. I called my doctor on day 5, and she said this is normal - to just power through, and since I’m allergic to penicillin, I’m likely not allergic to Sulfa. That night had chills and a 100-degree fever. Day 6 I felt even worse (chills and fever) and developed hives. Was told I have a Sulfa allergy and to stop with the meds and start Macrobid. The next day with Bactrim leaving my system I developed a full body rash that made me look sunburned and had a 103-degree fever. The rash subsided 6 days after it started, and my other symptoms ended 3 days after I stopped the pills. Overall, one of the worst medical experiences of my adult life. Macrobid seemed to work, only symptom was head fog, which may have been from Bactrim. Giving Bactrim 2 stars because it seemed to clear the UTI."

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 1, 2017

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was a little worried after reading the reviews, and on top of that, my mom had a really bad reaction (fever, horrible chills, etc.). I was a little queasy the first few doses, but it wasn't even enough to keep me from eating. After that, I had no side effects at all. Overall, my experience was great!"

• Lol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 29, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim after two other antibiotics failed to cure my UTI, and let me tell you, not only did it not work, but I also had a violent allergic reaction to it. I was suffering from my first UTI (first of many to come sadly). The symptoms went away pretty quickly after taking the first pill but came back after I stopped taking the medicine two days later. From what I remember, I got really sick: chills, high fever, nausea, complete loss of appetite, extreme fatigue, and red patches all over my body, but especially on my arms, legs, and chest. I had swollen lips as the first indication, but as I was young, I didn’t understand it at first. When I went back to the doctor, he said it was a pretty powerful medicine and that he knew beforehand that the risk of allergy was higher than with other medicines. I don’t hold it against him though, it was very frustrating not to find anything that would work to cure this UTI."

• Yaz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2019

For Bacterial Skin Infection "My son was prescribed this drug after being hospitalized for an eczema infection. Then, 7 days later, he is covered in pin-dotted rash and high fever due to Bactrim. The doctor told me to give him Benadryl every 4 hours for now. He can't sleep at night, I'm worried his rash will get worse and he will stop breathing. The doctor says to rush him to the ER if symptoms get worse. This drug should not be given to a 9-year-old."

• Cmp...
• December 6, 2019

For Urinary Tract Infection "I was prescribed Bactrim for a possible UTI, and it seemed to relieve my symptoms after a few days. However, on day 7 out of 10, I started noticing red dots all over my skin. Over the period of the next day or so, the dots multiplied until it was a complete red rash all over my body. Not very itchy, but definitely unpleasant to look at. I also developed a low-grade fever of 100.6 and got headaches and felt very out of it. Went to the doctor and was told to stop taking the Bactrim because I was having an allergic reaction. Rash and other side effects went away within a few days. Looking back, there were probably other symptoms I should have noticed that pointed to me being allergic, but I didn’t think anything of them. Most people will have different experiences on this medication, so don’t start reading reviews and assume the worst. Talk to your doctor. I will say the Bactrim did seem to do its job, though, and I no longer have the UTI I was originally prescribed it for."

• Lib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2021

For Urinary Tract Infection "Started Bactrim 800 mg DS on a Wednesday. Thursday afternoon had a 103 fever. Fever would reduce with NSAIDs. Fever has been present every day since. The major side effects I experienced were fever, chills, body aches, cough, loss of appetite, feeling dehydrated, severe fatigue, and change in urine volume. I thought maybe I had COVID, got a test. (No COVID.) Original UTI symptoms (kidney area pain) were gone by day 3. I’m on the last day of the script, and I will NOT take this again."

• Anonymous
• January 27, 2011

"Bactrim was prescribed to my 3-year-old for a boil. Although the boil went away after 4 doses, she got a super high fever and complained of a headache and was very lethargic. I called her doctor, and he directed me to continue the medication for a few more days to complete a 7-day regimen. Eventually, she broke out in hives, head to toe, and I rushed her to the emergency room. Allergic reaction to sulfa drugs."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2015

For Acne "Whatever you do, DO NOT TAKE THIS! I would not recommend this for acne. Four weeks into the treatment, I was sent to the hospital with a very bad fever, it became hard to breathe. A couple days after I came home from the hospital, my whole body felt like pins and needles on the inside and itchy on the outside! :( Most horrible thing I've been through. Honestly, Accutane was less of a pain than this. I'd take dry lips to pins and needles any day."

• IGM...
• September 30, 2018

For Bacterial Infection "After taking three pills, I had a fever and ended up in the emergency room with an infection in my mouth and genitals. I was diagnosed with thrush, yeast."

• Dep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2016

For Urinary Tract Infection "My 3 yo boy having Bactrim for 5 days and look like I doesn't work at all, still having symptoms 'fever, shivering....' going back to GP today to get another antibiotic..... so depressed now ;-("

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2022

For Urinary Tract Infection "After 4 hours of taking this drug, I started to get fever, body aches, uncontrollable shivering. Then stomach upset, nausea, and almost passed out. Severe headache and oral thrush, rash on hand."