POZ Community Forums
Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: ARMANDO on August 22, 2006, 10:08:23 am
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i am presently taking truvada,lexiva and norvir.This combo has given me great results(VL UNDECTABLE AND CELL CT ABOUT 350).I'VE BEEN ON THIS REGIMENT FOR ABOUT ONE YEAR.I'VE BEEN POZ FOR 20 YRS AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE EVER SHOWED UNDECTABLE.MY QUESTION IS ,I AM PLANNING A 7 DAY VACATION AND DO NOT WANT TO TAKE MY MEDS(REFRIGERATION PROBLEM).WILL IT REALLY EFFECT MY HEALTH IF I STOP TAKING MY MEDS FOR THIS SHORT TIME?
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isn't norvir good for 60 days without fridge? I could be wrong.
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Yep Jack it is
Refrigeration of Norvir capsules is the recommended way to store this drug, but ain't necessary if they're stored below 77°F (25°C) and used within 2 months.
- matt
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I started with a cd4 count of 5 and VL of 500,000--- I was told I would never be able to take a med holiday. but now I have been undetectable for years and my cd4's are up to 805 (waiting in new counts) does anyone know if it would be dangerous still for me? I was told since I started out so bad my numbers would go bad quickly.
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Hello Baby Girl,
I was told the same thing , back in 2003. The chance of taking a med holiday was slim to nill. I am only currently in the low 300's for the t-cells. It sure would be nice to be able to take a break frim the meds, but it is something that I certainly would not risk, it took me long enough just to get to this point in the last 3 years. !!
This site offers a lesson on drug holidays (STI)or "drug holidays" You may like to read it. You may find it very informative. Click Below :
http://www.aidsmeds.com/lessons/STIs1.htm
Hang in there.....Ray
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I too have read that once you start treatment, it is expected to be indefinite, especially if you started with a very low tcell count (below 200). This is because studies have shown that such individuals tend to see a very quick drop in their tcell counts once they stop their meds, which forces them right back on treatment.
I took a treatment interruption break (and am still on it). But I started treatment when I was infected (verified early infection), so the doctors were less concered about a significant drop in my tcell count.
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I don't store my Norvir in the fridge. I keep it in a dark closet. I have over a months worth. So far no problems.
I would not stop taking my meds for a week if I were you. Ask your doctor.
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just sharing my experience of a drug holiday. I vacationed back in 2004 and did not take my meds for 2weeks. my tcell count 2 months prior to this short break was 455 and I did a test 4 days after i was back from vacation and my tcells were 502. VL was still less than 50. So everyone is different, but my opinion is that a weeks drug holiday is not the worst idea in the world. Its a holiday for you and your body. As me and my doctor have always agreed "I am the boss" when it comes to my decisions. A good doctor should not "tell" you what you can and cannot do. good luck
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Well, alright, but I did a drug holiday for 3 months and my CD4s went from 630 to 300 and my vl went from undetectable to 214,000. I don't think recommending a drug holiday is a good idea. I mean, why tempt fate.