Started Atripla question side effects

[kev72]

Hi,
I just started Atripla last Wed. I really had no side effects other than a slight headache the first two days and I notice I get tired about one hour after taking the med. I take a nap, and wake up feeling good.

Sunday I woke up feeling like hell. I feel like I am getting a cold, I was nauseous all day and very tired. Today I seem to have the same problems and my stomach gets bad after eating.

I was curious if any one else has had "flu like symptoms" or stomach issues a few days after starting this medication. I have looked through the older posts but could not find much.

I was told by my doctor that due to my very low CD4 count, I may feel worse before I feel better, and I am prepared to just stick with it if this is normal. This could be a simple cold coming on, but I am a worrier...

Any feedback would be appreciated. I do not want to simply ignore the way I feel and take a chance that I have something else going on. Thanks Kev

[phildinftlaudy]

Hi Kev72 -
I didn't really have too many side effect after starting Atripla and didn't have any of the effects you described, but I have heard other people say that sometimes immune system reconsititution that happens after beginning meds can cause different types of effects (some of which you described).  If they get to bothersome, let your doc know.  Otherwise, hopefully they will pass.  Are u taking the meds at night and on an empty stomach?

[kev72]

Thanks for the information Phild. I actually take the medication at 11:00 AM everyday. I know this is a strange time to be taking it, but I work 12 hour night shifts and it works out good for me. I have actually felt fine when taking the meds, I actually feel relaxed and take a nap afterward waking up feeling better than I had in months before treatment. The flu like symptoms kind of depressed me yesterday because I really want this med to workout.

My stomach issues seemed to start when I began Bactrim and Zithromax two weeks ago. I have been taking those on an empty stomach and it makes it easier.
Have a great night, Kev

[phildinftlaudy]

Hey Kev-
It could b more the Bactrim and Zithromax -- do those require they be taken with food? I have heard others say that Bactrim is hard on the stomach --- I wouldn't necessarily give up or lose hope on the Atripla as it may be one of the other meds causing the problem -- and it may be your immune system building back up --- this HIV thing has a lot of little nuances to it.  I had stomach issues early on (before the Atripla) and my stomach can still easily get messed up depending on a variety of factors ---

Also, there is a chance that maybe u have caught a little flu bug or something -- I know the norovirus was going around down here and had some people messed up.....

Let us know how it turns out - and hopefully you will get some other feedback about your post.

Phil

[kev72]

there is a chance that maybe u have caught a little flu bug or something -- I know the norovirus was going around down here and had some people messed up.....

Thanks again Phil. LOL I really am the worst kind of person to get diagnosed with HIV. I always obsessed every time I would get any ache or pain before. Now I have a real reason to stress. Ugh and this will go on until they hopefully find a cure someday Have a good one.

[Assurbanipal]

Kev

There's a nasty cold bug going around NJ just now (spent the day in bed myself) so it might be that.  But since you are just in the first few days of starting meds with a really low viral load you should really call the doctor and talk to them about how you feel.  

It might be just a cold, but you need to be specially careful the first few months that you start medication, if your tcell counts were really low when you started -- that's one of the most dangerous times for people newly diagnosed with HIV.  And while most people are just fine, it's a time to be specially vigilant.

Personally, for some of us it can feel like you are being needy or pushy, especially for guys (since we don't usually see the doc a lot HIV).  But, at least for the next few months, your doctor would probably rather that you erred on the side of calling him/her.  And if you still feel a little embarassed, just ask whether you should have called or waited so you can calibrate how you should be approaching docs now.

Best wishes

A

[Hellraiser]

Azithromycin is incredibly tough on my stomach.  I think Zithromax is the same thing?  I'm not absolutely certain of that fact.

[Ann]

Azithromycin is incredibly tough on my stomach.  I think Zithromax is the same thing?  I'm not absolutely certain of that fact.

They are indeed one and the same. Zithromax is the trade name, azithromycin is the generic name.

Either med can be taken with food or on an empty stomach, but it is usually recommended that you take (either of) them with food if they upset your stomach. Something bland would be best.

[kev72]

Thanks Gang, This site is the best!!!

Ann, I appreciate your advice. I have been taking both the bactrim and Zith. on an empty stomach in the morning. I will try it with some bland food.

Have a great day folks, Kev

[northernguy]

Antibiotics can be hard on the stomach at the best of times.  Have you tried eating some yogurt to replenish the "good" bacteria in your gut?

[tplmc1964]

Yup, my suggestion exactly, Yogurt. (with live cultures, read the container to be sure)  and if you can stomach it, buttermilk. Live cultures put the flora (good bacteria) back into your stomach. Also probiotics can be helpful, there are a number to choose from any health food store carries this and just ask what they recommend.

In most cases, just good dietary habits can work miracles. Most of my side effects were cured with these very remedies. Along with avoiding saturated fats, walking and drinking Vitamin Water or at least eat something daily high in Vitamin C. Food sources are best. Avoid alcohol and if you smoke, stop or cut down to six or less a day.

Good luck, you'll feel better...may take a week or two, but you will.

[Bruce]

Hey there. It sounds like the tummy problems are more related to the other pills you are taking than the Atripla. They need to be taken with or after food. The Atripla preferably should be taken a couple of hours after eating when the stomach is empty. Avoid fatty foods (which in my experience makes the side effects more pronounced) and you should be fine. Stick with it and things WILL get better

[kev72]

Thanks everyone for the valuable information. I have been feeling better the past few days. I appreciate everyones optimistic attitudes and advice. It really helps!!! Kev