Epzicom - finishing week 4

[StPeteGuy]

I recently switched from Combivir to Epzicom. I was diagnosed in 95 (CD4=123). I was on Combivir+Crixivan for 4+ years and then Combivir+Viramune since 2000. My results have been great...VL<50 (with a couple of "bleeps" in the 200 range), and CD4 in the 600-700 range for 10 years. I decided to switch from Combivir to Epzicom due to chronic fatigue/achiness and fears about long term use of AZT. I switched on November 28, so I'm coming up on 4 weeks.

I have a few things going on that I thought I'd post about on here and see what others have to say about it.

First, I have a little bit of numbness in my feet every now and then. I find it a bit odd since PN is a side effect of the Epivir, which isn't new to me.

Second, I get flushed every now and then. My face, ears, and hands get hot and red. I don't have a fever, so I don't think it's something to worry about, but I don't see this listed as a side effect anywhere. Anyone else experience this?

Finally, I'm having trouble sleeping. I do take my meds early in the morning (before 7am). I fall asleep fine, but I wake up after about 5 hours and can't get back to sleep.

I do feel some relief from the chronic fatigue/achiness I used to experience. I'm not bouncing off the walls with extra energy (darn!), but I don't feel nearly as run down as I used to every day.

Any comments/feedback are appreciated.

Happy holidays!

[budndallastx]

Sounds like Epzicom is working for you...

Keep a close eye on the symptoms listed on the card you got with the Epzicom.  Less than 10% of the population is sensitive to the Abacavir in Epzicom so if the symptoms haven't started by in another couple weeks you're in the clear.   Symptoms usually start Week2 but can happen as late as week 6.

When do you go back in for labs?  Keep us posted.

[J.R.E.]

Hello Stpeteguy,

I have been on Epzicom, since it became available here. But even before Epzicom became available, Ii was taking Ziagen and Epivir in the separate doses, Since December of 03.

I do have problems with neuropathy.( numbness --cold feet)The intensity varies. This started about 4 months or so into starting on meds. I have no real problem sleeping. I almost always get a good solid 8 hours of sleep in. I also don't have any problem with flushing.

As far as the achiness that I have, it's mostly due to the arthritis, that is in my hands. But currently I take nothing for it, and it is tolerable.

I also get occasional aching in the knees, But my primary concern at this point is the neuropathy.


As far as energy. I have some pretty good spurts with energy, but there are times when I can also get run down, when I least expect it . I would however be mentioning the numbness to your doctor !!


As bud mentioned, I would keep a close on on things, you are into week four now with the Epzicom. A hypersensitivity reaction can still occur up to 6 weeks after starting on Epzicom.

Let us know how things are going...



Take Care-----Ray

[J.R.E.]

Also wanted to state the my other meds are Viramune and Viread....



Ray

[StPeteGuy]

I'm mid-way through week 5. I go back for labs in a couple of weeks and see my doc again the end of January.

My biggest issue now is that I'm just not sleeping at all. I took some Advil PM last night and that helped, but I didn't want to take it again tonight. But after laying in bed wide awake for two hours, I'm giving in and taking it again. Is insomnia a common side effect with Epzicom?