My new regiment

[CWD6474]

I am now starting on Sustiva, Emtriva, and D4T. Can anyone tell me how bad the side effects may be on this new regimen?

Thanks

[Tucsonwoody]

Hey CWD - Only been here a short while but from what I have read - we all react differently to our meds...so hard to know what you may experience.  Hopefully nothing as scary as you in your Halloween costume.

If you haven't already read them, here are links to info from aidsmeds  on your medications:

Zerit = dt4 http://www.aidsmeds.com/drugs/Zerit.htm

Sustiva = http://www.aidsmeds.com/drugs/Sustiva.htm

Emtriva = http://www.aidsmeds.com/drugs/Emtriva.htm

Best of luck - hope you'll let us know how you're doing.

Kevin

[ARMANDO]

STAY AWAY FROM THE ZERIT,THIS MED IS ONE OF THE CULPRITS OF LIPO SIDE EFFECT!!!CHECK IN THE CHATROOM AND YOU'LL SEE THAT SEVERAL GUYS AGREE WITH ME.

[Ihavehope]

Do all drugs eventually cause Lipo? which ones do?

[ARMANDO]

i know that ZERIT AND EPIVIR were the main culprits of severe lipo side effects.

[koi1]

Sustiva is in my regimen and so far I have had minimal side effects.

rob

[SirPrize]

My question to you is:  What Physician in their right mind would put you on the D4T with what is known today about its negative side-effects?  I took the D4T and Epivir from 1996 to 2006.  Sustiva was added to the regimen in late 2000 when the "cocktail" became the norm for treatment.  In 2003, these drugs caused the development of lipomas on my arms and upper torso; requiring surgical excision of the more prominent ones in 2003.  Around that same time my face began to show signs of lipoatrophy.

ASK YOUR PHYSICIAN:  Why doesn't he start you on the regimen of Sustiva and Truvada (2 pills per day).  I made the switch to Truvada in mid 2006 and although I haven't yet noticed any improvement in the "sunken cheeks" I have not recognized any further lipoatrophy.  Even if s/he doesn't think this regimen is for you there are many other "SAFER" alternatives.

D4T (Zerit) = Red Flag!

[CWD6474]

Thanks for all of the help, and I will talk to my doctor about the Truvada. Thanks again

[whizzer]

Hey CWD,

Zerit is the worst drug for causing lipoatrophy.  One of the docs at my ID clinic wrote in an article that he can walk in the waiting room and spot the folks who have taken Zerit in the past.  Personally, I would take it only as a medication of last resort.

[Tucsonwoody]

More FYI -

From aidsinfo:

Which anti-HIV drugs are most likely to cause lipodystrophy?

Zerit (stavudine, d4T) is one NRTI that has been specifically shown to cause fat loss. PIs may increase the risk of fat accumulation. The longer you take NRTIs and PIs, the greater your chance of developing lipodystrophy.

[aztecan]

Epivir (3TC) has never been known to cause lipo. It is probably one of the easiest NRTIs to take.

Zerit (d4T) on the other hand, is a nightmare. Not only is there risk of lipoatrophy, but many people I have known have developed neuropathy as a result of taking it.

I would definitely talk to your doc about this.

HUGS,

Mark