Starting Truvada and Raltegravir

[Pricho01]

Hi - so I'm starting Truvada ad Raltegravir this week. Truvada once a day and Raltegravir twice a day.

Anyone else on this combo?

What has your experience been with this combo? My specialist mentioned something about thinning of the bones, but I can't remember which one she was talking about...

Any feedback would be gr8. Thanks!

Phil

[ad2san]

Hi there, you took a good decision starting the Therapy. Truvada + Raltegravir has little to no side effect (depending on the person).

Truvada is suspected to have an impact on Bone density, although it depends once again on the person. The good news is that the Lab that produces Truvada is working on a new formulation on the drug that is more gentle on kidney and bones.

Don't worry too much about those one, and if so, talk about it with your doc.

Cheers

[Miss Philicia]

If you are concerned about bone issues connected with the viread component of Truvada then supplement with twice daily vitamin D/calcium (I have for 8 years and my Vit D levels are normal in my lab tests). I've been on viread (Tenofovir) since it was FDA approved in late 2001 (or close to a dozen years) and have not had any issues. Consider that this medication is perhaps the most utilized HIV medication in history so context is important when reading of any bone issues.

Also, I've found Raltegravir to be a great medication with nary and side effects, though some (I think ~4%) experience some sleep disturbances: from the Isentress web site: the most common side effects of moderate to severe intensity (that interfered with or kept patients from performing daily activities) were trouble sleeping (4%), headache (4%), nausea (3%), tiredness (2%)

Note: the sleep issue is far less than what is found in a sustiva-based regimen, and certainly not severe CNS issues which can cause depression or, in a small amount of incidences, suicidal ideation.

[Pricho01]

Hi there, you took a good decision starting the Therapy. Truvada + Raltegravir has little to no side effect (depending on the person).

Thanks for the reply! The new formula sounds promising..... I was thinking of getting back into weight bearing exercise as a counter measure and for my general health....
Cheers

[Pricho01]

If you are concerned about bone issues connected with the viread component of Truvada then supplement with twice daily vitamin D/calcium (I have for 8 years and my Vit D levels are normal in my lab tests). I've been on viread (Tenofovir) since it was FDA approved in late 2001 (or close to a dozen years) and have not had any issues. Consider that this medication is perhaps the most utilized HIV medication in history so context is important when reading of any bone issues.

Taa Miss Phillicia - I never thought about the Vit D supplement..... will give it a go! As always good info.... wish me luck!