Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
March 19, 2024, 05:45:27 am

Login with username, password and session length


Members
Stats
  • Total Posts: 772785
  • Total Topics: 66296
  • Online Today: 290
  • Online Ever: 5484
  • (June 18, 2021, 11:15:29 pm)
Users Online
Users: 0
Guests: 215
Total: 215

Welcome


Welcome to the POZ Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and others concerned about HIV/AIDS.  Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning:  Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

  • The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own physician.

  • All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

  • Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators of these forums. Click here for “Do I Have HIV?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ community forums.

  • We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are true and correct to their knowledge.

  • Product advertisement—including links; banners; editorial content; and clinical trial, study or survey participation—is strictly prohibited by forums members unless permission has been secured from POZ.

To change forums navigation language settings, click here (members only), Register now

Para cambiar sus preferencias de los foros en español, haz clic aquí (sólo miembros), Regístrate ahora

Finished Reading This? You can collapse this or any other box on this page by clicking the symbol in each box.

Author Topic: Atripla Diary  (Read 18567 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Atripla Diary
« on: March 17, 2011, 11:55:09 am »
I'll skip to the part you care about. I took PILL 1 last night at 12:40PM, lay nervously in bed for about an hour, expecting David Lynch to be filming in my unconscious, and eventually got to sleep. No hallucinations. No crazy dreams. I did get up to pee in the middle of the night and went back to sleep. I woke up around 6:30am and felt kind of woozy in the head, a bit like a hangover, but that was it. I was so paranoid about the "empty stomach" thing that I waited 4 hours after dinner to take the pill. I mean, how empty can my stomach be if I only ate dinner a couple hours ago. They should really qualify "empty stomach" better in the medical literature.

My short history is in my autosignature, but basically my genotype test came back yesterday and it was the first piece of good news I got since before my diagnosis. He said that I could go on Atripla right away or I could take a combination of 3 pills or wait. I sort of looked at him like he was crazy and I said in my gentle way, "what are you CRAZY? what should I wait for? To land in the hospital?" Needless to say, I'm a little high strung these days. He laughed and said some people wait. My numbers are pretty bad, so I decided to go with the Atripla right away. He said that ALL his patients, if genotype test is in their favor, go on Atripla and do very well on it. The only side effects he's seen or have been reported back to him by patients are very vivid dreams and some dizziness in the morning.

I was worried about the co-pay, but luckily our insurance covered almost all of it, so that was a load off my mind.

Brand new here. I wish everyone the best with however they are handling their HIV and I'm going to do my best to report in everyday on side effects and my general day-to-day life on the drug. I was just telling someone in another post that this forum has helped me so much with coping with the news of my diagnosis. I don't know how to say this, but making this an everyday thing, forcing to normalize the diagnosis, the condition, and it's effects have been extremely helpful to my physical and mental health. Hopefully this post will be helpful to people.
2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #1 on: March 18, 2011, 09:01:02 am »
PILL 2 - Took it last night at around 9:30. Lying in bed for about an hour not able to sleep so I popped an Ambien. My doc said it would be fine. I made it to sleep. Got up once to pee at 4. Went back to sleep. Woke up today around 8am slightly less dizzy than the day before. I'm taking that as a good sign.  :) I also spoke to a pharmacist about the empty stomach-before bedtime thing, and basically she said if you're eating dinner around 7, take it around 10.

My situation is a bit complicated because my doc also has me on Bactrim once a day just as a precaution against PCP. Those one-a-day antibiotics themselves can knock the wind out of your system, so given that I'm still functioning ok.

will keep you posted
2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #2 on: March 19, 2011, 07:56:45 am »
PILL 3 - Took it last night around 11:00pm (along with an ambien) and got up around 7am today slightly groggy but with no other side effects. My partner and I ate around 8:30 last night, so my stomach wasn't completely empty or full, so hopefully that didn't alter anything. I probably won't keep reporting in unless something changes or when my next set of VL/Tcell counts come in.

On a side note, I haven't done any real exercise since before I started the treatment on Wednesday, so I took the bike out for the first time this year with some friends, just to see if I could do it and to test the toll the drug has taken on my system. It was great. I had no problem. It really lifted my spirts. A bright beautiful day, friends, laughter. Really great. Ever since I was diagnosed, I just had this fear that things were going to begin to tank no matter what I did, but yesterday really proved me wrong. I hate to sound like a self-help guru, but get out there and LIVE. 

2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline DanMo

  • Member
  • Posts: 235
  • Finally undetectable! ;D
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #3 on: March 19, 2011, 09:31:52 am »
Hi there!

Thanks for keeping track of your initial experiences with Atripla. I understand that it's the preferred drug to use with newly infected patients. I appreciate how everyone is posting their experience with it since it gives me a better idea of what to expect. Since I'm newly infected, there's the chance that I will be put on this regimen.

I hope your treatments goes well!  ;D

Dan
“I tried to drown my sorrows, but the bastards learned how to swim, and now I am overwhelmed by this decent and good feeling.” —Frida Kahlo

11 Feb 2011 - Preliminary positive
07 Mar 11 - Inconclusive WB
14 Mar 11 - Diagnosed positive
05 Apr 11 - 355 (21%) / VL: 186,054
27 Apr 11 - 390 (20%) / VL: 285,095
06 Jun 11 - 298 (19%) / VL:  78,380
01 Aug 11 - > STARTED ATRIPLA <
30 Aug 11 - 699 (31%) / VL: 1,938
03 Nov 11 -                / VL: 645
27 Dec 11 - 559 (35%) / VL: 1,189
11 Jan 12 -                 / VL: <20
09 Apr 12 - 686 (40%) / VL: UD
11 Jul 12 - 793 (37%) / VL: 25

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #4 on: March 20, 2011, 10:37:27 am »
PILL 4 - Unlike the last 2 nights, I decided to take Atripla with Melatonin in place of the Ambien I had taken the last 2 nights. Well, I'm not quite sure if it was a good idea. I had this strange sensation that I was being "flatened" or steamrolled over. I can't quite explain it. It must have been a hallucination. I don't know if it was the Atripla or the Melatonin or an interaction that was causing this. It was this strange warmth (not fever) that sort of overcame me and it was like I could feel the Atripla surging through me. I haven't slept easy since my diagnosis and I had heard that Atripla would help me sleep, but it hasn't. I'm a thinker and a worrier and I generally just lay there in fear that something bad is going to happen (even though just the opposite is happening). So, that's why I've been taking the Ambien. I was hoping to use the Melotonin because it's more natural but I don't want to be awake while the Atripla is doing it's thing, so I think I may go back to the Ambien.

Just to add, this morning I did sleep a little later than usual and I only felt the same grogginess I've felt the last few days.
2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline mikeyb39

  • Member
  • Posts: 980
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #5 on: March 20, 2011, 07:56:39 pm »
Hi thelovedone,

I'm a firm beiiever in the ambien, i'm generally the same as you thinker and worrier, if i lay in bed and try to fall asleep it wont happen.  I take my atripla at 9pm, then i usually go to bed around 11pm, take my ambien and fall asleep.

mike
11/02/2010  cd4-251, vl-591000
12/09/2010  started Atripla
02/18/2011  cd4-425, vl-800
06/10/2011  cd4-447, vl-70
10/10/2011  cd4-666, vl-80
01/05/2012  swiched med (prezista,norvir ,isentress, )
02/10/2012  cd4-733, vl-UD  Viread removed
06/10/2012  cd4-614, vl-UD
12/14/2012  cd4-764, vl-UD
09/01/2013  cd4-785, vl-UD
03/06/2014. cd4- 1078, VL-UD
09/05/2014  cd4-850 , VL-UD
09/05/2014 switched meds isentress, prezcobix -still only two antivirals
10/14/2015  cd4-600 , VL-UD

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #6 on: March 21, 2011, 08:40:11 am »
Pill 5 - Took it last night around 11pm with an Ambien and got to sleep OK and woke up less groggy than previous days. No other side effects.
2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline brenner

  • Member
  • Posts: 93
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #7 on: March 21, 2011, 08:52:47 am »
looks like the atripla is working for you really well....same for me.

look forward to my lab results in a few weeks to see how the numbers are doing.  but definately feeling better, mentally and physically now.  not as tired anymore as i used to pre diagnosis. 
Feb 23. 2011  poz diagnosed
Feb 28.  cd4 257, vl 262400, %21
Mar 14.  start Atripla
May 18.  cd4 639, vl 690, %33
Aug 19.  cd4 583, vl 60, %38
Nov 18.  cd4 450, vl UD, %38
2012
Feb.19   cd4 649, vl UD, %35
Jun 08.  cd4 524, vl UD, %34
Sep 16.  cd4 567, vl UD, %35
Dec 02.  cd4 592, vl UD, %35
2013
Mar 10.  cd4 688, vl UD, %35

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #8 on: March 23, 2011, 10:04:36 am »
Just a side note to the Atripla diary - I do have a little bug that started yesterday. I had chills, aches and slugishness yesterday but today I'm just a little warm, no more chills. Still have quite an appetite though.

I called my doc yesterday and he said just to take some Tylenol and take it easy. I have no reason to believe that it has anything to do with taking Atripla along with the Bactrim. I still haven't had any side-effects (knock wood) from the Atripla.

Cheers
2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline drewm

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,248
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #9 on: March 23, 2011, 11:23:33 am »
Everything sounds in order so far. Atripla is my friend! I have had "tremendous" success on this pill (my doc's quote) and the side effects have greatly subsided. I still have the dreams (thank God!  :)) and am still on Valtrex and Bactrim and take a 50mg sleep gel at night but I had chronic insomnia before dx.

All in all, everything's working just fine. Keep up posted on your diary though. It seems I learn something new everyday here!
Diagnosed in  May of 2010 with teh AIDS.

PCP Pneumonia . CD4 8 . VL 500,000

TRIUMEQ - VALTREX -  FLUOXETINE - FENOFIBRATE - PRAVASTATIN - CIALIS


Numbers consistent since 12/2010 - VL has remained undetectable and CD4 is anywhere from 275-325

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #10 on: March 23, 2011, 12:34:20 pm »
Just want to tell you that your posts are tremendously helpful and hopeful. When I read your stats and story, it throws my worries into sharp perspective. I've had it easy compared to you. I'm glad you're doing well and what you write on here helps me (and I'm sure a lot of other people too) a lot. You're a good egg! Keep fighting.
2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline drewm

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,248
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #11 on: March 23, 2011, 12:46:03 pm »
Just want to tell you that your posts are tremendously helpful and hopeful. When I read your stats and story, it throws my worries into sharp perspective. I've had it easy compared to you. I'm glad you're doing well and what you write on here helps me (and I'm sure a lot of other people too) a lot. You're a good egg! Keep fighting.

Thank you lovedones. It is what it is...nothing more...nothing less. I thank my God, my docs and this big pink pill for keeping this otherwise deadly virus beat the hell down. I am keenly aware that while all of us own this bug, our experiences are considerably different. I just wish everyone could have the outstanding results many of us have seen and I keep praying that scientists cure this ASAP.  :)
Diagnosed in  May of 2010 with teh AIDS.

PCP Pneumonia . CD4 8 . VL 500,000

TRIUMEQ - VALTREX -  FLUOXETINE - FENOFIBRATE - PRAVASTATIN - CIALIS


Numbers consistent since 12/2010 - VL has remained undetectable and CD4 is anywhere from 275-325

Offline mikeyb39

  • Member
  • Posts: 980
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #12 on: March 24, 2011, 12:11:32 am »

Hi all,
glad everyone is doing good.

@drewm.  What is a sleeping gel? i've never heard of that but certainly curious.

thanks
11/02/2010  cd4-251, vl-591000
12/09/2010  started Atripla
02/18/2011  cd4-425, vl-800
06/10/2011  cd4-447, vl-70
10/10/2011  cd4-666, vl-80
01/05/2012  swiched med (prezista,norvir ,isentress, )
02/10/2012  cd4-733, vl-UD  Viread removed
06/10/2012  cd4-614, vl-UD
12/14/2012  cd4-764, vl-UD
09/01/2013  cd4-785, vl-UD
03/06/2014. cd4- 1078, VL-UD
09/05/2014  cd4-850 , VL-UD
09/05/2014 switched meds isentress, prezcobix -still only two antivirals
10/14/2015  cd4-600 , VL-UD

Offline drewm

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,248
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #13 on: March 24, 2011, 12:35:55 am »
Unisom or Equate are two. Wal-Mart, Walgreens, CVS....

50mg of Diphenhydramine helps to knock me out and when I wake up I'm not groggy.  ;)
« Last Edit: March 24, 2011, 12:40:51 am by drewm »
Diagnosed in  May of 2010 with teh AIDS.

PCP Pneumonia . CD4 8 . VL 500,000

TRIUMEQ - VALTREX -  FLUOXETINE - FENOFIBRATE - PRAVASTATIN - CIALIS


Numbers consistent since 12/2010 - VL has remained undetectable and CD4 is anywhere from 275-325

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #14 on: March 28, 2011, 03:32:59 pm »
BIG CURVE BALL ---- I'll try to keep this brief. On Thurs night I went to the Emergency room. I had been having terrible fatigue, chills and fever for 2 days and my doc said to do go in. They gave me a bag of antibiotics and other liquids, but the fever came back. They took Xrays but they were clear. They took about 20 viles of blood; all came back negative for infections. They were speculating PCP, even Malaria. My fever spiked at 105 degrees on Friday so finally the Infectious Disease checked out my skin and said "you've got a serious rash; I think you're having an alergic reaction against the Bactrim or the Atripla; probably the Bactrim." I stopped both and the fever was gone the next day. The ID doc wants me to be "rechallanged" on Atripla by my HIV doc as soon as the rash is clear, hopefully this week.

If anyone has any ideas if they think it's the Bactrim or the Atripla. The rash was all over my body and kind of looked like really bad sunburn with goosebumps. It's cleared up a little but still there.
2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline brenner

  • Member
  • Posts: 93
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #15 on: March 29, 2011, 01:46:14 am »
I am so sorry to hear about that reaction.  My rash is not that bad, and I dont have any fever, but i do tend to get really warm during the night.  I cannot see the rash any more, but I do have a slight itch on the palms of my hands and wherever there is a joint. 

im sure your doctor is going to fix the problem....its probably not the first time he has seen what you described.  good luck, and let us know how its going ok?
Feb 23. 2011  poz diagnosed
Feb 28.  cd4 257, vl 262400, %21
Mar 14.  start Atripla
May 18.  cd4 639, vl 690, %33
Aug 19.  cd4 583, vl 60, %38
Nov 18.  cd4 450, vl UD, %38
2012
Feb.19   cd4 649, vl UD, %35
Jun 08.  cd4 524, vl UD, %34
Sep 16.  cd4 567, vl UD, %35
Dec 02.  cd4 592, vl UD, %35
2013
Mar 10.  cd4 688, vl UD, %35

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #16 on: April 01, 2011, 08:56:27 am »
My doc wanted to "rechallenge" me on the Atripla without Bactrim, so I started Atripla again last night. I feel fine today I guess. I have a little of the dizziness I had when I first started. I've basically been off of it for 5 days and I took it last night with Ambien, so I'm not surprised. My doc took me off the Bactrim and put me on Mepron liquid antibiotic to protect me against PCP (it also protects against a parasite that affects the brain...YIKES).

PLEASE no more bumps in the road.

Wish me luck.
« Last Edit: April 01, 2011, 08:58:31 am by thelovedones »
2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline jackfrost

  • Member
  • Posts: 93
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #17 on: April 01, 2011, 08:16:29 pm »
Ack sorry to hear about the rash and the high fever, glad your okay. I started Atripla back in February, my first week was hell - but I might have had food poisoning or a flu when I started - really bad timing lol.

I didn't start having very vivid dreams until recently, the other night I dreamt that I was in a maze and I had to find as many hairy men in jockstraps as possible - it was very vivid, like my dream was in high definition lol

I hope the Atripla works out for you!!

Offline drewm

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,248
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #18 on: April 01, 2011, 11:52:10 pm »
Just asked my partner. He and I are both taking Atripla. I have never experienced "warmth" but he has at times. I am still on Bactrim and Valtrex as well.
Diagnosed in  May of 2010 with teh AIDS.

PCP Pneumonia . CD4 8 . VL 500,000

TRIUMEQ - VALTREX -  FLUOXETINE - FENOFIBRATE - PRAVASTATIN - CIALIS


Numbers consistent since 12/2010 - VL has remained undetectable and CD4 is anywhere from 275-325

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #19 on: April 02, 2011, 10:16:45 am »
Thanks for chiming in, guys. It helps to hear from people because it helps make taking the meds more normal.

As for Mepron, it is a liquid and the color is iridescent curry yellow. It's gross but only 2 teaspoons a day.
2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline littleprince

  • Member
  • Posts: 201
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #20 on: April 02, 2011, 12:03:17 pm »
Hope all goes well now you are off the bactrim. It's quite common for people to react to it. Which explains why my dr was be asking me daily if I had rashes or feeling sick in any way when i started on it.


Hi all,
glad everyone is doing good.

@drewm.  What is a sleeping gel? i've never heard of that but certainly curious.

thanks

Just remember that even OTC drugs need to be checked for interactions with antivirals. I stupidly took an old OTC sleeping pill a few months ago and found out it had interactions when my hands and feet went blue. Lesson learned.

Offline ppp333

  • Member
  • Posts: 53
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #21 on: April 02, 2011, 05:59:56 pm »
Littleprince what OTC did u take? R u on Atripla

Offline bmancanfly

  • Member
  • Posts: 786
  • Medicare For All !
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #22 on: April 02, 2011, 06:16:22 pm »
I really miss those Atripla dreams.   >:(

Good luck,  hope you continue to make progress.
"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt."

 Bertrand Russell

Offline littleprince

  • Member
  • Posts: 201
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #23 on: April 02, 2011, 06:25:08 pm »
Can’t remember the name but it was an antihistamine based sleeping pill. I’m on Kaletra & Truvada. I think it was the Kaleta that interacted with the antihistamine. It actually affects your circulation and prevents blood getting to limbs, organs and the heart, yeiks. Luck my heart didn’t stop, just my hands and feet went blue from lack of blood.
 
But Truvada (which is in Atripla) has its own list of interactions. I was just prescribed an antibiotic by a GP and read that it interacts with Truvada. Luckily my ID dr is good and quickly checks every new drug that any other dr prescribes and gives me the yay or nay.

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #24 on: April 08, 2011, 08:09:41 am »
Just thought I would report in on the diary.

I was "rechallenged" (still can't get used to that phrase) on Atripla last Thursday with Mepron (liquid antibiotic) in place of the Bactrim and I've had no adverse or allergic reactions so far. I still feel fine. Still going to the gym. Knock wood. I take the Atripla at night a couple hours after dinner before bed and I take the 2 teaspoons of Mepron in the morning with breakfast.

I'll continue to keep the diary updated but I'm really really praying that I have nothing more to report but lower viral load...
2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline hope_for_a_cure

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,517
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #25 on: April 08, 2011, 08:19:25 am »
It sounds like you have found a solution that works.  Best of luck with that.


I really miss those Atripla dreams.   >:(

For some reason, this week the dreams are on hiatus, but I still have them and have been on Atripla for just over a year now. 

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #26 on: April 29, 2011, 10:47:32 am »
Just thought I'd pop in with some good news. I have a new doc who is excellent and he took blood on 4/21. Got the results back today. It seems like the Atripla is doing the trick because my VL has gone from 192,765 to 413 in 6 weeks. T-cells are now 311. All other blood work is looking good too, even cholesterol. I just got these over the phone. I have an appointment for a full physical and discussion w/ doc about the results next week.

Woohoo!!! :)
2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline brenner

  • Member
  • Posts: 93
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #27 on: May 02, 2011, 03:44:11 am »
hey you...that is amazing news....you are kicking total ass....i am getting my labs in the next 2 weeks and i hope that they are as good as yours.  that really gives me a great feeling to hear this.
will let you know for shhhhhhuuuurrrre.

congrats again.

b
Feb 23. 2011  poz diagnosed
Feb 28.  cd4 257, vl 262400, %21
Mar 14.  start Atripla
May 18.  cd4 639, vl 690, %33
Aug 19.  cd4 583, vl 60, %38
Nov 18.  cd4 450, vl UD, %38
2012
Feb.19   cd4 649, vl UD, %35
Jun 08.  cd4 524, vl UD, %34
Sep 16.  cd4 567, vl UD, %35
Dec 02.  cd4 592, vl UD, %35
2013
Mar 10.  cd4 688, vl UD, %35

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #28 on: May 02, 2011, 10:29:42 am »
thanks, darlin. You're going to do great!
2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline RichardfromIndy

  • Member
  • Posts: 17
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #29 on: May 07, 2011, 07:32:37 am »
I've been on Atripla for a number of years and the only real side effect is the dreams.  I had another one last night and while they can be frustrating, still the benefits of the drug outweight the side effects that I am getting.  When I started the drug my cd4 was in the 300 range and steadiliy progress to where it is now at about 650.  I peaked at around 725 a few years ago.  It's important to remember that any results that are within about 50 pts of each other aren't that far off.  The main thing is to track your progress over an extended period of time to better understand how you are doing.  I have my last 11 years in a 3-ring binder and I track my cd4, cd8, triglycerides and cholesterol levels (good and bad).  High triglycerides may result from taking atripla or any other of the drugs.  I am getting ready to begin taking a drug to lower it since it can lead to stroke.  At age 69, being informed and proactive about my healthcare treatment is important and has helped a great deal for the past 21 years.  I wish you well in your treatment program.

Offline RichardfromIndy

  • Member
  • Posts: 17
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #30 on: May 07, 2011, 07:35:15 am »
Incidently, I usually wait two hours after eating or one hour before to take my medication.  I have even cheated on that a bit and there doesn't seem to be any side effects from it.  Thank goodness for insurance because I would not be able to afford the drug otherwise.

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #31 on: May 08, 2011, 04:41:42 pm »
I haven't had the dreams. Luckily I haven't had any side effects and I hope to God it stays that way. I do think it's criminally expensive and if it weren't for insurance, I'd probably be on ADAP/Medicaid or dying. There's no way around the truth.

My doc is very good about monitoring my blood and we have another test coming up in a couple of months to see how I'm doing. My doc is pretty confident given how well I've responded so far. Fingers crossed.

As for taking it with meals or 2 hours after, the doc says that taking on an empty stomach just lessens the likelyhood of side effects if you have any. The drug will still work if you take it with or without food. That said, I still take it before bed.

good luck to you
2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline drewm

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,248
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #32 on: May 08, 2011, 04:56:57 pm »
Just thought I'd pop in with some good news. I have a new doc who is excellent and he took blood on 4/21. Got the results back today. It seems like the Atripla is doing the trick because my VL has gone from 192,765 to 413 in 6 weeks. T-cells are now 311. All other blood work is looking good too, even cholesterol. I just got these over the phone. I have an appointment for a full physical and discussion w/ doc about the results next week.

Woohoo!!! :)

 :-*
Diagnosed in  May of 2010 with teh AIDS.

PCP Pneumonia . CD4 8 . VL 500,000

TRIUMEQ - VALTREX -  FLUOXETINE - FENOFIBRATE - PRAVASTATIN - CIALIS


Numbers consistent since 12/2010 - VL has remained undetectable and CD4 is anywhere from 275-325

Offline rocky48

  • Member
  • Posts: 39
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #33 on: May 09, 2011, 10:22:25 pm »
The post are tremendously helpful. Has anyone been light headed when they stand up and vision get real dark only last for about 10 to 15 seconds. Started Atripla about 19 days ago.

Thanks
Started Atripla on 4/23/11
5/27/11   CD4 - 572 VL - 130
9/30/11   CD4 - 566 VL - UD
3/23/12   CD4 - 640 VL - UD
9/21/12   CD4 - 699 VL - UD
Switched to Triumeq its been a couple years now.
8/27/18   CD4 - 756  VL - UD

Offline captaintristan

  • New Member
  • Posts: 1
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #34 on: May 11, 2011, 01:32:22 pm »
thanks for the diary. could have used it when i started over a year ago. about myself and what i have experienced. i am 42 and was infected December 1999. wow, is everyone different or what? my first night i dreamed every pattern imaginable! this was complicated with the fact that i took my atripla with my blood pressure pill which has a diuretic. waking at night i had to hold on to walls! this continued for at least six months. although the dreaming patterns stuff only one night. drinking alcohol makes me so sleepy to this day and i am not sure that is a bad thing. i am very much limited to three beers tops. oh, and coffee! a strong cup sends me off with dorothy over kansas. list "coffee may result in dizziness" as on of your unlisted side effects. will catch up to see how your doing. good luck. oh is it working? vl undetectable and cd4 300. it worked for me great.
« Last Edit: May 11, 2011, 01:35:41 pm by captaintristan »

Offline thelovedones

  • Member
  • Posts: 58
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #35 on: June 28, 2011, 01:49:25 pm »
Just got my latest blood work and I am now Undetectable and T-cells are climbing also.  :) Very relieved.

Thank you, Atripla, my awesome BF, and thanks to everyone on the forum.

2/26/11 – Diagnosis at State Dept of Health (anonymous testing center)
2/28/11 – Oral Swab Positive diagnosis and confirmatory blood test taken
3/4/11 – Confirmed HIV Positive diagnosis; blood drawn for T-cell count, VL, and medical profile
3/11/11 – VL: 192765, T-cell: 195
3/16/11 – Prescribed Atripla and took Pill 1
4/29/11 - VL: 413, T-cell: 311
6/28/11 - VL: UNDETECTABLE, T-Cell: 437


"I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine"

Offline drewm

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,248
Re: Atripla Diary
« Reply #36 on: June 28, 2011, 02:46:37 pm »
Just got my latest blood work and I am now Undetectable and T-cells are climbing also.  :) Very relieved.

Thank you, Atripla, my awesome BF, and thanks to everyone on the forum.



Glad to hear your news. This virus HATES Atripla!  ;)
Diagnosed in  May of 2010 with teh AIDS.

PCP Pneumonia . CD4 8 . VL 500,000

TRIUMEQ - VALTREX -  FLUOXETINE - FENOFIBRATE - PRAVASTATIN - CIALIS


Numbers consistent since 12/2010 - VL has remained undetectable and CD4 is anywhere from 275-325

 


Terms of Membership for these forums
 

© 2024 Smart + Strong. All Rights Reserved.   terms of use and your privacy
Smart + Strong® is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC.