POZ Community Forums
Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: Sinsation on June 24, 2006, 10:07:49 pm
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Is anyone taking this combinations and what should i expect as far as side effects. Also would like to know any other thoughts on this particular combination. I'll be starting on this combination for the first time with any meds next week.
Thanks,
Steve
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remember, everyone's different.
i'm going by memory but my answers would be tiredness. nausea. for nausea, try pericardium-6:
http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=1002.msg10936#msg10936 (http://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=1002.msg10936#msg10936)
it's pretty effective for stomach issues like pregnancy nausea (morning sickness), travel nausea (motion sickness), upset stomach, nausea from meds, etc
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there are quite a few of us on this particular regimen. I started on kaletra and Combivir but that only lasted a few weeks. I have been on this since Dec, 2003. I'm happy with the results. From cd4 of 18 to current 540(33%) and undetectable after 3 months.
The side effects seem to be like all the other HAARTS. Constipation and/or diarrhea, dreams, high cholesterol/trig licerides. At the beginning there is some yellowing of the skin but that shall pass.
On the whole, I think you'll be happy with it.
robert
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Reyataz has the best record on blood fats (lipids/ triglycerides) - indeed, a rise of these on Reyataz is highly unusual.
Vivid dreams are mainly reserved for the orange bomb Sustiva.
Truvada (the Viread in this two-drug pill to be precise) may be a culprit for insomnia though.
- matt
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Thanks alot guys. Your input is really helping me understand just what to expect with this combo! Much appreciation! Keep em' coming...
Steve
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you're welcome.
from what i remember, reyataz and vitamins don't mix ...
norvir must be kept under 75 degrees farenheit ... so be extra careful since we're now in summer (in the northern hemisphere that is ;D)
when in doubt, ask your doctor - even if you think the question is minor. there are no minor questions when it comes to your health! 8)
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Refrigeration of Norvir capsules is the recommended way to store this drug, but ain't necessary if they're stored below 77°F (25°C) and used within 2 months.
Allo, I don't understand your comment on Reyataz and vitamins, do you mean there's is some kind of interaction, or it's not a good idea to take them together?
- matt
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Allo, I don't understand your comment on Reyataz and vitamins, do you mean there's is some kind of interaction, or it's not a good idea to take them together?
the old bottle of reyataz i have says "do not take with vitamins" (little sticky label on the bottle)
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Thanks for your thoughts on this combo guys. Still would be great to know what anyone else's experience might be.
Much thanks,
Steve =)
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Just started this March 1, with epivir/viread instead of truvada (but vitually the same combo). First few days no problem just a "rush" from taking the pills in the morning - like a jolt of caffeine. I got a rash after about a week that lasted a week or so - on the body and only kept me inside for a day or two when it looked worse - itched a bit but not terrible. Dr. treated it symtomatically and it went away after 3-5 days on each part of the body - about 8 days in all. A bit scary but definitely not worth stopping for.
My result have been fabulous so far - last labs viral load of 85, it had been as high as almost 100,000. Tcells already up, and now I don't notice any side effects. Definitely a good combo and I'm very happy with it - especially the once a day dosing in the morning.
Don't take Reyataz with antacids, or something acid inhibitors, it can hurt the effectiveness of the meds. I had a problem with this, and was able to take a Zantac 12 hours after the meds (ok with the doc) only when needed, and then the acid problems went away too.
Good luck!
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Im on a Reyataz Epzicom Norvir combo, and have no side effects. My cholesterol shot up somewhat, but Im predisposed to high Cholesterol anyway, my chol is coming under control with a Niacin supliment,
my VL is either Undetectable or very low, and my CD4's have gone WAAY up. from 11% to 30+%
Im pretty happy with it.
I hope it works as well for you..
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I've been on this regimen for 2 weeks. My first meds (Truvada & viramune) failed to make the virus undetectable. I definitely noticed changes in my sleep pattern and just today I've broken out in a red, blotchy rash, but it doesn't itch or anything - odd. I read the other post above about the rash - which is why I came on here today, and I'm going to assume that I should just wait it out and not panic. I took a Benadryl tab tonight hoping it will lessen the severity of the rash, etc... Any other comments on the rash situation is greatly appreciated!!!
Steve
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I've been on this combo for about 9 months and I LOVE it. My viral load is undetectable, my lipids dropped over 1000 points and I only have to take meds once a day. The only side effect I have noticed is yellowing of my eyes and skin due to elevated bilirubin. My MD say this is not a problem because my other liver enzymes are fine. With my other combos I have always had more troublesome side effects, such as chronic diarrhea and neuropathy. I hope this combo is effective a long time.
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Ive been on on this combo for a short time and havent experienced any bad side effects except for the basics..nausua and tiredness.... I am restless at nites but cant fall asleep but always feel tired.
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Hi Steve:
I was the one who had the rash. It started out as dots, then became blotches, then the red blotches grew together so it looked like i had a sunburn. At this point, it very quickly faded out. Never got too itchy, just tender, and went away after 3-4 days on each part of the body (started on the chest and spread out) and probably 8-10 days for the whole thing to pass. It looks scary, but for me it wasn't anything bad...
One thing I wondered is I was taking Wellbutrin at the time, and that has some interaction with Reyataz. I switched to Wellbutrin time release and that is much better - i wonder if that might have precipitated it since my Doc said it wasn't all that common....
Now four months later I have no side effects to speak of, and the regimen is working wonders...down to 85 viral load after 3 months, and looking forward to the results in my next labs!
Stick with it! Good luck!
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The nausea just started kicking in for me after two weeks on the combo. How long has this lasted for others? Seeing my doctor in a few days but am hoping to get some insight before then...thanks and peace to all! Dex
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I think this has to be the best combo going. I have been on it since the beginning (a year and a half ago) and like Magic Johnson says in his ad, I don't think of having HIV except for when I have to take my meds (paraphrasing). It's gone that well for me. No side effects whatsoever. I chose it over any other PI as I had done my research and found out that it was best regarding lipid levels. And I wanted a once a day regimen. It's the perfect combo for me.
My lipids are excellent. I had a jump in my liver numbers in the first couple of months but it went away about a month later (I was taking some growth-hormone over the counter stuff my doctor had me get off of, I think it was the cause).
My hubby is also using Reyataz (but with other combo of meds) and he is doing equally well.
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The nausea is not bad. Just irksome. It will go away in a few days.
robert
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oh yeah and it's 'take with food' which is kinda convenient - no counting hours , starvation, etc. (don't you just hate those 'take on empty stomach' Rx drugs? they're such a hassle and a half)
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Thanks for the responses...the nausea finally let up.....
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Hey all and thanks for all your replys.
Well, I've been on Truvad/Reyatz/Norivir since July 22,06 and just learned that my liver enzymes are very high which my doctor seems to think that it is liver toxicity. That and he mentioned the possibility of it being "Immune Reconstitution".
Although he did suggest a liver biopsy which would rule of either, it seems with the elevated ALT/AST, dark urine and bleeding gums-which are a sign of liver toxicity may also be the culprit. Since I do have Hep B and went through the same set of symptoms a few years back of liver toxicity, it seems reasonable that is what is happening. The doctor suggested taking me off the Norvir/Reyatz and putting me on Lexiva.
Although my CD4's went from 9% to 14% and VL from 58,000 to 200 in just one month which is great news, this seems like a setback with my liver function tests. Really sucks too since I was excited about being on this combo- with NO side effects. Well other than screwing with my liver.
More than likely I won't do the liver biopsy and will go on the Lexiva and see where my liver numbers go. Ugh, feeling a bit defeated today. Yea, i know...chin up Steve. I'll have some more test in two days and I'll keep ya'll posted on the outcome. Thanks again guys..hugs!
Any thoughts on this and what meds might be "best" or less toxic to the liver?
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>:(Hei
I have read the forum concerning Reyataz, Novir and Truvada. It seems most people who are on Reyataz, Norvir are also on Truvada. Am on Reyataz, Norvir, Viread and Emtriva.
I would like to find out which is the best comb of Reyataz and Norvir. I would maybe have one instead of the other two (Viread and Emtriva). Can i drop one of the two?
desperate need your advice.
Thanks
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I have been taking the Reyataz/Norvir/Combivir cocktail for about 4 days now. Yesterday my eyes were yellow and got really freaked out about it because the info. that the pharmacy provides with the medication says to "call the doctor immediately". I don't think they should have that on there unless this side effect is really an emergency. I made some phone calls and found yesterday (Saturday) and found out that the only person you can really talk to is your doctor or go to Urgent care. No one is available on the weekends to answer any questions. Not the NIH, CDC, and the CA HIV/AIDS hotline. All their messages tell you to call Monday through Friday. I almost stopped taking the meds because I was scared that my liver was going to get damaged or something. Luckily I know this guy who knows someone at APLA and was able to give me some great information about the side effects and advised to keep taking my meds. I don't have health insurance at the moment so I'm fucked if I were to get sick or require urgent medical care. My advice to those starting new medications is, ask your doctor about all the specific side effects and the common side effects, also make sure you are able to get a hold of your doctor or someone who can help you after 5 p.m on weekdays and on Weekends. Oh, my muscles have been sore since I started on these new meds but I hope it goes away.
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Hey Lido,
Viread+Emtriva is the same drugs as Truvada. The two separate medicines Viread and Emtriva were combined recently to make a once-a-day nuke pair delivered in 1 handy tablet, which they named Truvada (from "TRUe 1 x A DAy", apparently..yeah, like, likely), but essentially, from a combo-building point of view, Viread+Emtriva = Truvada.
- matt
Now playing : Radio 4
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Hiya all!
I started Truvada + Sustiva, but had to stop Sustiva by the 4th week due to a severe rash with pain in joints. My doc then proposed keeping Truvada and adding Reyataz plus Norvir.
I am on my 4th month with this, and no remarcable side effects, not even yellowing. I am waiting for results on my last meds to see how is it going as per regards to VL and CD4 counts as well as lipids and so on.
I've got used to this combo and I am very happy with it, hope labs will be telling good news!!!!
Hughs!
:-)