Combivir and Kaletra - If it Ain't Broke

[SweetSassafras]

So, my numbers have always been pretty strong... when I was diagnosed and in the 2 years thereafter my CD4 ranged between 500-700 and my VL started around 25k and rose and fell but not significantly. The doctor and I both agreed that meds were not really necessary at that point.

In my first pregnancy, I started Combivir and Kaletra in my 4th month to bring my VL down which it did beautifully. My CD4 shot up like crazy, I'm undetectable and things have stayed that way even throughout the second pregnancy.

My doctor has given me the option to change or simplify my regimen. He says unless I'm planning for another pregnancy (HA!) then we could go another way. The way I see it, if it's working so well, why bother it? I could use some input from someone with a little more knowledge on such matters.

[buginme2]

If you are not going to get pregnant again I would recommend a switch. 

The old saying if it it ain't broke don't fix it really doesn't fit your circumstance.  You are on an older drug combo.  If you could improve your combo to something newer with less side effects and less risk to produce some undesirable effects of the combo your on (such as lypodystrophy) then by all means you should. 

[newt]

Much to be said for if it ain't broke.

The long term advantage of switching to something newer is a reduction in the risk of high cholesterol and perhaps heart disease that is associated with this combo.

But, perhaps your cholesterol is good, and heart health good too. Routine blood tests should tell you this.

A simple switch would be to swap the Combivir only. Getting off AZT, one of the drug in Combivir, is almost always a good thing.

- matt