Resistance test

[zeb]

Hi all,

A question about resistance.
Is it normal to start meds and if they don't do their work to do a resistance test, or is it common to perform a resistance test before you start meds, or is it normal to do it in the beginning of the infection? I'm not on meds yet and haven't had this test yet.

The thing is dat I'm worried about the chance I could have been infected with a resistant strain. Or is this something which still is good treatable and not to be too concerned of?

Zeb

[Blixer]

Zeb,
It is my understanding that it is generally accepted practice in the United States at least to do a resistance test before starting meds.  There probably isn't a real reason to do one until you are close to starting meds since it is my understanding that resistance patterns can change over time.  Resistance testing gives the doctor a guideline on which meds to use.  What I've read lately says that someplace between 10% and 25% of individuals have some resistance.  But even if you have some resistance doesn't mean that your virus can't be treated.  It just means that there are some drugs that won't work as well.  And it lets your doctor select the drugs that will be most effective at controlling the virus.

Hope that helps. 

[zeb]

Hi Blixer,

Thanks for your posting. I'm still quite new at this and I have some feeling that in the USA the treatment care is a bit ahead of  Europe. Not that it is bad here (on contrary), but it's always good to hear how things at your place are going.
Thanks a lot!

Zeb

[aztecan]

Hey Zeb,

Blixer pretty much hit it on the head. Generally speaking, docs here will do a resistance prior to beginning meds for the first time or when swtiching meds as a result of apparent drug failure.

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger though. I have never had a resistance test done as yet. When I started meds it didn't exist and I have never developed resistance to a med yet. (Crosses fingers, toes, eyes, legs, etc.)

Good to hear from you.

HUGS,

Mark

[zeb]

Well Mark,

It's always good to learn from your experiences.
So thanks for your reply!
Well talking about fingers or other bodyparts crossed.
If it helps I'll do it!

Greetings
Zeb

[RICKY77531]

I asked my doc to do a resistance test before I started meds..but he told me it wasn't neccesary right now.....I am guessing if after three  months my numbers don't improve then maybe then a resistance test....... confused

[aztecan]

I asked my doc to do a resistance test before I started meds..but he told me it wasn't necessary right now.....I am guessing if after three months my numbers don't improve then maybe then a resistance test....... confused

Hey Ricky,

I know, its confusing. There is still no overall consensus on this. Some docs do a resistance test immediately upon diagnosis, others wait until people start meds or switch meds, still others, like yours, don't do one unless there is some anecdotal evidence resistance may be developing.

One of these days, there will be a standard of care and someone will let all the docs know about it.

Just hang in there and remember to keep track of your labs yourself. Docs can sometimes overlook pattens that you may discern with your own bit of scrutiny.

HUGS,

Mark

[ScottPhxAZ]

Yes you can be infected with a resistant strain. I tested HIV- but the doc suspected HIV so he did a VL which came back at 1,000,000+. The very next test was for resistance, and for me there was a resistance detected. I can't really think of a reason not to do one before starting meds (which I haven't yet.) Why start a therapy that may not be effective?