Complera Side Effects

[Oceanlove]

Hi folks,

I started Complera a month ago.  So far, the most noticeable side effects are a bitter taste on the tongue, nausea, bloating, and low energy.  The low energy is starting to dissipate, but the bitter taste and nausea are still there.  Also, I don't know if I'm imagining it, but my stomach seems to be bulging out more (fat redistribution happening already?), but it could be due to bloating too.  Has anyone experienced these symptoms?  Will they go away eventually, and is there anything I can take to alleviate them?  Thanks. 

[Ann]

Hi Ocean, welcome to the forums.

No way are you seeing fat redistribution after only one month. Even people on old meds like Crixivan (which definitely causes lipo issues) didn't see it happening that quickly. The meds you're on are unlikely to ever cause lipo.

The bloating you're experiencing could be due to the meds. It's gas, not fat, and yes, it can make your belly bulge. I get that a bit (the meds we share are tenofovir and emtricitabine, also in Truvada) and I find if I eat yogurt once or twice a day, it's not as bad or goes away completely. Also, try eating fewer foods that are known to cause gas while you're still getting used to the meds.

Ann

[Oceanlove]

Thank you, Ann!  I'm relatively thankful that I haven't experienced any more serious side effects.  If only the bitter taste on my tongue and the queasy feeling would go away!  Hopefully they will.

Other than that, Complera seems to be working.  I don't have any bad dreams.  Fatigue is there, but it seems to be getting better.  My lab results yesterday with less than 4 weeks on the drug showed non-detectable vl and CD4 went from 444 to 508.

[niecy_nurse]

I also started on Complera about a month ago. Happy to say that I have not experienced any side effects. I do notice, however, that my dreams are more vivid. May or may not have anything to do with the med.

[JFYPoz77]

Hello!

I recently switched meds from Atripla to Complera and I have been experiencing very abnormal symptoms (lost of appetite, insomnia, extremely tired and lacking motivation to do anything, and a big one- lost of my very high libido).

Has anyone experience the same and how long does it last?  Should I switch back?

[gadawg1979]

On Complera here and I will say give up on sleep and talk to your doctor about a sleep aide... I am on Tazadone. As to the bloating it is indeed most likey gas.  Compelra farts rock and peel paint.... as to my numbers it has rocked and kicked some HIV ass.  The weight gain could be do to the mental aspect of the amount of food needed to take the medication.... I know that often I find myself having to eat when I am not hungry to take my meds....  On a side note I know it is not the doctors orders but I give myself a medication window.  I take mine between 7 and 10 each night with a meal and well I have seen nothing but great numbers.

[britchick]

Hi !

Im on Eviplera(same as Complera)...just got word that my cd4 count jumped up to 434...so meds are working.

I still have insomnia/fatigue and painful legs/ankles...but I wanted to give the Eviplera at least a yr ...I dont want to switch, unless my  consultant advises me to as I think most meds will have side effects.

 I have had sleeping tabs .....they didn't work!!!!Im going to up the Fluoxetine to 40mg, starting on friday....and keep my fingers crossed!!!!!!!!

Britchickx

[britchick]

Fluoxetine is supposed to improve my mood!!!!!!Wonder what the increase will do?!!

Britchickx

[britchick]

Hi.....I've just slept 2 nights in a row.....without waking up!!!!!This is the first time this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yippee!

britchickx