Atripla rash treatment options - Help!

[Jaybirdasaf]

Hi everyone.

I started treatment with Atripla about 3 weeks ago. Three days ago I started developing a rash around the sides of my neck and arms. I suspected it would happen since I had been treated with Sustiva and Combivir in 2000 and developed a similar rash. My doctor then, discontinued the treatment at my insistence.

This time around, when I needed a regimen change my doctor and I thought we could give Atripla a chance and treat through the rash if it reappeared. I'm taking Benadryl and using hydrocortisone for the itch, but I'm still going crazy with it, not to mention the sleepiness while I'm on the Benadryl. Are there other treatment options for it? What about Prednisone?

[BM]

When I developed a rash with my first combination (Kivexa (Epzicom) and Nevirapine), my doctor prescribed cetirizine, which goes by a number of names, but you'll most likely find it's called Zyrtec or Reactine. It worked very well for my rash, however, you may first want to check with your doctor whether or not it's OK to take cetirizine with Atripla.

[kagome]

hi ....Jaybirdasaf , i read your post about ATRIPLA.
may i know where you get ATRIPLA? and how much its cost?
I'm freaking out about the prices - I can't afford it!
wis we can sharing about this
thx

[cobraalfa]

Hi Jaybirdasaf,

Have you tried Claritin (loratadin)? Thatīs what my doc has just prescribed me.

Tell me: has you doc been afraid of the called Steven-Jonhson symdrom when you appeared with rash? Mine has and want to change the regimen. But my rash is cool for me for while... It started quite reddish but now it is almost invisible. The parts of the body are the same of yours (except in the neck, which is already gone...). By the way, I started my first regimen with AZT/3TC/Efavirenz 15 days ago.

[jcelvis]

Jaybird.

Get some aloe vera, and some cetaphil lotion. the Aloe helps cool you skin and the lotion helps keep your skin moisturized. Also use the hydrocortisone. Unfortunately you'll have to deal with it for awhile, but this will make it more bearable.

I had allergic contact dermatitis from 12-18. Literally if I got scratched by anything it felt like my whole body would break out in a rash. The worst part was in between my joints. I wanted to itch soo bad, and anytime I felt the need i get some aloe and just rub it into my skin. It helped calm the skin for a little bit. The rubbing the aloe in gave the benefit of scratch without actually doing it. Same with the lotion, you need to make sure your skin is moisturized because dry skin can make the rash worse and last longer.

Unfortunately, there's not a lot you can do 

[jcelvis]

Also,

If you use bar soap when you shower, you need to discontinue it immediately. I use Johnson's body care hydrating body wash, with no lufa or sponge. Soap is very harsh on the skin and can actually irritate a rash, along with washing away very important oils on the skin. A mild body wash is very important with no scents of fragrances, squeeze some in your hand and apply directly to skin. It will take away the dirt, but still keep some of the natural oils on the skin. Once you get out and dry of immediately apply lotion to you whole body.