Opinions, PLease

[wesley88]

First, thanks for all the input you guys give me. 

I spoke to my doctor about starting Agrifta.  She claims that she doesn't like prescribing it because "of minimal results."

Is this really true?  Just how effective is the drug in reducing the visceral fat in the gut?I'm confused.  Thanks. 

[Jeff G]

First, thanks for all the input you guys give me. 

I spoke to my doctor about starting Agrifta.  She claims that she doesn't like prescribing it because "of minimal results."

Is this really true?  Just how effective is the drug in reducing the visceral fat in the gut?I'm confused.  Thanks. 

My doctor holds the same opinion and in my case my diabetes precludes me from using it.
Its a very expensive drug and works only as long as you take it. I hope others that have tried it chime in, I know we have a few members who use it .

[Wade]

Jeff speaks the truth, my Doc says the same.
Several years ago I tried serostem before egrifta was approved,
my blood sugar jumped into the three hundreds.
Wasn't worth becoming a diabetic. My sugar stays below 90 now.

The results are also slow,and the fat returns when stopped,
Also very expensive .

[wesley88]

Guys, thanks.  I'm just very distressed over the increase in the visceral fat in my gut.  My intense aerobic workouts just don't seem reducing it.  I'm at a loss. 

[Jeff G]

How long have you been poz and does your doctor think the fat accumulation is from your meds ?

I have the same problem but it dose'nt seem to be getting any worse thankfully . I need to do a better job of eating right as any normal weight gain in fat makes the problem seem larger than it is .

[Wade]

I also have visceral fat in my trunk ,
Mine stays about the same , did a med switch got the first time in years,
Just a few months ago
Hoping for some improvement.

[wesley88]

Jeff:

I've been poz for six years. My Doc's "on the fence" as to my meds being the cause.  My diet is pretty much the same as it's been for years, even before becoming poz.  And, I've always worked out fairly regularly.  The visceral fat in my gut has increased dramatically since my diagnosis/taking the meds.  I was on Atripla at first when I noticed some gut increase.  Then, I was switched to Norvir, Prezista, Sustiva--that made the fat increase much worse.  I'm back on Atripla because I couldn't tolerate the PIs.  I'm still noticing fat accumulation.  Is there anything I can do to at least slow down the fat accumulation?  Thanks.

[Jeff G]

I wish I could help you more ... Im knowledgeable on many HIV related issues but an expert on none. If the fat is hard fat then its is probably Lipo so about the only helpful thing I can suggest now is talk to your doctor again about a med change away from Atripla to a drug that may have a better profile for you. My lipo does not seem to be getting any worse and its something I can live with so maybe with a med change you can hold your own as well.

I would like to hear what other folks that have lipo has to say on this.   

[Miss Philicia]

Your doctor should be able to differentiate the fat issue -- i.e. whether or not it's actually visceral in nature. If I touched your belly I could do it myself probably. If it's truly majority visceral fat then it's permanent, as it's a mitochondrial dysfunction issue now. If you or your doctor thinks your HAART regimen is the cause then why haven't you switched to something else?

The bottom line is that it's impossible for us, users on an internet forum, to diagnose whether or not this is subcutaneous or visceral fat you are dealing with. You either need to be more insistent with your doctor or find a new one. But again, if it is visceral changing eating habits and exercise are not going to make it go away. A med change, however, would at least possibly have a chance of halting it.

btw, what are your lipid panel readings like?

[pozniceguy]

Egrifta  works  in many  cases... I  have used it  for  several years..there was a period of  nearly  a year  when it was not available  and yes the  "hard fat " came back...been on it  again  now for a few months  and the  "hard fat"  has  softened  quite a bit...but  it seems to be taking much longer than the  first  time...
true  ,as  several people  commented,  it is  very  expensive  but so  far insurance is  covering it..  and copay  is  very  reasonable....  actual measured  reduction   from  35+  to 33 now..hoping to get back  to  32....

there was  some increase in the "sugar"  count... but  not to  the level of  needing insulin  just  diet control  and Glimeperide

Nick