Opinions on switching from Kaletra/Truvada to Atripla (one pill a day)

[ChicagoMike]

Would like any opinions on my doctors request that I switch from Kaletra/Truvada (started HARRT end of Feb 06) to the new one pill a day Atripla.

He put me on the K/T initially to reduce my very high viral load which was close to a million copies and at that time said he said I could switch to Sustiva/Truvada when I became undetectable,.  I just received my latest labs-TCells-674 and undetectable.  Original labs were 1 million copies and 375 TCell when I started treatment.

I obviously like the idea of the new pill, just wondered of others opinions?  My doctor says I can stop Kaletra without a problem.

Thanks for your help!

[jordan]

I'm switching to Atripla when my script runs out for my Sustiva and Truvada

I would recommend it!

[Eldon]

Hello Mike, it is Eldon. Your labs look good and your Doctor suggested that you go on (1) one pill a day, it sounds like a winner.

Keep the stress down, get plenty of rest, and eat a healthy diet. Oh, and welcome to the forums where you will find a lot of love, understanding, and support here to add to your current support system that is in place.

[Bartro]

I checked with my insurance company and found out the copay for Atripla is almost twice as much than the combined copyaments for Truvada and Sustiva.  They categorize it as a "non-preferred" medication.  I mentioned this to my Doc and he said to wait a few months and that would probably change.  Check your co-payments before changing meds.  There is really no difference between taking one Atripla or one each of Sustiva and Truvada as far as effectiveness goes.  I know the "one-pill" thing is attractive, but since I take a boat-load of other medications it doesn't really make much difference.