Started meds how long should it take(if they work) for my cd4 to go up

[tohiv37]

Days, weeks, months?I know it's different for everyone but would like to hear peoples experiences.

[newt]

Probably months. It's hard to say. Some people get a big hike in a few weeks, some none for a long time. I wouldn't sweat about CD4s til 6-12 months in. Viral load getting to less than 50 copies is the important result in the short term.

- matt

[Inchlingblue]

These things can vary between individuals and what Newt said is accurate.

There are, however, some general observations that have been made regarding viral load decline and CD4 spikes after starting therapy. There are many variables to consider such as what your numbers are when starting therapy and what medications you are on. Some meds have been shown to lower viral load faster than others (Isentress, for example). And starting with a  higher viral load has been shown to result in a higher spike in CD4s after therapy.

But really the bottom line is that as long as you are on a good regimen that you are not resistant to and you are adherent to taking your meds, you will begin to see improvements fairly soon thereafter and for the long haul after that.

How long after starting therapy are you scheduled to have your blood drawn? After that first blood test post-meds you are very likely to see noticeable improvements in your numbers.

[newt]

This graph may help

- matt

[attachment deleted by admin]

[filmjimwest]

I have been on Atripla for a little over a year and have noticed major improvements with my numbers at each doctor visit. Within the first three months of being on Atripla, my viral load was undetectable (less than 48 copies) and my cd4s had increased by about 100!!! As others have said, it depends on where your numbers were initially. When I started, my cd4s were just under 500 and my vl was 140,000. I have had friends whose cd4s were closer to 200 and vl of nearly 1 million and it could take longer for you to notice a major improvement in your numbers. A year later, my numbers are still very good, with vl at undetectable and cd4s hovering within the range of 800-900.