Hubby just started Meds

[WorriedWife]

My husband just started meds three days ago now and I am curious if anyone else has taken these medications and how they worked for you. Side Effects? He is in a clinical study so I am also curious if anyone else is taking this combination?

Epizcon
Reyataz
Norvir

Thanks,
Stacy

[J.R.E.]

Hello Stacy,

I am only on one of the meds that your husband is on, and that is Epzicom. Epzicom consist of two different medications (ziagen, also known as Abacavir, also known as ABC, and the other component of Epzicom is EPIVIR, also known as Lamivudine,also known as 3-TC. ( SO MANY NAMES !!)

While all the meds can have some side effects, there are some meds, that can cause some serious problems. One of those is the ZIAGEN ( Part of Epzicom.)

Still with me?  ........( from the aidsmeds drug section) :

An important side effect that doctors and patients need to be aware of is "hypersensitivity." Approximately 8% of people who take ZiagenŽ (abacavir), one of the two medications in Epzicom, are allergic to it. This can be serious and generally requires that Epzicom be stopped, and that Epzicom or Ziagen should not be taken again. A hypersensitivity reaction usually appears during the second week of therapy, but it can take as long as six weeks to notice any symptoms. The most common symptoms are fever and rash, followed by headaches, stomach upset, feeling sick or tired, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath. These symptoms usually get worse over time and it is important that you report them to your doctor immediately. If you need to stop Epzicom because of this hypersensitivity reaction, you will still be able to take Epivir, the other drug in Epzicom.



What is known about Epzicom?
Epzicom is a tablet taken once a day. It can be taken with or without food.
 
Epzicom should not be any more or less effective than Ziagen and Epivir taken as seperate pills together. However, it is considered to be a much more convenient way of taking these two anti-HIV drugs.


I am only giving you this information, in case your husband has a reaction to the Epzicom.


I've been on Epzicom almost since I started on meds. I however started off with the separate doses of Ziagen and Epivir. I have tolerated this medication pretty well.

I have not done Reyataz or Norvir at this point, so I can't comment on those meds. Perhaps others will give some insight to you.


Stay in touch, let us know how hubby is doing-------Ray

[WorriedWife]

Thanks Ray,

My hubby has been taking the meds for five days now and so far so good but I know that it is still early. I will keep an eye out for the syptoms you mentioned but hopefully like you he will be fine.  Im just glad that he is doing good with them so far. I will keep you updated.

Stacy

[Matty the Damned]

Hey Stacy,

I take a the same combo as your husband but with AZT added into the mix. So instead of Epzicom, I take Trizivir. I hope to ditch the AZT soon.

As Ray points out Ziagen can have some serious side effects and your husband needs to keep his eye out for those. 3TC is generally very well tolerated.

Norvir (ritonavir) and Reyataz (atazanavir) are also generally well tolerated although the norvir component can cause nausea and diarrhoea. I've found taking the Norvir/Reyataz component at night tends to alleviate this though. Also Reyataz can cause a yellowing of the eyes and skin which, whilst striking, is quite harmless and usually abates after 10-14 days.

This combination is a good one, with an excellent suppressive effect on the virus.

Regards,

MtD