Change a winning combo?

[kiwilondon]

Hi all.
I'm new here, so thought I'd see what you guys think of this....
Last time I met with the doc (not one I'd met before), she suggested I consider changing from sustiva/combivir to sustiva/truvada. No big reason, just the change to once a day and a bit of caution around prolonged use of AZT. I've been on meds for 10 years, the last 4-5 on sustiva/combivir. All through, my results have been great - been undetectable from the word go and my cd4s now sit in the 700-1000 range.

My instinct is not to mess with success. However, the doc was unimpressed with my casual approach to the timing of taking my meds - I take them breakfast and dinner, whenever that may happen to be. In her view, a once a day regime would be 'more suited to my lifestyle'. Putting aside that I felt a bit affronted that in the first meeting she should lecture me on how I take my meds, I decided to give the suggestion some consideration. As part of that I'd be interested in the experiences of other here. Anyone made the same sort of switch?

[allanq]

Changing from Combivir to Truvada sounds sensible to me. For me, long-term use of AZT contributed to wasting in my arms, legs, and butt. Combivir contains AZT and Epivir. Truvada contains Viread and Emtriva. Emtriva and Epivir are very similar, so, in effect, you'd just be switiching from AZT to Viread.

If you go on Truvada, make sure your kidney function (creatinine level) is monitored regularly.

Allan

[cubbybear]

When I started meds I was on combivir/sustiva, but after 4 weeks, the AZT was kicking my butt in a major way, so I switched to truvada/sustiva and have been happy with that for over a year now.  Like allanq said, you'll want to get your kidney function checked as viread (a component of truvada) is hard on the kidneys.

[kiwilondon]

Thanks for the replies guys, interesting stuff.

Anyone else out there have an experience to share?

As much as the switch makes sense, my concern is that I might not be so lucky with a new regime to have no side effects. I've been fortunate that despite my 10 years on AZT, I've not had any of the dreaded body changes.

So, has anyone had any problems with Viread?

[Coffeechick88]

I'm with you--don't mess with success.  If you are doing well on this regimine--with numbers and side effect wise, then I don't see the point in fixing something that isn't broken.  Truvada is part of my med combo and I do well on it and generally people do well on it, but you may not be as lucky.  These meds can do different things to different people.  I find it easier to take a once a day regimine.  I do agree that it is best to be somewhat structured in the timing of meds to keep the level in your blood consistent, but considering you are doing well and may not be so lucky with a switch, then that might not be something you want to do right now.  So you have some things to consider here--it probably will be well tolerated, but on the other hand you are doing well on what you have.  So if you feel it will be best to switch to that once a day thing, then go for it.

[aztecan]

Hey Kiwi,
I am on of the "don't mess with success" group too.

I've been on AZT for 11 years now and it has worked well. I do have a bit of lipoatrophy, but not enough to make me want to switch.

When/if the time comes and I must switch, then I'll look at the new wonder drugs.

Let us know what you decide.

HUGS,

Mark