Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
March 28, 2024, 05:30:30 am

Login with username, password and session length


Members
  • Total Members: 37612
  • Latest: testABC
Stats
  • Total Posts: 772944
  • Total Topics: 66310
  • Online Today: 375
  • Online Ever: 5484
  • (June 18, 2021, 11:15:29 pm)
Users Online
Users: 1
Guests: 356
Total: 357

Welcome


Welcome to the POZ Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and others concerned about HIV/AIDS.  Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning:  Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

  • The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own physician.

  • All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

  • Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators of these forums. Click here for “Do I Have HIV?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ community forums.

  • We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are true and correct to their knowledge.

  • Product advertisement—including links; banners; editorial content; and clinical trial, study or survey participation—is strictly prohibited by forums members unless permission has been secured from POZ.

To change forums navigation language settings, click here (members only), Register now

Para cambiar sus preferencias de los foros en español, haz clic aquí (sólo miembros), Regístrate ahora

Finished Reading This? You can collapse this or any other box on this page by clicking the symbol in each box.

Author Topic: Reyataz vs. Issentriss  (Read 6900 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Poz 2008

  • Member
  • Posts: 8
Reyataz vs. Issentriss
« on: November 06, 2009, 12:31:32 pm »
Been positive for 14 months now and my latest labs came back cd4 408 and vl 45,000.  My cd4 was above 500 when I was diagnosed last August.  And, previous lab work in July was 428 cd4 and 34,000 vl.  So, it is definitely trending downward. 

My doctor recommends that I start meds.  She has recommended reyataz/norvir/truvada or issentriss/truvada.  I'm terrified of the side effects and body shape changes.  I'm trying to learn as much as I can about the drugs.  Does anyone have any thoughts on which of these two combinations I should try?  No resistance issues. 

Offline ad2san

  • Member
  • Posts: 238
Re: Reyataz vs. Issentriss
« Reply #1 on: November 06, 2009, 02:50:38 pm »
Hello,

I started Reyataz-Norvir-Truvada in May. I had not too many problem, just I needed to adjust at what time I take the pills (at the beginning in the evening, now in the morning). Side effect: I had gas, solved by taking the pills with the breakfast; slight yellow skin and eye, lasted 1-2 months (very light). The only stuff that still disturbs me is that I have to wake up to go to the bathroom at night ... It is difficult for me to get used to this ... Well ... this is the only noticeable side effect (I gained weight to but I was very indulgent on myself those past months  ;)). My BF mentions lack of sex drive  ::)

I guess you will have as many different opinions as people answering your post.
BTW I forget the big effect: it works ! I was undetectable after 2 months and CD4 climb.

Take care.
Feb   2009 CD4 358 VL 2000 16%
May  2009 CD4 305 VL 3069  14% <---- Started TVD+ATZ/r
Jul  2009 CD4 512 VL <50   18%
Jul 2010 CD4 418 VL <50 24%                     
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Norvir + Reyataz (due to sleep problem)
Aug 2010 CD4 606 VL <50 25%
Jul 2011 CD4 494 UD 23%
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Viramune XR (due to kidney problems)
January 2012 CD4 564 UD 31%
January 2013 CD4 594 UD 26%
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Isentress due to BIG increase GammaGT
Feb 2013 CD4 699 UD 28%
Aug 2014 CD4 639 UD 25%
Switched January 2015 to Triumeq
May 2015 CD4 807 UD 31%
Switched Nov 2016 to Genvoya due to gastric problems
November 2016 CD4 847 UD 32%

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: Reyataz vs. Issentriss
« Reply #2 on: November 06, 2009, 03:37:23 pm »
I've been on Isentress ever since it was FDA approved two years ago, and on Truvada way longer than that.  Isentress was the most side-effect free HIV med I've ever taken, and I've been on 18 different HIV meds over the past 16 years.  As far as Truvada the most I feel from that one is the occasional day of excess gas.

As far as body shape changes that are worrying you, both of the regimens recommended by your doctor are widely viewed to have the least propensity for causing such things.  I'd try and relax a bit about this issue and not needlessly worry yourself.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline tommy246

  • Standard
  • Member
  • Posts: 435
Re: Reyataz vs. Issentriss
« Reply #3 on: November 07, 2009, 02:07:28 pm »
Hi my numbers are similar to yours  and i started meds this week i thought wants the difference starting now or waiting another year to get to the lower limits especially as i am 49.
I am 11 months pos and spent alot of time reading info and threads on here. Most people seem to start on atripla as i have so far so good basically only not reccomended if you have any mental health problems like depression bipolar etc seems to get people non detectable real fast and get the cd4 counts up well.
I wanted to start the issentress - truvada regime which has only been reccomended recently for first line treatment but it has the least side effects almost none with no lipo problems i believe . The only downside is thats only got two years of history where as atripla has about 8 i think and also its a twice aday drug ,although soon to once a day all being well. I plan to switch to it when that happens,good luck and the lipo concerns you have were very common with older drug regimes and not so much with the new ones.
jan 06 neg
dec 08 pos cd4 505 ,16%, 1,500vl
april 09 cd4 635 ,16%,60,000
july 09 ,cd4 545,17%,80,000
aug 09,hosptal 18days pneumonia cd190,225,000,15%
1 week later cd4 415 20%
nov 09 cd4 591 ,vl 59,000,14%,started atripla
dec 09  cd4 787, vl 266, 16%
march 2010  cd4 720 vl non detectable -20  20%
june 2010  cd4  680, 21%, ND

Offline ad2san

  • Member
  • Posts: 238
Re: Reyataz vs. Issentriss
« Reply #4 on: November 07, 2009, 02:21:55 pm »
I agree with tommy, the once a day vs. twice a day is an important point ... If you have the choice it does does bring comfort.

I also agree concerning the relative short experience with Isenstress.

Cheers
Feb   2009 CD4 358 VL 2000 16%
May  2009 CD4 305 VL 3069  14% <---- Started TVD+ATZ/r
Jul  2009 CD4 512 VL <50   18%
Jul 2010 CD4 418 VL <50 24%                     
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Norvir + Reyataz (due to sleep problem)
Aug 2010 CD4 606 VL <50 25%
Jul 2011 CD4 494 UD 23%
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Viramune XR (due to kidney problems)
January 2012 CD4 564 UD 31%
January 2013 CD4 594 UD 26%
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Isentress due to BIG increase GammaGT
Feb 2013 CD4 699 UD 28%
Aug 2014 CD4 639 UD 25%
Switched January 2015 to Triumeq
May 2015 CD4 807 UD 31%
Switched Nov 2016 to Genvoya due to gastric problems
November 2016 CD4 847 UD 32%

Offline AboutToStart

  • Member
  • Posts: 134
Re: Reyataz vs. Issentriss
« Reply #5 on: November 07, 2009, 04:46:22 pm »
One correction to tommy: the Isentress-Truvada regimen was recently "Approved" for first time patients, I don't think it's ever been "Recommended" as such (to the best of my knowledge) and those are two different things.

I personally started with Atripla recently after both my doc and the chief pharmacist of my clinic explained to me that though Isentress does seem very promising - it is still a gamble to go with it due to the lack of history and long term side effects and - mostly - the sequencing in case of resistance. So, it might work out perfect, but it might not. I guess it depends on you if you are the gembler type.

Their recommendation was Atripla in the first place, then any boosted PI in second (whether Reyataz or Prezista or Kaletra), then Isentress in third.

Good luck!
« Last Edit: November 07, 2009, 04:50:06 pm by AboutToStart »

Offline tommy246

  • Standard
  • Member
  • Posts: 435
Re: Reyataz vs. Issentriss
« Reply #6 on: November 08, 2009, 06:32:44 am »
thanks thatwhat i meant to say approved not reccomended i am 49 living in spain since i was 20 my english is suffering lol.
jan 06 neg
dec 08 pos cd4 505 ,16%, 1,500vl
april 09 cd4 635 ,16%,60,000
july 09 ,cd4 545,17%,80,000
aug 09,hosptal 18days pneumonia cd190,225,000,15%
1 week later cd4 415 20%
nov 09 cd4 591 ,vl 59,000,14%,started atripla
dec 09  cd4 787, vl 266, 16%
march 2010  cd4 720 vl non detectable -20  20%
june 2010  cd4  680, 21%, ND

Offline Poz 2008

  • Member
  • Posts: 8
Re: Reyataz vs. Issentriss
« Reply #7 on: November 08, 2009, 03:53:44 pm »
Thanks, guys, for all of the info on these two drug combinations.  I am continuing to read everything on this site so that I can intelligently discuss my med options when I go back to my doctor.  This site is great!

Let me clarify that I have a short history with Atripla when I was first diagnosed last year (weeks after my seroconversion).  I took Atripla for 2 days (2 tablets) and had such a horrible time with the side effects that my doctor told me that I could stop.  I quit cold turkey and haven't been on any meds since.  This is why I did not mention in my earlier post that Atripla was an option.  This is also why I am terrified about side effects when starting the meds. 

Anyway, I'm leaning toward the reyataz/norvir/truvada combination because of the lack of long term data on issentress.  My appointment with my doctor is a little over a week away.


Offline risred1

  • Member
  • Posts: 419
  • My Source for Supps - www.newyorkbuyersclub.org
Re: Reyataz vs. Issentriss
« Reply #8 on: November 09, 2009, 10:51:07 am »
I've been on Reyataz, Truvada, Norvir coming up on 6 months....

Adjustment period was for about month, but I had to adjust my combo after two weeks. (I wasn't boosted, it was an oversight caught by this board!)

I would say in general the effects initially was related to headaches, a very slight skin reaction (rash), and some digestive rumbling.

I did take some supplements, such as 10 grams of glutamine in a Psyillium Fiber Supplement with Yogurt. (still do, but glutamine is down to 5 grams a day).

I have slightly elevated biilibrium but no yellowing. (Considered to be pretty normal).

My total cholesterol dropped 40 points to 160... (probably because of  the daily fiber!)

I have slightly elevated Pancreatic enzymes which my doctor wants to monitor closely, although I'm not having any digestive upset at this time. (I have since increased my Alpha Lipoic Acid NAC and Carnitine).

I just got word that my September test, I was undetectable. My CD4 is fluctuating, but I also got sick in September.

Lipodistrophy profile of Reyataz, Truvada with low dose Norvir doesn't seem to be much of an issue. That's my understanding anyways.

I wrote a daily log of my transition to Meds which might be of service to you. Just search out my posts and you find my "log".

Good Luck!
risred1 - hiv +
02/07 CD4 404 - 27% - VL 15k
10/07 CD4 484 - 31% - VL 45k
05/08 CD4 414 - 26% - VL 70k
01/09 CD4 365 - 23% - VL 65k
05/09 CD4 291 - 23% - VL 115k - Started Meds - Reyataz/Truvada
06/09 CD4 394 - ?% - VL 1200 - Boosted Reyataz with Norvir and Truvada
07/09 CD4 441 - ?% - VL 118 - Boosted Reyataz with Norvir and Truvada
09/09 CD4 375 - ?% - VL Undetectable - Boosted Reyataz with Norvir and Truvada
12/09 CD4 595 - ?% - VL Undetectable - VIT D 34 - Reyataz/Truvada/Norvir

Offline Poz 2008

  • Member
  • Posts: 8
Re: Reyataz vs. Issentriss
« Reply #9 on: December 04, 2009, 12:40:45 pm »
Thanks, Risred for you daily log on reyataz/norvir/truvada.  It was very helpful.  I had pretty much made up my mind to begin on that regimen, but my doctor seemed very open to trying Isentress/truvada.  It was a hard decision, but after talking it out, I decided to go with Isentress/truvada.  I have been on that combination for three days now and have experienced no side effects whatsoever.  Well, maybe a little gas when I take the truvada.  But, otherwise, I feel the same.  Whew!  I'm relieved.  I was really concerned about starting meds because of my prior (and brief) experience with Atripla. 

Thank you all for taking the time to post your opinions.  There is such a wealth of knowledge from the participants on this board.

Offline Nashvegas

  • Member
  • Posts: 196
Re: Reyataz vs. Issentriss
« Reply #10 on: December 04, 2009, 03:59:00 pm »
I have to say, if I were writing on a blank slate, I think I'd start with Isentress and Truvada.  I've been very happy with Truvada and Viramue, but if that combo were to fail me at some point, I'd be looking at an Isentress-based combo.  Keep us posted on how things go with it!   
8/12/06 - sero-conversion
9/14/06 -- Positive Test results confirmed
9/21/06 -- CD4 - 586; viral load 8,000; 29%
12/25/06 -- CD4 - 373; VL 2,800; 23%
2/10/07 - CD4 - 228; VL 865; 25%
3/15/07 -  CD4 - 365 (no viral load test)
5/1/07 = CD4 - 341; VL 4,358; 27%
8/1/07 - CD4 - 315; VL - 2,300; 25%
9/20/07 - CD4 - 378
11/22/07 - CD4 - 257; VL 7,300;
2/27/08 - CD4 231 (16.5 %), VL 5,960
5/20/08 - CD4 229 (18.3%), VL 11,100
6/17/08 - CD4 166 (14.5%), VL 9,030
6/17/08 - STARTED VIRAMUNE + TRUVADA
7/2/08 - CD4 272 (20%), VL 113  :-)
7/16/08 - CD4 -217 (21.1 %), VL - Undetectable
7/30/08 - CD4 - 220 (20.4%). VL - 92
8/14/08 - CD4 - 280 (22%) VL-undetectable
1/04/09 - CD4 - 250 (28%) VL-UD
5/15/09 - CD4 -393 (28%) VL-UD
8/15/09 - CD4-346, (26%) VL-UD
11/15/09 - CD4-373 (28%)

Offline aztecan

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,530
  • 36 years positive, 64 years a pain in the butt
Re: Reyataz vs. Issentriss
« Reply #11 on: December 04, 2009, 09:05:40 pm »
I have taken both Isentress and Reyataz /Norvir

I liked them both. The Reyataz, which I took with Combivir, not Truvada, was a breeze. Never any major issues to speak of, aside from one.

I switched from Reyataz because I need stomach meds (a proton pump inhibitor) to reduce stomach acid, which makes it impossible to take Reyataz.

If I could have taken my Protonix with Reyataz, I doubt I would have switched if my lipids had behaved as well.

I have been on Isentress/Truvada for about six months now. As Philly said, it is probably the most side-effect free med combo I have ever taken, and I have been on an assortment of meds since March 96.

I know Isentress is new and there is no long term history, but my lipids, which were very high, dropped almost overnight when I dropped the PIs.

As far as lipodystrophy goes, any of the meds could cause it, but both the regimens recommended by your doctor have the least possibility of causing it.

Let us know what you decide to do.

HUGS,

Mark

"May your life preach more loudly than your lips."
~ William Ellery Channing (Unitarian Minister)

Offline alejandroglz

  • Member
  • Posts: 40
Re: Reyataz vs. Issentriss
« Reply #12 on: December 05, 2009, 02:33:21 am »
I was on the same boat than you, my doctor gave me 3 options  ( Reyataz/norvir/Truvada, Atripla or Isentress/Truvada). I chose Isentress/truvada a month ago and I start taking it 3 weeks ago. I been poz since march and start medicines with 350cd4 and 150,000vl, after I my first week of medicines I felt better ( more energy ) and no side efects so far, the only problem so far is because is twice a day but u will get used to it ;)

Good luck

Alejandro
05/09 poz
05/09 cd4 320 vl 500,000+
06/09 cd4 560 vl 442,000
07/09 cd4 460 vl 125,000 
09/09 cd4 389 vl 140,000
10/09 cd4 349 vl 148,000
11/09 cd4 350 vl 150,000 start Isentress/Truvada (11-18-09)
12/09 cd4 509 vl undetectable! As 12-03-09 + H1N1 vaccine
04/10 cd4 560 vl und
08/10 cd4 580 vl und start Isentress 2*400ml once a day/1truvada

Uno no vino al mundo a sufrir, arriba ese animo!

Offline musclesobe

  • Member
  • Posts: 9
Re: Reyataz vs. Issentriss
« Reply #13 on: December 06, 2009, 08:13:29 am »
Hey guys!
I just started the combo truvada + isentress 3 days ago after switching from truvada, norvir and reyataz(causing me too much trouble with triglycerides even when i was in a very strictly diet). I'm kind of relief to hear that some of you guys haven't have any side effects..., so far i just been feeling pretty well..., i guess i have to give my body a chance to get use to the new drug.....

Wish me luck guys..., i am always terrified about side affects..., sometimes i think that meds help you treat some problems but lead you to have others....., keep positive attitude in life an good luck everybody....


 


Terms of Membership for these forums
 

© 2024 Smart + Strong. All Rights Reserved.   terms of use and your privacy
Smart + Strong® is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC.