Without Atripla for 5 days

[concerned mum]

My son has been without his medication for 5 days now & is very sick. Sweating, vomiting, sores in his mouth etc.. Due to cash flow problems he can't get it now.
What is the danger in going without the meds for this period? Urgent please reply asap.

[aztecan]

Simply stopping his Atripla shouldn't have caused this, so it is possible there is something else wrong.

I would recommend he see a doctor ASAP.

You mention meds aren't available because of cash flow problems. Where abouts do you live?

I ask because there may be assistance programs that can help.

Also, the maker of Atripla has an assistance program. It would be worth checking out. Here is the link.

http://www.atripla.com/copay-assistance.aspx

HUGS,

Mark

[concerned mum]

Hi Mark

thanks for the reply. I'm in Pretoria South Africa. He is 18 & i'm single mum of 4. He was at the clinic this morning & all they said was he is to get back on the meds asap. I will check the website out & beg for help anyway I can.

thank you again.

[47DegreesNorth]

Im so sorry, please update us. Let us know how he is doing.
I am sending positive thoughts your way.

[John2038]

Hi concerned_mum

Should this happen again, please contact the helpdesk of the Pretoria Public Hospital (The Steve Biko Academic Hospital): 012 354 1597 (8:00 to 15:30).

They will provide you meds supply for 3 months and you can have access to them with or without ID book, for free.

I would have been able to assist you, but fact is it's a bit late now (just saw ur message, sorry) and about to travel.

I have been taking care of many poz here, and I must say, it's a constent concerns (adherence), especially with those living in the townships for various reasons.

The most important from now, is full adherence with the next combo, assuming failure with this one.
You also have to go to the clinic as early as 6am if you can't spend ur day there.
Please do so when you still have enough meds for enough time. 2-3 weeks sounds good.

Official RSA guidelines says cd4<200, but also you will get the treatment also if ur son is willing, no matter his count (this is part of the guidelines recommendations).

You may want to get an appointment with Dr. Rossouw.

Best
John