POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: NY2011 on November 20, 2012, 05:22:57 pm
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I'd like to find out what people experience when they switched from Atripla to Stribild. What prompted the switch? Was Atripla causing sleep disorders, or gastrointestinal problems? Have the issues disappeared since taking Stribild? Any new issues?
Eager to hear about your experiences, even if you've only switched a few days ago.
Thanks.
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Hi,
I just switched and all I can say is thank god.
Being on the meds is a real pain in the ass. The buzz in the head I had with atripla gave me terrible sleep and was a constant reminder of my health issue... I swtiched to Complera... No head buzz but I was soo tired and depresssed all the time.... and my lower sides hurt. I was upset I switched and went back to atripla... forgetting how much it messed with my head.. After a month back on atripla the head buzz seemed worse... I had stopped smoking pot which helped put me to sleep and begged my doctor to go back to complera.... Again hit with the effects of that I got even more depressed. I constantly thought of going off my meds... The last time I went into the doctors they gave me the quad.
I cant believe how great I feel. Its like not being on anything at all.. I have no head buzz... and dont feel like sleeping in all day either.... I was at my local cafe this morning and I had a blast telling jokes with my usual waiter... We ended up laughing so hard and that was when it hit me...I almost started to cry.. I really feel like my life is going to be ok and improve for the first time in over a year.
Its a shame that they are charging more for this, no one should have to deal with the side effects of atripla or complera. Hopefully the cost will come down over time and newer and even better medications will come out, and of course we all hope and demand a cure! But for now I am very happy this pill came out..
I just switched so if anything changes ill give an update.
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Thanks for sharing, Todd. Glad to hear that there hasn't been adverse side effects during the switch, and that you feel like you're out of the fog...and back to your former self.
Yeah, I'd greatly appreciate updates if you don't mind, to help me, and possibly others make an informed decision about requesting a switch.
All the best in the New Year.
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I wasn't on Atripla but did switch from Isentress/Truvada to Stribild. I can honestly say my insomnia (caused probably by Isentress) has all but resolved.
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Betty say it aint so!!! I too am on Isentress and have major insomnia issues. I won't take any narcotic type of sleep aid, it doesn't matter how tired I am, instead I lie and stare at the ceiling. I've tried melatonin, benadryl, meditation, and white noise. No success with any of them.
I've read anecdotal stories of Isentress causing insomnia and brought it up with my ID Dr. He pretty much dismissed it as internet hype. However he's been pushing me to get on Stribild from Isentress. If the co-pay wasn't so high I would. I'm going to have dig deeper about co-pay assistance or similar. What I wouldn't give for eight hours of uninterrupted sleep.
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Betty say it aint so!!! I too am on Isentress and have major insomnia issues. I won't take any narcotic type of sleep aid, it doesn't matter how tired I am, instead I lie and stare at the ceiling. I've tried melatonin, benadryl, meditation, and white noise. No success with any of them.
I also tried Melatonin and Benadryl with no success. Ms. P brought the insomnia issue involving Isentress to my attention, and when it almost all but went away with switching to Stribild I am sure that was the main culprit. I still have some insomnia but I believe that's due to menopause. It certainly isn't as troublesome as it was. I would definitely check into patient assistance and if it's doable, switch.
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I've read anecdotal stories of Isentress causing insomnia and brought it up with my ID Dr. He pretty much dismissed it as internet hype.
Then ask your brilliant doctor why it's plainly stated as the #1 side effect Merck's Isentress web site (http://www.isentress.com/raltegravir/isentress/consumer/common_side_effects_for_isentress/index.jsp). I'll be on the edge of my seat waiting for him to admit that he doesn't know what he's talking about.
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Miss P you're right. I'm responsible for researching too. Shouldn't take DR's word as gospel. Being a lazy patient is easier.
Until costs go down I'll not be using Stribild. I qualify for $400 per month in co-pay assistance. That still leaves me $269 a month. Not happening. I'll talk to the Dr about other combos. I was on Truvada/Viramune and the combo played hell with my stomach. Isentress is gut friendly but sleep is nice too. Were it not for co-pay assistance with Isentress I'd be up shit creek. W/out assistance I pay is $275 a month. Depending on what's prescribed I can't survive w/out co-pay assist.
BCBS Tennessee -
YOUR COST
Drug Information Mail Service or CVS/pharmacy Retail Pharmacy
Stribild More information - 150-200mg Tablet
$1,339.26
90 for up to 90 days
$669.63
30 for up to 30 days
YOUR COST
Drug Information Mail Service or CVS/pharmacy Retail Pharmacy
Isentress More information - 400mg Tablet
$555.78
180 for up to 90 days
$275.39
60 for up to 30 days
I wonder if some of the people's attitudes cited in Wolfers "Common Mindset" thread realize this is the reality of HIV.
Our healthcare reality...
As a couple we make too much to qualify for assistance other than manufactures co-pay. Our health insurance is considered good by most standards. Yet with a 80/20 coinsurance rate, @ 2500 per individual/5000 per couple per year, it's a stretch to pay. I see an in network ID Dr and pay for my own labs. My blood-work cost is far less then my 20% coinsurance. Per plan I have to use LabCorp and they charge around $3000 for standard labs. I found a independent lab and I'm billed between $125/75 depending on tests. What a screwy F'd up system...
I'm way off topic here. That's what happens with a lack of sleep.
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Can I assume that you don't have resistance issues? If so, you may wish to look into a Prezista-based regimen. Just my opinion in terms of low side effects profile when paired with Truvada which I assume you are already on. It's also been on the market now for six years so perhaps the cost issue will be similar to what you have been paying.
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I went from Atripla to Stribild and HATE it! I want Atripla back. Does anyone know if I can go back safely? I have it on hand but am getting no reply from my doctor. I have 6 months of Atripla on hand and after almost 2 months of Stribild I am missing doses and dislike the switch I want to go back. Any input?
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Hi Jd and welcome to the forum ... how long have you been on Stribild and why do you dislike it so ?
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I switched from Atripla to Stibild about 5 weeks ago and I hate it too. I am more in a fog with Stribild than Atripla. Am seeing my doc tommorow to talk about options.
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I'd like to find out what people experience when they switched from Atripla to Stribild. What prompted the switch? Was Atripla causing sleep disorders, or gastrointestinal problems? Have the issues disappeared since taking Stribild? Any new issues?
Eager to hear about your experiences, even if you've only switched a few days ago.
Thanks.
Hello I know this is an older post but hoping to gather experience on anyone who has changed from atripla to stribild. I'm in my 5th month on atripla and numbers doing well but the sleep issue is bothersome and although early days still looking into future possibilities.how does anyone who's made the change feel? Thanks and feedback greatly appreciated. Reggie
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I switched from Reyataz/Truvada/Norvir to Stribild. Love it. Feel like my old self. And the diarrhea is gone.
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Thanks for your reply, do you sleep well on it compared to before switching?