Epzicom and Lexiva/Norvir - Any info? Starting soon and a little freaked out...

[BigPlans]

I'm probably going to start meds in December.  I had one doctor who mentioned Atripla, so I've researched it some -- now a new (and better) doctor says I should start on Epzicom and Lexiva with Norvir boost.  I haven't found much about them - Is there anyone on that combination who could tell me their experience?  Does it have more/less/same risk of lypo as Atripla?  Any info about it at all would be appreciated.  I've never taken any kind of medication really or had any other health problems in my life - so I'm a little freaked out about it all.

[Rural_oz]

Hi Bigplans,

I started on Epzicom (Kivexa here in Australia) in combo with Viramune (Nevirapine here) 16 days ago.  It was my first time on meds too and I completely understand the fear, I was a mess the night before starting, and even as I took my first tablet I broke down in tears.  (Big butch ozzie bloke eh!)  Atripla is not available in Australia because it has not been passed by our medical authority yet, which is kinda interesting, and my doctor said that she wouldn't have put me on it even if it were available.

Anyway, I have had no serious side effects at all from the combo that I am on.  I had a couple of dizzy spells, but found that ensuring that I took my pills with breakfast and having lunch (even a small one like a banana) helped stop them.  I have had an attack of gout, but we are not sure if that is connected or not.  I increased the Viramune from 1 pill to 2 yesterday.

You should have a test before starting Epzicom becaue the Abacavir can cause a violent reaction, but that can be tested for and I am sure that your doctor will be more than aware of that.

My only other side effect is that I have felt really good.  I am not sure if it relief that I did not get sick or die, but I have been full of energy and on top of the world.

I wish you all the best when you start on whatever you choose, you are not alone in your feelings. 

[blondbeauty]

The same drugs contained in the single daily pill ATRIPLA are available in two pills: TRUVADA + SUSTIVA; and in three pills: Emtriva, Viread and Sustiva. The molecules are the same and it is a complete three drug therapy for HIV of high effectiveness.
I am on SUSTIVA and TRUVADA waiting for my next appointment with my Dr. to get a prescription of ATRIPLA (same treatment in one pill instead of two).
I have only been on this treatment and all I can tell you is that side effect are very few and usually subside with time. TODAY I have NO side effects at all.
It is also a very convenient treatment in any of the three forms: one, two or three pills, because you only have to take them once a day, preferably at bedtime.
I would recommend it to you provided you have no resistance to it and no allergic reactions to any of the three drugs, WHOS "SCIENTIFIC" NAMES ARE: EMTRICITABINE, TENOFOVIR AND EFAVIRENZ

[aztecan]

Hey Big,

I've never taken Epzicom, but I do take Lexiva with the Norvir boost.

I have never had any side effects from the Lexiva.

Just curious, why did you decide against Atripla?

HUGS,

Mark

[BigPlans]

Hey Big,

I've never taken Epzicom, but I do take Lexiva with the Norvir boost.

I have never had any side effects from the Lexiva.

Just curious, why did you decide against Atripla?

HUGS,

Mark

Mark,
The doctor is suggesting the Lexiva/Epzicom/Norvir for me.  I have to decide next week.  He seems to think it's a better place to start.  He believes that eventually there will be another drug coming in the Atripla class that will be a first line for that class.  So, he thinks that by starting with the Lexiva/Epz/Nor combo that it will keep more options open for me down the line.  Later, I can go to the new drug, then Atripla if needed.
Anyway, I just can't find a soul who has done this combo, so that worries me a little.  I'm kind of concerned with the lipo issues and not sure if this combo is more likely than Atripla to cause anything.
Thanks for the response.