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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: Oceanbeach on June 12, 2007, 08:12:03 pm

Title: Bye bye Viread
Post by: Oceanbeach on June 12, 2007, 08:12:03 pm

We switched my meds a while back to include Sustiva, Trizivir and Viread.  Side effects have not been the best (or worse).  Recently ID Doc decided we may do without the Viread if I could go for two months with no change in VL.

I was sent to labs for the past few months for VL only and am still undetectable!  Had regular labs last week w/ follow up next week.  I believe Viread is out of my life for good.  In a recent meeting with out ADAP clerk, he pointed out we were on the same meds and his doc changed Trizivir to the D4T/3TC combo without the AZT.  Can't remember what Danny was changed to but he reports no side effects and the restoration of his face.  I told the Nurse, I want what Danny is having.  Have the best day
Michael

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: Central79 on June 13, 2007, 04:59:54 am

Congrats Michael - that's awesome news, I hope you do a Danny!

Matt.

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: J.R.E. on June 13, 2007, 10:19:49 am

Thats great Michael,

I would like to drop the Viread also.  Just stick with the Viramune and Epzicom....But I just don't know...

I should bring it up with the doctor again. See what happens on my next blood tests on August 15th.



Take care-----Ray

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: David_CA on June 13, 2007, 10:47:36 am

What problems is Viread causing you guys?

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: Miss Philicia on June 13, 2007, 01:48:27 pm

Yeah, I've been on it for ages both by itself and as part of Truvada.  What's the issue here?

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: Just John on June 13, 2007, 06:16:31 pm

Yeah I'm interested too, I've been on it for over four years and as far as I'm aware have no really serious side effects.

I do believe thought, that it's the drug responsible for my hazardous flatulence.

John.

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: joemutt on June 13, 2007, 06:37:01 pm

I d like to know too if any issue with Viread, I just switched to it in December  >:(
but cd4s etc very ok and no side effects.

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: Longislander on June 13, 2007, 09:26:43 pm

way to go Michael! I don't know anything about the meds, but I hope you get the best results from whichever you can switch around!! ;D

Paul

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: Oceanbeach on June 14, 2007, 01:12:47 am

Hi Ladies and Gentlemen,

It isn't the pill Viread itself that I am so glad to be free of... When I started taking meds in 1998, I was taking about 30 each day.  Reducing the dosage from 3 pills per day to 2 pills per day is a little milestone for me.  If I was in a 12 step program, I would like to keep it simple so one less pill is a triumph for me.

John is correct, Viread does cause gas problems.  Recently, I was in the Optometrist office getting my eyes tested and lo and behold... Sonomabeach ripped one off and there was no avoiding it  ;D.  Have the best day
Michael

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: aztecan on June 14, 2007, 02:49:25 pm

Michael,

Did you say you were thinking of a D4T/3TC combo? Why? D4T (aka Zerit) it the worst causes of PN around, unless they have somehow reformulated it.

Nope, just checked and the same cautionary note is in the side effects section.

Just wondering.

HUGS,

Mark

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: Oceanbeach on June 14, 2007, 04:19:18 pm

Hi Mark,

I often wonder that same question as I was taken off Zerit (almost 3 years ago).  I believe it (Zerit) was replaced with Trizivir (D4T, 3TC, & AZT).  I have been on too many meds for too many years.  I left L.A. in 2001, was on Ziagen, Zerit and Sustiva.  The years prior to that are lost in a fog but I do have a huge hard copy file listing every medical visit beginning in June 1996 to present.

You lived in Los Angeles so you probably know the "drug of choice" for Angelinos... If you guessed Prozac, that was part of my original regimen in L.A.  Have the best day
Michael 

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: BT65 on June 14, 2007, 08:56:39 pm

Isn't it great to be taking one less pill.

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: Oceanbeach on June 14, 2007, 11:33:12 pm

Hi Betty,

One less pill... I should have a party!  I hope to someday get it down to one-a-day as in the multiple vitamin.  In all these years, the one pill I remember the most (as the worst) was Norvir.  Back then, I had to take 6 every morning, 6 every afternoon and 6 every night. With each dose, I had to drink a glass of water.  I still have difficulty downing a glass of water without Black Label UP.  Have the best day
Michael

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: Jeffreyj on June 15, 2007, 02:49:02 am

Congrats Micheal....it's the little battles that add up to wiin the War, afterall...(I just made that up, kinda lol)

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: Oceanbeach on June 16, 2007, 04:47:24 pm

Hey Jeffery,

At home, I can blame it on the dog... In the optometrists office (or the supermarket, the post office) all I know is to say, "just look at me and everyone will think I did it."  ;D  Have the best day
Michael

Title: Re: Bye bye Viread
Post by: Oceanbeach on June 19, 2007, 08:20:05 pm

Today was a day in personal HIV history...  In my follow up meeting with doctor, It was told, I have 133 more T-cells than in the last full labs (3 months ago).  This has happened to me only once before which was also following a medication change.  I remember getting a call from Margaret (Staff Nurse) of a 100 T-cell increase, while still living in L.A..

As of today, I have 465 T-cells and undetectable vl.  Not bad for only sitting around and taking a few pills.  Have the best day
Michael