Don't fix what's not broken?

[nownow]

i've been on ziagen epivir lexiva (formerly agernerase) for almost 12 years

should i switch or do you all think it might be OK to keep going (esp. as Sustiva is not an option for me -- seizure condition -- nor Viread (osteopenia since 2001)

i am concerned about heart attack from Ziagen but that could happen for many reasons at 45yo with hiv in NYC on meds for 12 years!

and the one drug that seemed like an option turns ones eyes yellow sigh. I also don't want to take Norvir from that shady gouging gross company that makes it. Other protease 'boosters' are in the drug pipeline i hope for future regimen(s)

[Tim Horn]

Nownow...

I think the jury is still VERY much out with respect to the risk of a heart attack attributed to abacavir use. Our three most recent articles on this subject underscore the ongoing confusion: One study published earlier this month says "yes," articles posted on March 1 and March 25 say "no."

That said, the fact that you've been using Ziagen and Epivir (as Epzicom or Kivexa) for 12 years without incident is encouraging. Something important to keep in mind -- and many experts frequently speak to this point -- is that, even if abacavir does increase the relative risk of a heart attack, it's important to note that this might not mean anything of significance to those with a low absolute risk of a heart attack. In other words, if your cholesterol levels are in check, your blood pressure is normal, you don't smoke, etc., the risk of a heart attack associated with abacavir use -- if, in fact, there is one -- will be negligible at worst.

Sounds as if you're doing well on your current regimen. Do you really need to fix something that isn't clearly broken?

Tim 

[nownow]

WELL thank you Tim

I was going by Long Term Survivor friends with AIDS since the early to mid 1980s saying

one should switch but maybe that's "too old school" esp as i am holding out for NO norvir

and clearly you see that i should not switch thanks for the reply with that risk assessment info

it was funny that you ended with the same question to my question which was of course helped to be answered by this first reply from here and other sites.

Your work is much appreciated, Mr. Horn