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Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: fearless on February 10, 2009, 11:16:51 pm

Title: Is there any benefit in partners being on the same medication?
Post by: fearless on February 10, 2009, 11:16:51 pm

that's the question.

Is there any benefit in me changing my medication which is working and which I have no side effects issues with so that I'm on the same medication as my man?

I'm on Prezista (with a Norvir booster) and Truvada.
He's about to start treatment with Reyataz and Truvada. (Prezista is not available in Aus for those starting treatment for the first time)

The immediate benefit to me in a switch is that I could go from twice a day dosing to once a day. Are there any other benefits/pitfalls that I should know about.

Stephen

Title: Re: Is there any benefit in partners being on the same medication?
Post by: Cliff on February 11, 2009, 04:49:41 am

Don't know.  But I would have guessed one detriment is the risk of you or your partner becoming resistant to the meds and passing it on to the other more easily since you're on the same meds.  But since I think that risk is low, I would go with switching if the once a day is better for you!

Hope all is well.  This may be the year I get off my bum and come down there!

c

What happened to 'Lil Steve'?  Has it been retired?

Title: Re: Is there any benefit in partners being on the same medication?
Post by: fearless on February 11, 2009, 06:05:44 pm

Thanks Cliff,

I hadn't thought of that. Will chat to my doc I guess.

Yay. hope you do make it here. would be great to finally meet.

Lil Steve still exists. I guess I must have been in 'work' mode where I am Stephen. Or, am I just getting a little more mature!!! (somehow, I doubt that).

Lil Steve ;)

Title: Re: Is there any benefit in partners being on the same medication?
Post by: newt on February 11, 2009, 06:45:47 pm

If you are both undetectable and have unprotected sex there is no susbtantial risk of transmitting resistance here. Its a moot point if there is even if one of you is on treatment and undetectable.

Prezista can be done once a day 800mg with a 100mg ritonavir boost. This is not recommended for people with treatment experience, but it bears discussion. There just hasn't been enough research to say. The pharmokinetics of Reyataz are better, but it has a different resistance profile. Why wasn't this drug chosen instead when you switched to Prez? Perhaps resistance rules the handy R out for you? Your resistance test, if it's on file, will tell you.

There are benefits of being on the same meds, certainly because if these is a risk of transmitted resistance, this is eliminated provided you both stay undetecatable (but Prez being stronger and more versatile, this is not really your problem) but also the practical question of short-term stock-outs/boyfriend refills -- handy, and same time, lovey-dovey dosing -- cute.

But I really wouldn't worry about the resistance thing if/when you are both undetectable.

Good to hear from you.

Enjoy the hot tub. Be careful with matches.

- matt

Edited for crap spelling

Title: Re: Is there any benefit in partners being on the same medication?
Post by: fearless on February 11, 2009, 07:51:40 pm

Thanks Matt,

I have no resistance issues but rather chose Prezista over Reyataz at the time I switched from Kaletra. I'd heard such good reports about Prezista that I wanted it and demanded it over Reyataz  ;D
I was only allowed to get Prezista as I was in a trial (me in the control arm taking Kaletra with adverse side effects got me the guernsey).

I take 2 300mg tabs of Prezista twice a day. We don't have the 400mg or 800mg tabs in Aus yet and the 'guidelines' so far don't allow treatment naive access, or single daily dosing for treatment experienced.

Would be nice to go to once a day dosing - always have my morning one and always on time. Evenings not always on time, but within a couple of hours.
And, as you noted the practicalities of it, esp as boyfriend lives in the bush - one of us is gonna forget to bring his pills one day. And, we could do the whole yellow thing together when we start.  ::)

My doctor will laugh, sarcastically, as he was trying to get me onto Reyataz two years back.  :D

Title: Re: Is there any benefit in partners being on the same medication?
Post by: Miss Philicia on February 11, 2009, 09:49:26 pm

Uh, so this is no longer just a "trick"?  We've gone up to the "P" word now, have we?  tut tut

Title: Re: Is there any benefit in partners being on the same medication?
Post by: fearless on February 11, 2009, 11:41:08 pm

Believe it or not, it's been 9 months now??? man, how time flies.

Title: Re: Is there any benefit in partners being on the same medication?
Post by: Ann on February 12, 2009, 06:49:33 am

Wow Steve, nine months? It seems like only yesterday I was telling you what a great bloke you are and that your prince charming was most likely just around the corner. I'm really happy for you both.

Good luck with the Razzmatazz and being colour-coordinated!

Hugs,
Ann
xxx

Title: Re: Is there any benefit in partners being on the same medication?
Post by: pozniceguy on February 12, 2009, 05:17:34 pm

I have been on the once a day Prezista ( 3x 300mg)  + Norvir combo for more than a year  ,,no particular issues with side effects  except  a whole lot less  "D"  .....now that the 400mg has been made more available I will go to two 400mg + Norvir   from the  3x300 mg I was taking   My Dr says he has seen very favorable results with this combo from many patients...


Nick

Title: Re: Is there any benefit in partners being on the same medication?
Post by: red_Dragon888 on February 17, 2009, 08:40:48 pm

Cheers mate to your relationship.  And may it last forever...

Title: Re: Is there any benefit in partners being on the same medication?
Post by: aztecan on February 18, 2009, 12:27:33 am

Hey Steve,

I just wanted to say congrats with the nine-month anniversary.

Your man still living the good life in the country?

I remember those great photos.

I've not heard of coordinating meds before, but there is a first time for everything.

HUGS,

Mark