Yet another bad drug reaction

[celt74]

In early Octover I started my fiorst medication, It was atripla.  7 to 8 days in I started to have a severe reacion with a very high temp and a severe skin reaction.  I developed a red-purple rash that spread all over.  I eventually got to see a doctor at t he clinic and the took me off it and told me I was developing Stevens-Johnsons syndrome.  My skin recovered over a month and it was time to go back on  some medication.

For eight days I have been taking a three drug combo of Darunavir (prezista), Rotonovir (Norvir) tenovfovir disoprxil (truvada).  Yesterday a rash started similar to the last time and my skin has started to turn red-purple again.  I have no temp this time but my skin is on fire and is very very itichy to the point I just feel like crying non-stop as I am so uncomfortable and frightened that this is happening all over again. I haven't slept and I barely know what to do.

what is going on with my body and what is it that I am allergic to?  My Doctor was sure it was the SUSTIVA(efavirenz) that was doing the harm.  But the common component with atripla is tenovfovir disoproxil.  I now read the its common for sulphanate based drugs like Darunavir to cause skin problems and that 15% of all people will have a natural allergy to any drug of a sulphanate base.  Ahead of going into my doctor tomorrow without an appointment I don't know whether to withold medication or take it as necessary. I am scared of not taking it as much as I am taking it.  Should I take it?  Why am i reacting to this now? The first seven days I felty amazing but now my skin is utterly on fire and I look hideous. 

Please give any advice you can.   I am really very frighted that no drug willl work for me.

[aztecan]

Hey Celt,

Not being a doctor, I won't advise you regarding taking tonight's dose.

But I will say that you shouldn't give up hope about finding a regimen that works for you.

You have just scratched the surface and there are many other combos that will work well and, I hope, will not cause you the distress you have heretofore experienced.

Please don't lose hope.

Let us know what the doctor tells you tomorrow.

HUGS,

Mark

[Ann]

Truvada consists of two drugs (tenofovir + emtricitabine), not one, and they are both also present in Atripla. You can read more about any hiv meds here.

Sorry this is happening to you. Let us know what your doctor had to say today, and hang in there.