POZ Community Forums
Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: allanq on September 02, 2007, 11:11:49 pm
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It looks like raltegravir, the Merck integrase inhibitor, is on track for FDA approval in mid-October.
I was wondering whether current Fuzeon users are planning to switch to raltegravir.
Allan
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yes
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My next appointment with my doc is on the 16 this month. I'll touch this topic and do whatever is best. I really would like to end with those needles, at least for some time.
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SIGH!
I've just spent 10 minutes trying to do an injection in my thigh. An area which a year ago I would have never even considered. But after nearly 4 years on this drug you eventually run out of options where to inject.
The one thing I want to stress is this. Fuzeon is a good drug when used in conjunction with other meds to provide a durable regimen. I've been <50 for nearly 4 years (even though my doctor at the time said I had no options and would have to accept something less than full viral suppression). Clearly it works. The only problem is that after a while the ISRs become worse and they last longer. The first 2 or 3 years were fairly easy. This past 9 months have become worse.
I have my 3 month appointment tomorrow with my doctor, assuming he's still confident a change will not compromise viral suppression, then I'm switching as soon as I can.
Fuzeon will be put back on the shelf, an effective alternative in the future, should I need it. But right now, I'm done with it.
RAB
(Who's body is literally covered with red welts and isn't going to pretend it's a cake walk, cause sometimes it isn't. >:()
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I agree with everything you said RAB -- fuzeon has worked for me liked nothing else ever has, and I'm very thankful. Not just given me great lab numbers but physically I feel 100% better, and that's what it's about. I've only been on it for 16 months and I'm already having more issues with ISR's. Maybe not like you are but I can see the writing on the wall from other comments in the forum (hello Catman!).
Fuzeon will still be on that shelf, yes -- but it will really be great to be off of it. At least I will know what all it involves should I ever need it again.
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I stuck Fuzeon on the shelf Dec 06 after using it for 18 months as the ISRs were unbearable. I switched the Fuzeon for etravirine and it kept me fully supressed and still am now. I added raltigravir 2 months ago and my cd4s are creeping up as well.
Rusty
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Interesting, Rusty -- and great to hear!