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Author Topic: Got a new little blue pill and it isn't Viagra!  (Read 4755 times)

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Offline Billy B

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  • Posts: 392
Got a new little blue pill and it isn't Viagra!
« on: August 23, 2016, 07:55:51 pm »
Well it has been a while since I have posted here since all has been going exceptionally well. I managed to get rid of my HepC over 2 1/2 years ago using Sovoldi & Olysio off label. My IDS partnered with another IDS at the teaching hospital I go to who specializes in HepC. She somehow got my insurance to pay for my treatment, $148,000 total! They will now longer cover this treatment protocol because of the expense. The 12 weeks of treatment weren't much of an event with just a few days of tiredness. I do have some liver damage but it is healing as time goes on. I have had normal liver panels for well over 2 years.
For the nearly 7 years I have been on Isentress and Truvada, luckily I have never had any SEs or metabolic problems. And now that Descovy has been approved I am making the switch on Monday. I was a little concerned about SEs since I have seen that a small number of people have had some nausea but hopefully this want happen. My IDS feels like the switch is the correct next step to be proactive against kidney damage & bone health since I am one of the older ones.
Billy B
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Offline Billy B

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Re: Got a new little blue pill and it isn't Viagra!
« Reply #1 on: August 28, 2016, 03:09:46 pm »
I took my first Descovy this morning at 6am and other than being a lot easier to swallow, that is all the difference I have seen so far verses Truvada. This is exactly what my IDS predicted. I will post back in a few days with any pros or cons of TAF in is formulation.
Billy
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Offline Billy B

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Re: Got a new little blue pill and it isn't Viagra!
« Reply #2 on: August 30, 2016, 12:04:10 pm »
Since I started Descovy on Sunday instead of Monday this is day three and last night I slept like a baby. Yesterday, I had so much energy and felt so good that I was able to work in the yard for about 10 hours. I wouldn't think that switching to the new Truvada would make such a difference but in my case it has and in only three days. Isentress & Descovy will be my meds from now.
A 61 year old feeling like I am 40 ....how great it that!
Billy B
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Offline wolfter

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Re: Got a new little blue pill and it isn't Viagra!
« Reply #3 on: September 06, 2016, 11:47:29 am »
I love the differences between Truvada and Descovy.  I have battled severe insomnia for years with no relief.  It was to the point where my doctor prescribed Tramadol.  I was that desperate to get some rest.

Within a few days of starting Descovy, I noticed a marked change in my sleeping patterns.  I've been able to stop the Tramadol as I fall asleep easily and stay asleep.  At first, I was a little concerned since I was sleeping 10 - 12 hours per nights.  I think it was my body finally catching up.

I'm sleeping a solid 6 hours every night now.  Not sure which component in Truvada was the culprit but I'm so happy for this change.

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Offline Billy B

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  • Posts: 392
Re: Got a new little blue pill and it isn't Viagra!
« Reply #4 on: September 09, 2016, 12:52:23 pm »
 Since the amount of emtricitabine is the same, it is the new formulation of tenofovir (TAF) in Descovy that we have to thank for the sleep.  I would like to know if Gilead is working on a "newer, safer" version of emtricitabine. If so, I hope they don't sit on it for many years like they did with TAF while waiting for the patient on Truvada to expire. There is a class action lawsuit in the process over this action by Gilead.
Billy
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Offline CaveyUK

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Re: Got a new little blue pill and it isn't Viagra!
« Reply #5 on: September 11, 2016, 08:37:59 pm »
Quote from: Billy B on September 09, 2016, 12:52:23 pm
Since the amount of emtricitabine is the same, it is the new formulation of tenofovir (TAF) in Descovy that we have to thank for the sleep.  I would like to know if Gilead is working on a "newer, safer" version of emtricitabine. If so, I hope they don't sit on it for many years like they did with TAF while waiting for the patient on Truvada to expire. There is a class action lawsuit in the process over this action by Gilead.
Billy

I doubt Gilead are looking at a new version of emtricitabine (FTC) as, as far as I am aware, it is really well tolerated with no specific side effects.
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Offline Billy B

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Re: Got a new little blue pill and it isn't Viagra!
« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2016, 06:33:15 pm »
Emtricitabine certainly does have SEs.

"Severe and sometimes fatal lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in the blood) and liver problems have occurred with this type of medicine. The risk may be greater in women, patients who are very overweight, or patients who have been taking nucleoside medicines (eg, emtricitabine, tenofovir) for a long time.

Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of lactic acidosis (eg, unusual weakness or tiredness; unusual muscle pain; fast or difficult breathing; stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feeling cold, especially in the arms and legs; dizziness or light-headedness; fast or irregular heartbeat). Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver problems (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, persistent loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain)."

Billy B
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Offline CaveyUK

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Re: Got a new little blue pill and it isn't Viagra!
« Reply #7 on: September 14, 2016, 02:43:42 pm »
Quote from: Billy B on September 12, 2016, 06:33:15 pm
Emtricitabine certainly does have SEs.

"Severe and sometimes fatal lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in the blood) and liver problems have occurred with this type of medicine. The risk may be greater in women, patients who are very overweight, or patients who have been taking nucleoside medicines (eg, emtricitabine, tenofovir) for a long time.

Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of lactic acidosis (eg, unusual weakness or tiredness; unusual muscle pain; fast or difficult breathing; stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feeling cold, especially in the arms and legs; dizziness or light-headedness; fast or irregular heartbeat). Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of liver problems (eg, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, persistent loss of appetite, nausea, stomach pain)."

Billy B

How common though? Every drug for every condition has potential side effects, but I wasn't aware of any 'common' side effects with this drug. That seems to be mentioned in the link below. Lactic Acidosis can be caused by a myriad of things, from various medications to things like exercising too much too.

http://i-base.info/guides/3535
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Offline Billy B

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  • Posts: 392
Re: Got a new little blue pill and it isn't Viagra!
« Reply #8 on: September 16, 2016, 12:44:04 pm »
Quote from: CaveyUK on September 14, 2016, 02:43:42 pm
How common though? Every drug for every condition has potential side effects, but I wasn't aware of any 'common' side effects with this drug. That seems to be mentioned in the link below. Lactic Acidosis can be caused by a myriad of things, from various medications to things like exercising too much too.

http://i-base.info/guides/3535
I think that drug companies cover all the bases by listing all the side effects that have ever occurred. The profile for Truvada is exactly the same for Descovy.
Billy
« Last Edit: September 16, 2016, 12:56:16 pm by Billy B »
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Offline Billy B

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Re: Got a new little blue pill and it isn't Viagra!
« Reply #9 on: September 16, 2016, 12:52:55 pm »
Day 19 and several days ago I started experiencing a slight body warming ( no fever) about two hours after taking my meds in the AM. The feeling goes away in about an hour. I saw my IDS on Tuesday and she hasn't heard of this but she wasn't concerned either. Since I am in the middle of old Truvada leaving my body and new Truvada (TAF) reaching therapeutic levels I am thinking there is some interaction happening. Anyway, I am still sleeping so much better then before!
Billy 
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Offline Billy B

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Re: Got a new little blue pill and it isn't Viagra!
« Reply #10 on: September 23, 2016, 11:27:27 am »
It has been 25 days since I started Descovy. Last Sunday I starting feeling sinus pressure and was getting congested. On Monday I was having a very large amount of yellow mucus when I would blow my nose. As most know, this is a sign of a sinus infection. I didn't have a fever so I didn't see my GP. On Wednesday when I got out of bed, I thought my whole sinus cavity was coming out of my nares, and much to my surprise my right ear popped! I have been treated by an ENT for many years and was diagnosed as HOH in that ear as a result of my gun use. Well, I can now hear very well from my right ear and I am going on Monday for a hearing test.
I know that sinus problems are one of those things that some of use older ones deal with, but I think that it is more than coincidental that after using Descovy for about a month that my chronic sinus problem has been corrected.
There may be no connection at all, but that warn feeling I was having after taking Descovy has gone away as well as my sinus infection.
Billy

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Offline Billy B

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Re: Got a new little blue pill and it isn't Viagra!
« Reply #11 on: October 02, 2016, 01:32:08 pm »
Well it has been a little over a month since I switched. I had a hearing test at the ENT and it verified that my hearing had improved. He said there was no longer any sign of my chronic sinus infection that has plagued me for years. I have had on and off days where I was a little tired but that has passed along with the warm feeling after taking my meds. I feel wonderful and my body is now free of TDF. The last month had a few distressing days but all and all it was worth it 100%. I have also gained a few pounds in the correct places!
Billy
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