I resisted the change … and mentioned these forums TWICE

[numbersguy82]

I went to see my ID doctor this week to discuss changing to the injectable treatment versus my current Biktarvy. It was less formal as I didn’t do labs, we were just there to really discuss the treatment change. My biggest concern was actually broached here regarding mental health, and the possibility that Cabenuva may worsen depression.

My doc fell on the side that there just wasn’t much in the way of study research to suggest it would cause depression, so she brought in the pharmacy rep to sit down with me. He was more prepared to describe that yes, while certain components of Cabenuva have historically worsened depression, in Cabenuva the market research just doesn’t support that same idea.

At the end of the day, I was seeing my psychiatrist literally immediately after this meeting, and starting on new medicine, so I decided not to change to the injectable. I figured switching two medicines at the same time would make it more challenging to identify side effects and which brought them on.

On the mental health side, I switched to Latuda from lithium and Prozac, and I got to keep seroquel. The pharmacist worried that seroquel in conjunction with Latuda may cause unwanted side effects, but as I told her, they’d have to pry seroquel from my cold dead hand… it makes for amazing sleep!

My fave part tho was working in these forums into both my talk with my doc as well as with my pharmacy rep. I think both were surprised I had researched independently about cabenuva beforehand. Also I may have been texting Michael (Leatherman) for extra encouragement during … you know for support and a dose of humor!

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

I'm glad the appointments went well and you expressed your concerns about changing too many drugs at once.

Good luck with the Latuda, keep us posted

[leatherman]

Glad to hear that things went well!!!

[Tonny2]

                ojo.           Hi numbers. I’m glad you have the chance to discuss with your doctor, the possible change our medication and I’m glad that you decided to keep biktarvy. don’t feel bad for not being able to switch to the injection, I’m also someone who would love to be able to get that injection every two months but, according to my doctor, if I were to switch to the injection, I would still have to take pills in addition to the injection due to my history of resistance. I guess I will continue taking my  eight pills at day. It is what it is.


I feel bad for you having to deal with mental issues, I do not know anything about it. But I would like to learn, and as a matter fact, I sent you a personal message wish you never replied to but I guess if you don’t wanna talk about it. All I can tell you is that I sent you a virtual hug and we are here for you. My mantra during this 29 years live with HIV/AIDS it’s been that that are others who are leaving with worse conditions than me, and that has hekped me dealing with my condition for all these years, I must admit that sometines I felt like throwing the towel but I’m still here…Again, we are here for you and please keep us posted…hugs

[CalvinC]

Hope you get things sorted out in the way that works for you!

I had a poor experience with injectables -- meaning, I didn't end up going that route: see https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=77023.msg783538#msg783538.

My specialist cautioned against them if only because she said that not all the science is in, so to speak. She advised waiting a couple more years until the kinks are worked out. And that's fine. I don't have a problem with pill adherence anyway.