POZ Community Forums
Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: DRS on October 26, 2013, 01:14:49 pm
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I was recently diagnosed HIV positive about a month ago, and have started taking Atripla about a week and a half ago. Two days ago I noticed some small red spots all over my chest, arms and torso, and today they are worse, more. They don't hurt or itch, but I am concerned. I obviously am calling my Dr, but I am wondering if anyone else has had this happen after starting Atripla. Thank you.
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Atripla can cause a rash a week or two after starting. It usually dissipates on its own after a few days. Take a Benadryl if it bothers you.
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Thank you for the information!
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I took Sustiva (in Atripla) as part of a PEP regimen a few years ago, and this happened to me too.
It cleared up once I quit taking the stuff. Oatmeal baths were my friend in the meantime. I don't know if they helped, but it was a nice thing to do.
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Hi there!!!
A mild to moderate rash is normal. Keep your skin hydrated, try not to be too much stressed,
Anyway, it is a good idea you to pay attention to other sympthoms if they occur. Talk to your doctor immediatelly in case you notice the spots extend to other parts on your body, or get darker or bigger. Also pay attention to headaches, bone-joint pain, difficulties for breathing or any other not normal sympthoms. If a severe reaction occur, it will be quite rapidly, suddenly within one day, so it is very important you can get medical care the soonest in case a severe reaction occurs.
Usually, if your sympthoms get milder after the first 4 to 5 weeks, it will be OK and you will tolerate this med with no major complaints. But in case of any of the mentioned above, talk to your doctor or ask for medical care. It is a good idea to take with you (in your wallet, attached to your social security or health insurance card) a little card or notice indicating you are taking Atripla and the risks of an allergic reaction.
I taked Atripla, actually, Sustiva + Truvada since at that time Atripla wasn't still available, and I developped a severe rash by the 3rd week, as a reaction to Sustiva. Finally my doc switched me to Truvada plus a PI (Atazanavir), and the rash, joint-bone pain and the rest of sympthoms dissapeared in a few days.
Some years later, I was switched back to an NNRTI, this time Intellence (etravirine), and it is working vey well for me. Standard is it to be taken twice daily, but you can take it also once daily and it is as safe as twice. It could be an alternative NNRTI just in case Atripla will give you any problem. The inconvenient is that it will mean more pills: 2 pills daily for Intellence plus 1 pill for Truvada, all them taken at once, once daily, with a meal.
Take care!!! 8)