Doctor tomorrow - switching my combo.

[PeteNYNJ]

So tomorrow is my second follow up after starting meds in December.  Last time, after a month on my combo, my numbers did very nicely. I expected them to be nice tomorrow as well.  Problem is the Kaletra is causing too much gastro distress to consider it manageable.

What I understand is most of the other options besides Kaletra would add a Norvir booster?  Does anyone know the price of Norvir in the US?   I have insurance, but figuring out my copay is like a crap shoot (some months it was 30 bucks, another month is switch to 60, etc).

Also, once you cycle off one - are you done with them forever?  Like if I stop Kaletra, would Kaletra never work for me down the line? 

Thanks for everyone's advice/opinions.

Pete

[Matty the Damned]

You'll be able to return to Kaletra in the future, provided you've not developed resistance and from what you post there's no reason to think that's happened.

MtD

[adhoc]

When I switched combos from Atripla to Reyataz, Truvada and Norvir, I was told that as long as the virus was suppressed at the time of switching there should be no problems with switching different combos. I am finishing up this month of pills for the Reyataz, Truvada and going back to Atripla. My doc wanted to see if changing combos if I got a better "rise" in CD4. It stayed the same so no damage except a little more co-pay. Next month will be nice I get to save 60.00. As for Norvir I pay 30.00 and 30.00 for the other two.

As for your co-pays, cant you call your pharmacy and get a quote?

Good Luck with the new combo!

[PeteNYNJ]

thanks Adhoc

I could get a quote but it up to my insurance carrier.  They decided to double the copay when the year restarted.  I don't have much income at this point so I only allotted for the 60 bucks for the two drugs.  I had to ask my parents for the other 60. 

Hey,  I could be paying the 2 grand cost if I didnt have insurance so no complaints on that part.

[PeteNYNJ]

Got my results today.  My percentage went up to 26% from 24%, CD4 hovering around the same 700, and I am now undetectable!!!

So it took me less then 3 months to go from 400K to undetectable and my percentage to go from 18% to 26%.  Not bad, kudos to you body

I am switching off the Kaletra due to poop problems so I am switching to Reyataz/Norvir with my Truvada. 

Other good news, I lost 7 pounds, my liver enzymes have stabilized, and my blood pressure went from boarderline high to normal. 

Good day at the doctor for me

[kev72]

Congratulations on your new results. That's always good news!

[Inchlingblue]

You can always look into co-pay assistance programs. Most of them kick in for co-pays above a certain amount but some have removed the minimum due to the recession. I use them when I have high co-pays during January and February before the deductible is met.

LINK:

http://positivelyaware.com/2009/09_02/13th_annual_hiv_drug_guide.shtml

http://www.thebody.com/content/art55193.html

[Jody]

Great news on your numbers Pete.  Your new regimen should continue to work well for you.

Jody

[alliance]

Nothing like a good day at the doctor!  Way to go!

[PeteNYNJ]

Thanks guys

I am in the process of applying for assistance in NJ - got my doctor to sign off on all my paperwork today and I can send out all my info tomorrow.  They want so much info, it will cost me as much as a copay to mail

Pete