To change just cuz everybody does?

[Nextdoor_guy]

hey guys, long time no see
so here's my little "Problem" 
my treatment scheme is Combivir - Kaletra (almost 2 years now)
I know it's a weird combination and almost out of use, but luckily I have Zero side effects, feeling great and good numbers.

So my question is, to change it and go for a more "modern" combination or just to go with this one as long my body is dealing fine with it?


thanks guys

[thunter34]

I personally don't see the value in switching a combo that is working great for you just to be "up to date".  This is a long-haul fight...there's plenty of time to upgrade for a trendier combo.

I'm impressed that you're having "zero side effects" from this combo.  It's just my opinion, but I am of the "ain't broke, don't fix it" school of thought.

[mecch]

I believe there may be things to think about in addition to side effects one has now, or lack thereof.  What do doctors and research say about the possible long term effects of one particular combo, or individual drug, versus another? 

I really don't like the idea that you think people change on a whim. Thats the impression this thread title gives. People change because doctors are advising a new combo for one reason or another to benefit the patient. 

[Peacock]

Hi, im on Combivir and Nevirapine, and my Dr insists that I stick with it because im not getting side effects. Its very frustrating because id prefer to rather take another NNRTI combination rather than the Combivir. Sigh...and id hate to insult my dr and ask for referal for a second opinion..
Ive been on Combivir for 8 yrs so youve still got a while to make your decision, I might just stick with my combination for 2 more yrs then put my foot down.
problem is Im worried that a change could mean side effects, but thats a risk I have to take if I want a change. Im going to stay with my combination for a while longer, until im sure the risk of side effects is worth insulting my doctor! He,He,He
I just posted this answer, so that you can see youre not the only one on Combivir

[mecch]

Yes it can be a delicate situation with one doctor to want a second opinion from another.  Depending on the payment/insurance, of course, its often a patients right to be able to get a second opinion and the treating doc should deal with this professionally, not as an insult. If really really the doc gets insulted, then he/she isn't the greatest professional, after all.  Or maybe you are imagining that this might be an insult.

After a few years with one ID doc treating my HIV infection I went to visit another, to experience a different doctor/patient dynamic, and medical opinion, and ended up switching to the new one.

Get the service you want or need.

[Nextdoor_guy]

Thanks for the replies guys : )

YI think I will stick to this combination till my Doc, or the side effects will start to appear
but it's kinda frustrating and feeling like is not so ok, to know that I am taking an "old combination" with all the new pills that are now on the market

anyway nice to be around here

[mecch]

Thanks for the replies guys : )

YI think I will stick to this combination till my Doc, or the side effects will start to appear
but it's kinda frustrating and feeling like is not so ok, to know that I am taking an "old combination" with all the new pills that are now on the market

anyway nice to be around here

So you make do with something that worries you rather than "insult" your doc?  Which is only, in fact, asking for a change to drugs that worry you less.  Maybe you should ask if you're longterm health is better on a "newer" combo and why he doesn't want to switch you?  What country?  Maybe there is a cost consideration...

Anyway, in my experience, the squeaky wheel gets the grease.

[leatherman]

or the side effects will start to appear

umm, that's sort of a fatalistic viewpoint about the situation. LOL if you'll read all the information on the package insert for your medications, you'll see that a small percent of people are affected with those side effects; but a greater percentage are NOT affected. (The FDA wouldn't approve these meds if it was the other way around) Why, since you have been on the meds this long without side effects, do you believe that you will develop side effects in the future? Maybe you doctor doesn't want you to switch from something that is working  because he's not as pessimistic as you are.  LOL

mikie
who wouldn't give up a working regimen w/o side effects for any reason