Author Topic: Norvir Tabs creating havoc with my stomach (Read 6420 times)

gonzo · « **on:** May 07, 2011, 12:47:21 am »

Hi, I been on Reyataz/Truvada/Norvir combo for over a year now, and other than excess gas,and some slight yellowing of the eyes, I pretty much had no problems tolerating these meds.

When I got my last order of meds I noticed the Norvir Caps had been replaced with Norvir Tabs, which at first made me happy because the Caps needed to be refridgerated, however after taking them for the past couple of days, I've noticed my stomach cramping, and an urgency to get to a restroom ASAP.

Has anyone had any similar experiences when switching from one form of Norvir to the other?

Thanks for your input guys!
gonzo

pozoz · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2011, 03:47:49 am »

Hi Gonzo,

Sorry to hear about the stomach issues.

When I was taking that combo, and switched to the caps from the gel caps I did not notice anything different at all.

From my understanding they are the same, but perhaps there are slight differences that are affecting you.

Do you drop the meds with a meal? I

I had mine with dinner every day which seemed to help, ( it's reccommend to have with food, Reyataz needs stomach acid or something....)

Tempeboy · « **Reply #2 on:** May 07, 2011, 08:21:07 am »

Hey Gonzo,

Sorry to hear about your side effects.

The new non refrigerated norvir formula has been associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Taking with food or half an hour after an anti-diarrhoeal medication can help, but tummy side effects are predominately associated with the Protease Inhibitor class of medication.

If you are undetectable you can switch to once daily nevirapine or once daily prezista, if you are not undetectable there are many other options. You could also ask about taking two Atazanavir's without norvir if you are not having any other Atazanavir associated side effects.

Recent research has also associated Atazanavir with an increased risk of kidney stones -- which you might want to avoid since you are taking tenofovir - you might like to ask your doc about alternatives.

Our meds need to fit around us, and not the other way around.

All the best

TB

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #3 on:** May 07, 2011, 08:48:21 am »

gonzo, when I switched to the non-refridge tablets I also had noticeable changes in my bowel movements. Eventually it settled down.

gonzo · « **Reply #4 on:** May 07, 2011, 11:36:54 am »

Hi, thanks for replying,

I do take my meds with a meal, so I guess my body just has to readjust to norvir in its tablet form, hopefully immodium will help some.

I wouldn't want to stop taking this combo over this issue tho, it's the only combo I have been able to adhere to, last I checked I was still undetectable tho my numbers have been on the low side of the scale, but I guess being HIV for 21 yrs and not taking meds on a regular-I shouldn't be complaining.

I really appreciate your input, be well

gonzo

Miss Philicia · « **Reply #5 on:** May 07, 2011, 11:49:27 am »

Maybe you should also try upping your fiber intake, with both "real" food sources and a drink supplement/stool bulking agent.

gonzo · « **Reply #6 on:** May 07, 2011, 12:00:04 pm »

Hey thanks for the advice will def give that a go!

gonzo

WillyWump · « **Reply #7 on:** May 08, 2011, 05:09:05 pm »

Quote from: gonzo on May 07, 2011, 11:36:54 am

I wouldn't want to stop taking this combo over this issue tho,
gonzo

Hey Gonz,

If the immodium, etc.. doesnt work let your doc or pharmacist know, they may be able to put you back on the capsules. I know my Pharmacy is still carrying the capsules. I'm not sure but I think they are going to continue producing the gelcaps indefinitly.

Also here's a blurb from the FDA about increased diahrrea on the tablets...notably that it may diminish with time.

Patients who take the 600 mg twice daily soft gel capsule NORVIR dose may experience more gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or diarrhea when switching from the soft gel capsule to the tablet formulation because of greater maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) achieved with the tablet formulation relative to the soft gel capsule [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Patients should also be aware that these adverse events (gastrointestinal or paresthesias) may diminish as therapy is continued.\

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates/HIVandAIDSActivities/ucm200179.htm

-Will

gonzo · « **Reply #8 on:** May 09, 2011, 08:14:29 am »

Thanks for the info Will, I'll keep that in mind.

I have to do mail order for my meds, so I'm not sure if they still stock the caps(but if things don't improve soon I'll definately give them a call)

Meanwhile I've increased my fiber intake, as well as taking Immodium.

gonzo

Tempeboy · « **Reply #9 on:** May 09, 2011, 08:12:26 pm »

Hey Gonzo,

I have heard that if you take your immodium half an hour before your meds it works a treat! Immodium is a safe medication so you could ask your doc about taking more until things settle down for you.

Cheers

TB

gonzo · « **Reply #10 on:** May 09, 2011, 10:39:58 pm »

hmm, maybe that's what I'm doing wrong, I been taking the immodium after the meds and not before.

Thanks TB!
hugs,
gonzo

mpositive · « **Reply #11 on:** May 12, 2011, 07:57:53 am »

I had the same happen to me with when I switched from the Gel caps to the Tabs. However, as someone said above, fiber did help me. That might be because I needed it anyhow though....not sure. I drink Metamucil every morning now.
Just so happens I went off the PIs and am now on Insentress/Selzentry/Truvada.
Losing the PIs made a huge difference. I hope it gets better for you friend.
M

gonzo · « **Reply #12 on:** May 12, 2011, 09:26:35 am »

Hi M,
I'm doing better now, not sure if it's the fiber or immodium or both, but at the very least I don't feel like I might have an accident at any given moment.

Thanks for your post,
gonzo

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