POZ Community Forums

Meds, Mind, Body & Benefits => Questions About Treatment & Side Effects => Topic started by: Cluffmasta on August 27, 2013, 01:06:05 pm

Title: Tivicay
Post by: Cluffmasta on August 27, 2013, 01:06:05 pm
I start Tivicay tonight and was wondering if anyone has started this new drug as well? Side effects are suppose to be minimal which i'm looking forward to, switching from Isentress.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Ann on August 28, 2013, 04:34:45 am
Hi Cluff, welcome to the forums!

Tivicay is the brand-name of the much-awaited dolutegravir. As far as I know, you're the first person to be prescribe this new med in these forums. Congrats!

A lot of people are very excited about this med - it's slated to become Sustiva's replacement as a preferred first-line treatment. Without the Sustiva side-effects. (It's also not in the same class as Sustiva.)

It would be great if you kept this thread updated to let us know how it goes. Thanks!

http://www.gsk.com/media/press-releases/2013/viiv-healthcare-announces-u-s--approval-of-tivicay---dolutegravi.html

Ann

PS - what other meds are you on? Truvada? Kivexa?
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Cluffmasta on August 28, 2013, 12:34:21 pm
Thanks for your reply Ann. My Dr. said I'm the first patient to try it in the clinic other than her patients she has had in a clinical trial. I have taken Truvada and Isentress for about 4 1/2 years, switched to Stribild in June 2013 - not a good pill for me. I have been back on the Truvada and Isentress for about two weeks again and remember why I wanted to switch, terrible headaches and diarrhea. My labs are good - VL undetectable  CD4 - 700 CD4% - 49 The side effects have just been the unpleasant part.

So we will see how the Tivicay works, hoping for the best! Took it last night around 10pm and so far it seems to be just fine! My Dr. said to expect a little nausea the first week until my body adjusts to it. There is a little nausea present but nothing to complain about. All I can say so far is SO FAR SO GOOD!
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Miss Philicia on August 28, 2013, 01:07:37 pm
I see my doctor on Sept. 10th and mostly likely will be switching from Isentress to Tivicay as this plan was previously discussed with him several appointments ago. I'll let you know when/if it happens.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: surf18 on August 29, 2013, 01:58:14 pm
Yep  I have appointment next week. I'll be switching too.
Keep us up to date
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Jeff G on August 29, 2013, 02:16:56 pm
You youngsters with your newfangled HIV meds ... when I first got pozzed up we only had AZT and took a 180 of them before noon and liked it .

Im looking forward to updates , thinking about changing myself . 
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Miss Philicia on August 29, 2013, 05:01:49 pm
I am not young and I also took AZT. I'm making this switch for a couple good clinical reasons and fully encouraged to do so by my physician, thankuverymuch. I will be able to reduce my current HIV regimen from 7 pills per day taken twice daily, half with food restrictions to two pills once daily with no pill restrictions. Furthermore he expects me to either greatly reduce or eliminate my need for 12 pills daily for diarrhea side effects. Anyway, going from 19 pills to 2 sounds like a pretty good reason both as a patient and the cost to the taxpayer (though I'll still be taking pills for other bullshit: lyrica, diovan, prescription vit. d etc.)
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: the4realone on August 30, 2013, 04:24:27 pm
I was subscribed Tivicay as well Cluffmasta ---- I got it yesterday along with Epzicom ---- my doctors were waiting for it to be approved for me because of chronic kidney disease --- I did not take it yet ... this will be my first time beginning treatment --- my diagnosis was on January 1, 2013 --- and doctors believe I was just infected late summer early fall last year due to acute sero-conversion and the fact that when I was tested in November 2012 while in hospital test came back negative

Well I will be starting, if not tonight then certainly before next weekend --- been getting some good encouragement ... concerned about what side effects will be especially since I already deal with some for other meds I am taking for other health conditions ... wishing you the best
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: mikeyb39 on September 03, 2013, 06:56:21 pm
I take isentress now and I wonder if it is what is causing my headaches or migraines if you will.  Does anyone think this new drug will make any difference in that?   its in the same class category. 

Anyone else feel the isentress causes you actual headaches.  I get bad migraines from time to time, it seems more frequent when I switched meds a year or so ago.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Cluffmasta on September 03, 2013, 07:58:34 pm
  Anyone else feel the isentress causes you actual headaches.  I get bad migraines from time to time, it seems more frequent when I switched meds a year or so ago.
When I take Isentress it gives me terrible headaches! My Dr. switched me to Stribild in June, headaches went away but it gave me terrible anxiety. I had to switch back to Truvada and Isentress for two weeks and my headaches returned, luckily my Dr. was able to get the Tivicay relatively quick for me. I have been on Tivicay now for 7 days and while I still get a little head pressure it is nothing like the Isentress caused  :)
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: the4realone on September 05, 2013, 06:33:17 pm
Tonight September 5, 2013 @6:15pm goes down in history as the first night that I took ARV's/ART ... I did wait as I wanted until I got my most recent lab results ... they came in this morning and made the final decision to begin this evening ... keep me in your prayers it was a major step For ME ... I will keep you all updated on how it goes and is going --- 1 Tivicay and 1 Epzicom daily
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: surf18 on September 05, 2013, 07:12:54 pm
I have to wait. My insurance does not cover it yet.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: GoForIt on September 06, 2013, 06:25:33 pm
Please post more information about any side-effects or feelings while being on Tivicay.

I am going to be also starting Tivicay and Epzicom as soon as my labs come back that confirm I am not allergic to the Epzicom.

While Tivicay sounds like the latest and greatest medication to be on, there is almost no actual reviews or patient comments about it which makes me slightly anxious to know how others are feeling while taking Tivicay. 

I hope that it is working great for you and would really appreciate to hear more from you and your thoughts on Tivicay.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Cluffmasta on September 06, 2013, 07:34:52 pm
I hope that it is working great for you and would really appreciate to hear more from you and your thoughts on Tivicay.

I have now been on the Tivicay for about 12 days now! The first two to three day I had a hard time sleeping but I went from taking my daily meds in the morning to starting them at night. I take truvada and Tivicay right before I go to bed now, around 10pm. I think my body was just adjusting to taking the medications at night, now I sleep just fine. The only side effect I have noticed is a little head pressure, I wouldn't even call it a headache! The Isentress gave me terrible headaches and the Tivicay has yet to do what the Isentress caused. So far being on the Truvada and Tivicay has been the best regimen I have been on.  :D
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: GoForIt on September 07, 2013, 02:29:19 pm
That is good news to hear.  Thanks for replying so quick.

I was just diagnosed in early August and have probably been living poz for the last 3-4 years without knowing.  My T-Cells are 506 and VL is about 10,500 according to my first test.  I also just got re-tested to make sure there was no false positive or at least establish some kind of base-line idea, which I am waiting for the results of.

I have not started any treatment yet but my doctor recommended Tivicay over Atripla.  Originally he was going to start me on Tivicay and Truvada but then he read that Tivicay will be coming in a combined pill very soon of Tivicay/Epzicom (because its made by the same company).  This is why he is starting me on these two so that once its in the one pill form it will be easier to adhere to.  He also informed me that Tivicay has almost no side-effects in comparison to Atripla's common rash/nightmares/drunk feeling/and empty stomach requirement. 

So it SOUNDS like Tivicay is a much nicer option to have instead of the Atripla but I would really like to hear more about your day-by-day experience with Tivicay as I will be starting also very soon.  Anyone else who is taking Tivicay or Epzicom I  would also like to hear from too.  Thanks!
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: GoForIt on September 07, 2013, 02:31:45 pm
This post was made by mistake but I can't figure out how to remove it.  Was trying to quote you on my original post but it reposted....bleh
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: the4realone on September 10, 2013, 07:26:59 am
Tivicay and Epzicom Honestly it is going very well for me ... my first night or two some crazy dreams which made me jump up with anxiety and disoriented BUT I don't believe it was the meds but rather brought on by my phobia and anxiety about taking the meds ... Now I am dealing with some insomnia sleeping for like 3-4 Hours at night and then up for 3-4 before I can go back to sleep but even if that is one of the side effects .... hey those are minimal to me .... none of the other things that I feared at all .... I take at 6pm every evening and enjoy my evening right up to going to bed with absolutely no problems at all ... I do get dry pasty mouth at night and through the day ... I just keep me some water and mints or something close to my bed and when out and about ... Again though, not sure it is even from Tivicay and Epzicom because I am on a number of other meds as well .... So my final word is I give them KUDOS for this pairing especially for me who have never been on ART before now.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Matts on September 12, 2013, 10:52:16 am
DLG should be the first choice  for first-line therapy, because it's quite resistant against mutations- says a Canadian study:

"Conclusions
Our findings suggest that DTG may be intrinsically resistant to the emergence of resistance and that this drug should be used in first-line therapy to minimize the emergence of possible drug resistance. The finding that a secondary mutation, i.e. H51Y, may simultaneously reduce viral replication and enzymatic activity, while augmenting levels of drug resistance in the presence of a primary resistance mutation, i.e. R263K, could potentially be advantageous not only for HIV treatment but for strategies aimed at HIV eradication as well.....

One caveat of the above arguments is that viruses that fail to achieve integration will not help us to deal with the problem of the HIV reservoir in individuals previously infected by HIV, even if such subjects have been treated with drugs such as DTG. However, it is possible that the withholding of all anti-HIV drugs from treated subjects might result in an activation of latent viruses from reservoirs. In this context, viruses that fail to achieve efficient integration, such as those decribed here, might fail to effectively repopulate reservoirs and multiple cycles of on/off therapy might diminish the size of the latent reservoir over time. While awaiting the results of further clinical studies involving DTG, these are concepts that could be studied in animal models. "

http://www.retrovirology.com/content/10/1/22 (http://www.retrovirology.com/content/10/1/22)



Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: GoForIt on September 12, 2013, 11:29:20 am
DLG should be the first choice  for first-line therapy, because it's quite resistant against mutations- says a Canadian study:

One caveat of the above arguments is that viruses that fail to achieve integration will not help us to deal with the problem of the HIV reservoir in individuals previously infected by HIV, even if such subjects have been treated with drugs such as DTG. However, it is possible that the withholding of all anti-HIV drugs from treated subjects might result in an activation of latent viruses from reservoirs. In this context, viruses that fail to achieve efficient integration, such as those decribed here, might fail to effectively repopulate reservoirs and multiple cycles of on/off therapy might diminish the size of the latent reservoir over time. While awaiting the results of further clinical studies involving DTG, these are concepts that could be studied in animal models. "

http://www.retrovirology.com/content/10/1/22 (http://www.retrovirology.com/content/10/1/22)

What does this mean exactly?  Does this mean that it could be bad to use this drug because you may need to activate those reservoir viruses later on?  A little confused about that second paragraph.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Matts on September 12, 2013, 02:51:40 pm
You can forget the second paragraph- It's about a trial in monkeys to eradicate HIV with DLG and two special mutations. Its very complicated- I dont understand it fully so far.
There are two known mutations for DLG: H51Y and R263K. If You put them together and inject them intentionally the HIV gets so weak that it cant integrate anymore( if I understand it correctly). But its only theoretical so far.

It is only important that it is very unlikely that treatment-naives ever get these mutations. Because of that DLG is recommendable for them.
Have fun with Tivicay :)
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: wolfter on September 12, 2013, 03:01:27 pm
My doctor just switched out my Isentress  to Tivicay.  I'm yet again a guinea pig as I'm his first.   ;)  Hoping this cures the extreme insomnia.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Cluffmasta on September 12, 2013, 08:28:28 pm
Who else is taking the Tivicay, what are you experiencing? It has mostly been great for me, however I have had a lot of constipation since starting it. Let us know how it is working for you!
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: wolfter on September 12, 2013, 09:58:05 pm
I imagine there aren't many here on Vivicay since it was approved less than a month ago.  I can't find relevant information on it.  I should have listened to my doctor more intently.

Not sure why some of us have to take it twice daily and others take it once a day.  Hell, I already forgot what other med I will still be taking with it.  He also said something about personalizing this drug combo?

Damn short term memory. :(
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: GoForIt on September 13, 2013, 08:40:43 pm
I imagine there aren't many here on Vivicay since it was approved less than a month ago.  I can't find relevant information on it.  I should have listened to my doctor more intently.

Not sure why some of us have to take it twice daily and others take it once a day.  Hell, I already forgot what other med I will still be taking with it.  He also said something about personalizing this drug combo?

Damn short term memory. :(

just type into Google "Tivicay"...ViiV makes it...but its called Tivicay...
Also you'll find out that some take it twice daily because of higher levels of resistance.

I got prescribed it with epzicom because they will be coming together in 1 pill shortly and 1 pill is easier than 2.  So might as well get used to them both since I will eventually switch to the 1 new pill that has both of them. 

Want to hear from anyone else who is on Tivicay currently though and what their combination is as well as side effects....
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Miss Philicia on September 13, 2013, 09:15:05 pm
There's info about every drug (http://www.aidsmeds.com/list.shtml) (even things in clinical trials) on this web site -- you don't need to google it.

http://www.aidsmeds.com/archive/Tivicay_2422.shtml
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: wolfter on September 13, 2013, 09:58:30 pm
I guess I should have specified that I couldn't find a lot of information from individual users in regards to their experiences.

The clinical and technical information is all available within this site without "googling"   ;)
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: GoForIt on September 16, 2013, 08:17:56 pm
Picked up my first bottle of Tivicay and Truvada today. 

Found out by gene test that I have the gene that causes the severe allergic reaction to Epzicom so I cannot ever take epzicom.

Still not sure exactly when the best time to take these two meds would be.  At night or in the morning?

I was hoping I could take Epzicom because GSK will be making the Tivicay/Epzicom pill in one early next year and it would be easier then having to fill 2 medications but oh well at least I was able to find out through a test that Epzicom is not for me before ever taking it.

Still very interested to hear from others about how their Tivicay experience is going.

Really hoping that Tivicay doesn't have some underlying severe allergic side effect the way Epzicom did with the heart as they are both made by GSK. 

The clinical trials say nothing but great things but I am still very skeptical as there are not many actual opinions to go by.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Schnauzer on September 24, 2013, 01:09:04 pm
I got prescribed it with epzicom because they will be coming together in 1 pill shortly and 1 pill is easier than 2.  So might as well get used to them both since I will eventually switch to the 1 new pill that has both of them. 


How shortly?
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: GoForIt on September 24, 2013, 01:35:14 pm

How shortly?

The word is early 2014 on that.

On another note I have been taking Truvada & Tivicay for a week now with no noticeable side effects.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: NycJoe on September 30, 2013, 06:42:55 pm
I just got a script for this and very excited to try something other than Atripla for fewer side effects.  I will definitely give everyone an update once I start and see how my numbers go along with any possible side effects.

Joe
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Cluffmasta on October 03, 2013, 07:06:12 pm
5 weeks now on Tivicay and Truvada, Only noticable side effect that has lingered is a dull headache. I had my labs done last week and Tivicay has kept my VL undetectable still! I am super pleased with this medication!  :)
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: GoForIt on October 11, 2013, 03:47:08 pm
Been on Tivicay and Truvada for 3 weeks now.  Took my labs at 2 weeks and am pleased to say I am Undetectable.  What used to take 3-6 months to be undetectable now only takes 2 weeks.  Pretty cool.  Hope to see a CD4 raise in the coming months.  No side effects from Tivicay and Truvada with me.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Cluffmasta on October 11, 2013, 06:21:30 pm
Awesome news GoForIt! Glad that it is working well for both of us!  :D
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: GoForIt on October 11, 2013, 06:46:16 pm
Awesome news GoForIt! Glad that it is working well for both of us!  :D

Thanks Cluffmasta! 
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Valmont on October 11, 2013, 08:01:26 pm
Great, Cluff !!! 

And about side effects, does it bother in your normal life?
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: friskyguy on October 12, 2013, 01:52:28 pm
Hi all,

Does anyone know how well this newbie med penetrates into the brain / CSF or can point to some research on this?  any ranking?

From what I have read so far it looks like a safe med but protection from replication in the brain is a high priority and as we know some meds have better penetration than others.

Thanks
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Cluffmasta on October 15, 2013, 11:57:14 am
Hey Valmont, the headache does not bother me during the day! It seemed to be worse the first week starting the Tivicay but has since gone away to almost nothing at all!
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Valmont on October 15, 2013, 07:52:47 pm
That is great, thanks for your answer...  I hope you the best with this medecine, it seems very interesting to me...
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: eric48 on October 18, 2013, 05:45:14 pm
...it seems very interesting to me...

Here too... I'm dying of ... jealousy

Hoping everyone will be happy with it and looking forward t have it approved AND covered, here as well

Eric
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: wolfter on November 14, 2013, 12:00:00 pm
Curious how you all are doing on this drug.  I'm getting my script to switch out the Isentress to Tivicay for sleep issues. 

Wolfie
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 14, 2013, 01:55:49 pm
Curious how you all are doing on this drug.  I'm getting my script to switch out the Isentress to Tivicay for sleep issues. 

Wolfie

Just so you know, difficulty sleeping/insomnia is also a possibility with Tivicay though I don't know what the % comparison is with their respective clinical trials, and of course Tivicay will have less information about this because not many patients are on it.

And, of course, difficulty sleeping/insomnia could ultimately be just general and exist regardless of these two medications. Anyway, good luck.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: GoForIt on November 14, 2013, 02:39:15 pm
I've been on it for 2 months now and I feel blessed that I have no side-effects.  Going to get new labs done after 3 months.  It worked fast to bring VL down to UD in 2 weeks from being treatment naive.  They say headache and insomnia were reported in trials but I have not experienced either.  I take mine around 10pm and usually fall asleep between 10-12pm each night...usually earlier rather than later so no insomnia here.  I feel very lucky I was able to skip over Atripla which was so recommended the past 7 years or so which has CNS issues and sleep issues.  Tivicay is a great medicine in terms of low side-effect profile and its effectiveness.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Cluffmasta on November 15, 2013, 12:12:34 pm
Hey Wolfter! I switched out the Isentress for the Tivicay in August and it has been the best decision I have made in my treatment regimen the past 5 years! No Side effects other than a slight headache here and there. I too like GoForIt take it with Truvada around 10pm or 11pm and sleep just fine. The Isentress gave me terrible headaches and diarrhea and have had none of that while on the Tivicay. Just had second round of labs done and it has kept my VL undetectable and boosted my CD4 a little as well! Excited to hear how you do on it too! Keep us posted!
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: wolfter on November 15, 2013, 12:30:26 pm
I've created quite a list for doctor when I see him this coming Thursday.  (I got ready yesterday before I realized I had the wrong week)  He indicated I'll have to take it twice a day.  I'm finding little information on the Web.  I'll take it along with my Truvada and Intellence. 

My biggest concern is if I should have issues with the change, can I go back to my existing combo.  I'd hate to trade out insomnia for something worse.   :o
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Cluffmasta on November 15, 2013, 01:41:33 pm
When I switched in August I had the same concern about being able to switch back if I did not like any new side effects.. My Dr. told me there was no issue and that I could switch back to taking the Isentress and Truvada. Hopefully you will have the same outcome as I have with no side effects at all with the Tivicay!
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Miss Philicia on November 15, 2013, 02:25:15 pm
Of course you can switch back. Changing medication regimens doesn't cause resistance, unless you had developed resistance before the change.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: oksikoko on November 15, 2013, 03:55:54 pm
I've created quite a list for doctor when I see him this coming Thursday.  (I got ready yesterday before I realized I had the wrong week)  He indicated I'll have to take it twice a day.  I'm finding little information on the Web.  I'll take it along with my Truvada and Intellence. 

The only thing I've seen regarding once vs. twice dosing is this (http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=63df5af3-b8ac-4e76-9830-2dbb340af922):

"If efavirenz, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, tipranavir/ritonavir, or rifampin are coadministered, then the dose is TIVICAY 50 mg twice daily."

-or-

"INSTI-experienced with certain INSTI-associated resistance substitutions or clinically suspected INSTI resistance."

Maybe he suspects you have integrase inhibitor resistance?
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: wolfter on November 15, 2013, 10:03:51 pm
The only thing I've seen regarding once vs. twice dosing is this (http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=63df5af3-b8ac-4e76-9830-2dbb340af922):

"If efavirenz, fosamprenavir/ritonavir, tipranavir/ritonavir, or rifampin are coadministered, then the dose is TIVICAY 50 mg twice daily."

-or-

"INSTI-experienced with certain INSTI-associated resistance substitutions or clinically suspected INSTI resistance."

Maybe he suspects you have integrase inhibitor resistance?

My resistance profile if full.  :) 
Of course you can switch back. Changing medication regimens doesn't cause resistance, unless you had developed resistance before the change.

I just worry.  I've developed resistance twice to different combos even with being adherent.  Never did get a probable reason from my previous idiot doctor.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: uncertain on November 18, 2013, 06:51:21 am
I was diagnosed sero converted and put on isentress truvada prezista norvir in September, the headaches and muscle aches seem to have come after about 7 weeks, not sure which of the meds, but would the docs want to keep me on them for 3 months.  Does Tivocay give less headaches than Isentress.  My Isentress headaches are mild, but I nees asprin.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Cluffmasta on November 18, 2013, 10:26:31 pm
Hey uncertain! One of the reasons I switched from Isentress to Tivicay was because of all the headaches I was getting from the Isentress! I was having to take ibuprofen everyday. The first week or two on Tivicay I had some head pressure but nothing like on Isentress! No more daily headaches now. I love what it has done for me and I no longer have to take ibuprofen everyday, which in return has been much more pleasant on my stomach. Been on Tivicay for about 3 months now :)
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Freon on November 21, 2013, 11:15:48 am
I don't have the past history to know if switching is a good thing, but I started with Truvada+Trivicay as my first treatment. It's been 6 weeks, and after the usual follow up a month later all my labs were fine for liver, VL undetectable in less then a month, and I don't really think I've had any side effects. Except the first 2 weeks sometimes I'd feel a little lightheaded and then it would pass. 
I don't understand the big push for a single pill though, both are really small, taken at the same time together, and that's about it.  I take it on the way to bed and don't feel anything.  It's been so dramatically effective that I don't need a checkup until after the new year.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Schnauzer on November 21, 2013, 12:03:16 pm
ViiV Healthcare just submitted its application to the FDA for a dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine once-a-day combo pill.  Barring any complications, it should be available at your local pharmacy by summer 2014 possibly under the name "Trii".

http://www.viivhealthcare.com/media/press-releases/2013/october/viiv-healthcare-announces-us-regulatory-submission-for-a-single-tablet-regimen-combining-dolutegravir-with-abacavir-and-lamivudine-for-people-living-with-hiv.aspx
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: oksikoko on November 21, 2013, 07:52:33 pm
I don't understand the big push for a single pill though, both are really small, taken at the same time together, and that's about it.  I take it on the way to bed and don't feel anything.  It's been so dramatically effective that I don't need a checkup until after the new year.

Personally, I agree about multiple pills not being a big deal, but due to insurance weirdness, some people pay per pill. Also a lot of people have trouble with adherence, especially as time goes by. Every little thing that makes it easier, like having to remember only 1 pill, helps.

Lee
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: wolfter on November 22, 2013, 05:12:24 am
I don't have the past history to know if switching is a good thing, but I started with Truvada+Trivicay as my first treatment. It's been 6 weeks, and after the usual follow up a month later all my labs were fine for liver, VL undetectable in less then a month, and I don't really think I've had any side effects. Except the first 2 weeks sometimes I'd feel a little lightheaded and then it would pass. 
I don't understand the big push for a single pill though, both are really small, taken at the same time together, and that's about it.  I take it on the way to bed and don't feel anything.  It's been so dramatically effective that I don't need a checkup until after the new year.

I read through the entire thread and didn't see any comments about the convenience of a one a day pill.  For many of us, the number of pills isn't an issue.  Imagine having to take a handful of pills every 4 hours thinking that was a life-line.  Nothing like hearing an alarm going off at 4:00 am.  :)

Oh and btw, I had to walk 4 miles uphill through several feet of snow to get my first meds.. :o
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: EmilyRay on December 04, 2013, 10:34:31 am
My girlfriend just started taking tivicay four days ago and now has terrible diarrhea! She was on isentress before and had similar issues with it, but not to this degree. I hope that this is just an adjustment period problem. I am not sure why they switched her to the new medication; she has no resistance to the isentress and her numbers have been good. It seems to me like her Dr is just using her to play guinea pig with a new toy. I understand why some people are switched to it, just not understanding why she was.

EmilyRay
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Miss Philicia on December 04, 2013, 12:04:16 pm
Is there a reason that your girlfriend doesn't ask her doctors these questions? A doctor/patient relationship is a two-way street.

I seriously doubt the doctor is just "playing guinea pig" with their patient. I've yet to encounter any Josef Mengele types in the past two decades.

If the diarrhea is so bad why doesn't your girlfriend go buy some imodium at a drugstore? Better yet, since this issue was occurring in lesser fashion of some sort on the previous regimen why doesn't she press the issue with her doctor and get a prescription for something like loperamide, which would save money instead of buying OTC meds at a drugstore (assuming you have little to no co-pays for generics). Also, it's possible there could be some other cause if she has persistent diarrhea -- again, she should be forcing the discussion with her doctor -- he can run a stool test, etc. to eliminate other possible causes. A doctor is only as good as what can be gleaned from patients discussions -- they can not read minds.

If she sincerely doesn't like the med change then most likely she can return to Isentress. What other HIV medications is she on with these?
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: EmilyRay on December 04, 2013, 01:30:51 pm
The NP who made the change just did it without any discussion with my GF. It was actually the pharmacy that told her what was happening and they said Isentress was being withdrawn from the market. She has been taking imodium or loperimide for four years. She is also taking percocet for hiv related pain which usually leads to constipation in others. She has been to a gastroenterologists and had all the usual testing with no additional Diagnosis found. Earlier this year her gastric motility was so slow that she was vomiting twice a day until I gave her erythromycin which temporarily increases gastric motility. I am not at all happy with her quality of care, but she is not very assertive with her providers and resents my encouragement to be more so.

If the side effects remain at this level she will demand to be put back on isentress

Truvada is the other hiv med.

EmilyRay
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Miss Philicia on December 04, 2013, 02:02:23 pm
EmilyRay -- that's just total bullshit. Isentress is absolutely not being withdrawn from the market. I am on Isentress myself.

I rarely say this on this forum because there's always two sides to a story, but it really sounds like the care she is receiving is sub-par in the extreme. Are you in the US? A nurse practitioner in my opinion should never be the one to make major HAART regimen changes, only an infectious disease specialist or similar GP internal medicine doctor should do this, fully in consultation with the patient and with a full explanation of why he/she feels this is the best measure to take.

As far as your girlfriend's gastrointestinal issues, yes they indeed sound intractable if she's done the full round of specialists. Sometimes HIV patients just have diarrhea from the HIV virus itself as it does quite a number on the small intestines. I am such a patient myself and must take six loperamides daily and six Creon tablets (delayed-release synthetic pancreatic enzymes)
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: surf18 on December 08, 2013, 10:35:23 am
I have been on this new drug for about a month. It is really cool not having to worry about taking that night time pill. More freedom. I truly admire the men and woman before us who had such different treatment options than those of us at this time are so fortuante to have. The size of the pill is so amazingly small.
Anyways, I take the pill in the morning with Truvada and thank god I feel good. Maybe slightly more agiated or it could be just my employees going through a dumb fuck phase that is pissing me off. ha
I have my doctor appoitment on Weds after I had blood work done last week to make sure everything is working as it should.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Cluffmasta on February 09, 2014, 01:04:08 am
Thought I would give a little update! Been on Truvada and Tivicay for about 6 months now and loving it! No side effects and just got my labs back, VL undetectable and CD4 650 %45. I'm still super pleased with this regimen :) hoping everyone else is doing well on it also!
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Turtle-12 on February 13, 2014, 09:23:51 pm
Hi there,

I have been taking tivicay and truvada combination for exactly one month (first time on meds) and they are both great, no noticible sode effects and they worked great for me.... My VL went from 192000 to 42 and my cd4 count up from 156 to 264 in one month.... Best combination to get you back in track.... Only negative thing dr told me is making sure you are compliant and taking it as prescribed cause you can becone resistant easily and be forced to take other combinations.... Good luck and keep us posted about your progress...
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: guitargal on February 14, 2014, 02:55:48 am
i start tivicay and epzicom tomorrow..

here we go again…
my cds went down to 638 from 900 on stribuld and the tenofovir i think screwed my kidneys.. see other post..i was not aware.. oh everything is fine they said…
now i get all my records and learn what it all means. i can't trust them.

lets hope the abacavir is ok to take a second time.. was on it 18 moths ago with Isentris and Edurant? worried about the 3tc also as i want to be able to WALK.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Turtle-12 on February 15, 2014, 12:27:40 am
I have been on Truvada/Tivicay for exactly 1 month (first time on meds) and it is working quite well, almost non existent side effects, I actually get an energy rush after taking it, but not headaches, or other discomforts. I had my labs done this week and my results were GREAT, my VL went down from 192,000 to 40 and my Cd4 went up from 156 to 264 in 30 days... at this rate DR said i should be undetectable next time she sees me... according to her this is the best combo to reduce VL and increase cd4 in a short time, only bad thing according to her is that if you miss doses you can become resistant quicker than with other combos...not sure if true as I am very new to all this... I just only recently found out not only that I had the virus but that i was on the AIDS category, even though I had/have no symptoms at all, i probably had it for years and never knew... I am just glad i found out I had it and started taking meds before it was too late, my feeling is that probably a lot of people in the world die of related causes without ever knowing they have hiv... I am happy my results are good, hopefully they will be better next time :)
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: guitargal on February 16, 2014, 02:31:55 am
glad for you turtle 12!

in the old days a VL of 200 was  considered excellent..that was as low as the test could count then…so…you are good to go. eat well and get your exercise  best to you!
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: lucinda29 on March 07, 2014, 08:16:52 pm
Hello,

I started Trivicay  about 3 weeks ago. It has been good to me so far. I was taken issentress and Truvada prior to the change. Now,  I take Trivicay and Truvada once a day. My only issue with Trivicay so far seems to be watery mouth  for a little after taking the pill and being thirsty.  I did have a few headaches when I first started with Trivicay in the first week, but I will take that over the constant headache I used to have with issentress. 

P.S.  I have been HIV Positive for the past 3 years and has been undetected for over 33 months. I started on y meds as soon as I found out. I notice that there is a lot of questions being asked about as soon should you start taken meds. Please just do it.

If you are out there and have been told that you are positive, I know it is heartbreaking, but there is life after the news.  Find a great doctor with whom you are comfortable with, that  that is extremely important because you will be dealing with that person a lot (every 3 months).  You just need to start taking care of yourself, take your meds on time everyday. It's not an option, it is now your way of life.  you need to monitor your eating habits, any health issues and report anything you don't understand to your doctor. If a pill does not work for you or if it's giving you a lot of problems, talk to your doctor because he/she can change your meds.

Hang around positive and educated people who is well-informed about HIV and then go on with your life.  There is life after HIV as you long as you take care of yourself.

We have come a long way. I thank the Lord for all the progress that has been made on this issue.  Now we are taking just 2 pills/day where the people before us used to take 25-30 pills/day. So don't you dare feel sorry for yourself, get up and live.  This disease does not control you, but you do.  We have a lot of life to live. Take care you all,  until next time stay strong; we can do it.
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: NormanO on April 16, 2014, 01:35:15 pm
I started with Truvada & Isentress two years ago - will start easter saturday with TIVICAY. Had no sides effects yet but sometimes headache/migraine - sounds here that Isentress may have caused this problems so hope to feel better with TIVICAY now. Also a huge benefit for me will be only once a day two pills...
Greetings from EUROPE/Germany
Title: Re: Tivicay
Post by: Cluffmasta on April 17, 2014, 12:58:56 am
Hey Norman! Been on Truvada/Tivicay since August 2013 and have loved it, no side effects at all. I myself use to be on Isentress for 4 1/2 years, had terrible headaches and diarrhea..those stopped once I started Tivicay! Wishing you the best, let us know how it works for you :) keep us updated! From SLC, Utah