New to this, Biktarvy 1st month lab questions

[Ynvme]

Hello 38 yo male in US.
Got tested results were +.
Dx 12/10/23 took blood for numbers
Resistance test- none at this time
Started Biktarvy 12/17/23 cd4 290 cd4% 20% VL 10,200 copies
Next labs are mid Feb 2024.

Anybody else had any experience on Biktarvy?
Looking for someone to provide their first labs to me after 1 month or 1.5month.
How long before you were undetectable?

Thanks in advance!!

[Jim Allen]

Hiya,

I'm sorry to hear about the diagnosis. I'm glad to hear you have access to treatment and have started.

How long is a piece of string? I don't know.

Look some people have a fully suppressed viral load within weeks to months; others take six-plus months, which is fine. It's not really relevant or something to compare and there are many reasons why it takes some people longer. What is important is that the viral load is decreasing with each clinic visit, as that indicates the treatment is working.

However, there are plenty of experiences posted in the "I just tested poz" section that might give some reassurance; there is also the vampire thread that has become a place where members update with lab results https://forums.poz.com/index.php?topic=66320.msg

Hello 38 yo male in US.
Got tested results were +.

The most important question is, how are you feeling?

[Ynvme]

I feel great, had stomach issues in the beginning, but they’re fading away. Had a headache at first but Tylenol helped.

[Ynvme]

I really didn’t want to compare lab work, it’s just great to see how it’s working for others

[Jim Allen]

I really didn’t want to compare lab work, it’s just great to see how it’s working for others

It's excellent for the vast majority of people, and for those few it doesn't they switch to something that will for them and meets their needs

[Jim Allen]

I feel great, had stomach issues in the beginning, but they’re fading away. Had a headache at first but Tylenol helped.

Excellent, that's the most important and next is seeing if the viral load decreases on the next clinic visit. Although, your viral load wasn't high to start with so should be quickly supressed

[Tonny2]

          ojo.             Hello there and welcome to the forum!… I am not on biktarvy but you are on a good medication. Everybody responds different to the medication’s but now that you are positive, you have to be more positive about life so, just think that you are going to be undetectable soon and it will help calm your nerves. The formula to suppress the virus for good, is a good discipline taking your medication and a good attitude. As Jim told you, if you’re feeling good, that’s the most important part hanging there and you’ll see does your next bloodwork results are going to be good. Stress isn’t good for you… you are not alone anymore. We are here for you. Wishing you the best and please keep us posted….hugs friend m you Ohio

[numbersguy82]

Welcome to these forums. I’m glad you’ve found a space to support you through your diagnosis. For me, Biktarvy was a dream drug. I had no side effects nor change to sleep/eating habits. It worked to bring my VL from 300k to undetectable within 4 months.

If you ever feel up to meeting over Google Meet, we have peer support every other Friday at 7pm. No pressure just extending the offer should you feel like you need to speak in real time with your fellow peers.

Hang in there- Alan

[Smokiboy43]

Hi, how are you doing ? 
I was positive since last year, 30.jan 23, when I was found up. I'm positive
I got 2 million VL vopies, CD4 WAS 48 , so I was considering an AIDS status.
My DR. Put me on biktavy, and my last test was on the 11.01.24
And my CD4 618 , LV 86  .

Results are great, I'm feeling great
Change my lifestyle completely,  no alcohol , no drags ( this sucs) , eat only healthy, sport, better ettuide on life.
Stop even thinking about it.

I dont live with the feeling that something is wrong with me like i a
Had before. ,
My life is the same as before, even better now ..

So thanks, God all went great.

This medicine is great, you lucky like me to findoug this shit theses days.
Many members here already with virus many years, yes
It is individual per, etc, but if you stick to the correct lifestyle
You are going to be much better and even better from others who consider normal 😌

All the best
Fuck the rest...

Caio .

[Hope4cure38]

Hello,

I was diagnosed on December 12, started biktarvy on the 14.

My VL was 64k cd4 406.

In January 22 my VL was 30 (I miss undetactable status by 10) CD4 836

Don’t worry it will work, my ATL was a little elevated from biktarvy (4 pounds out of normal range) but the doctor said it’s ok…

[Jim Allen]

In January 22 my VL was 30 (I miss undetactable status by 10) CD4 836

Congrats, @Hope4cure38. Some labs go down to 10 copies, even one copy in a research setting. However, the goal is not to go lower than your clinic's lab capabilities.

From a clinical/treatment standpoint, the only one that matters the VL of 30 is "fully suppressed" (UD). So, again, congratulations, and keep taking the meds.