Changing meds..any experience??

[Bizmark33]

Well, I saw the new Dr before I went on my business trip two weeks ago, and he suggested that I switch meds, mostly for conveninece, and the cost of two co-pays. I am currently on Sustiva and Combivir, and he thought it'd be okay if I switched to the newer once a day Atripla.

     I went ahead and dropped off my prescription, just to make sure I have plenty of time to get it filled, and the prescritption goes thru with insurance and all.

     I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this?? Switching meds? I am also co-infected with Hep B,  and considered a chronic Hep B'er. When I discussed this with him, he said that the meds in both regimens are used to treat Hep B as well, and that I shouldn't have any problems. I just have some concerns.

     Anyhow, anybody with any experience with switching meds, let me know. Should I just start on the Atripla when the others run out?? That's what the Dr told me. I just don't want to make myself worse in any way.

     I am also concerned because me new job has told me I need to get a Hepatitis B titer. Seeing as how I HAVE hep B, I do not know if the titer just tests for immunity, and if so, I will obviously not be immune, unless I somehow spontaniously cleared the Hep B virus in the last 10 months (Been known to happen, but doubtful, althoug I AM on treatment, so who knows).

     Isn't someones status of having a chronic illness considered confidential information that my employer really has no right to know?? Can they really FORCE me to get the titer done?? I know, so many questions. I posted some of these on a Hep B help list I am on as well.

     Anyhow, anybody that has any answers about my meds, or the Hep B thing, that would be helpful.

Thanks,

B

[allanq]

This sounds like a very good switch. Atripla consists of Sustiva, Viread, and FTC. Right now you're taking Sustiva, AZT, and 3TC. So what you're really doing is switching from AZT to Viread and from 3TC to FTC.

AZT is a known cause for lipoatrophy, much more so than Viread. FTC is very similar to 3TC, so that switch is no big deal.

Viread can cause kidney problems, but this is not common. Your doctor will probably be keeping an eye on your creatinine levels to make sure your kidney function stays normal.

In addition to reducing your pill burden and copays, this new combination will most likely produce fewer long-term side effects.

Allan

[Esquire]

Hi B - I made a similar switch last October (from Trizivir + Sustiva to Atripla).  Didn't skip a beat and all is well.  So my experience is this is a good switch, particularly since the AZT component is removed.  Take your morning combivir on the day of the switch and then take the atripla in the evening.  Easy switch.   No info on your hep b questions, sorry.

Be well!

[aztecan]

Hey Biz,

Since you already take Sustiva and tolerate it well, you shouldn't even notice any difference when you switch. Both are effective regimens.

As for the Hep B, its none of your employer's business and, yes, all medical information is considered private and confidential and should only be released to him/her with your written permission.

The only time I have seen tests required is when someone is dealing with children, i.e. a school teacher, or who works in some aspect of the medical field.

Why did your boss bring up the Hep B titer?

HUGS,

Mark

[cruisin512]

I just changed meds from Atripla to Reyataz/Epzicom w/Norvir booster.

All good.  No problems....knock wood.

[SoSadTooBad]

Just changed from Combivir/Sustiva to Atripla - really for the convenience and one less co-pay.  Last night was my first Atripla night.  No difference so far.  I did really well on the other combo, so not expecting a lot of issues.  Best of luck to you.