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Author Topic: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice  (Read 9832 times)

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Offline Betelgeuse

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  • Posts: 163
Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« on: June 04, 2011, 03:43:09 am »
Today was the big doctor's appointment for new treatment.  We decided on a Truvada/Isentress regimen, and was sent home with a starter 21-day supply of medication.

My medical insurance makes it very difficult to order prescriptions through local pharmacies and makes it almost mandatory to mail order in 90-day increments - which is fine.  It's most cost effective and a time saver for me to do it that way.

However, in placing my initial order online on my insurance site, I discover Truvada is NOT covered under my plan - while Isentress is.  I don't understand why and it seems BS'ey to me.

If I can't do this under the parameters of my insurance, I'll have to abandon the Truvada for a similar combo drug that IS covered OR even scrap the whole thing and just go with Atripla, which IS covered.

My dilemma is that I am unsure as to whether to start taking my starter meds I was sent home with today.   I'm particularly worried about any health repercussions of having to change meds so soon into a regimen.  Should I go ahead and start taking my Truvada/Isentress tonight till Monday before I can talk to my doctor or just wait till then to ask him about alternative meds that would be covered under the parameters of my insurance.

Any advice/info would be really appreciated.
« Last Edit: June 04, 2011, 03:48:03 am by Betelgeuse »
04/19/11 - Diagnosed positive
04/29/11 - CD4 188 @ 12.5% / VL 18k
05/03/11 - CD4 171 @ unk% / VL 7k
06/04/11 - Start Truvada/Isentress
07/11/11 - CD4 not tested / VL UD
09/07/11 - CD4 252 @ unk% / VL UD

Offline ad2san

  • Member
  • Posts: 238
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #1 on: June 04, 2011, 04:14:40 am »
Hi there you can have Truvada changed for Epzicom / Kivexa (name differs where you live, it is the same product though). Maybe it is covered by your medical plan.

Cheers
Feb   2009 CD4 358 VL 2000 16%
May  2009 CD4 305 VL 3069  14% <---- Started TVD+ATZ/r
Jul  2009 CD4 512 VL <50   18%
Jul 2010 CD4 418 VL <50 24%                     
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Norvir + Reyataz (due to sleep problem)
Aug 2010 CD4 606 VL <50 25%
Jul 2011 CD4 494 UD 23%
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Viramune XR (due to kidney problems)
January 2012 CD4 564 UD 31%
January 2013 CD4 594 UD 26%
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Isentress due to BIG increase GammaGT
Feb 2013 CD4 699 UD 28%
Aug 2014 CD4 639 UD 25%
Switched January 2015 to Triumeq
May 2015 CD4 807 UD 31%
Switched Nov 2016 to Genvoya due to gastric problems
November 2016 CD4 847 UD 32%

Offline Hellraiser

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  • Posts: 4,155
  • Semi-misanthropic
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2011, 04:19:04 am »
It seems odd that Atripla would be covered and Truvada would not be as Truvada is a component drug in atripla.  Is there any reason you are taking Isentress/Truvada over Atripla?  I would not begin meds until you have the finances squared away because the last thing you want to do is be unable to obtain the meds and potentially develop resistance right off the bat.

Offline J.R.E.

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  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #3 on: June 04, 2011, 04:23:46 am »
Hi there you can have Truvada changed for Epzicom / Kivexa (name differs where you live, it is the same product though). Maybe it is covered by your medical plan.

Cheers


No, It's not the same   Truvada has Emtriva and  Viread,   Epzicom has Epivir and Abacavir


Ray


Does you insurance cover the separate doses  of  Viread and Emtriva ?
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline Betelgeuse

  • Member
  • Posts: 163
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #4 on: June 04, 2011, 04:24:26 am »
My doctor recommended Truvada/Isentress over Atripla because of my profession.  I work in transportation, requiring mental/physical acuity which he believed, for the time being, would be compromised by Atripla.

What are the main differences between Truvada and Epzicom?
04/19/11 - Diagnosed positive
04/29/11 - CD4 188 @ 12.5% / VL 18k
05/03/11 - CD4 171 @ unk% / VL 7k
06/04/11 - Start Truvada/Isentress
07/11/11 - CD4 not tested / VL UD
09/07/11 - CD4 252 @ unk% / VL UD

Offline J.R.E.

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  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #5 on: June 04, 2011, 04:26:07 am »

What are the main differences between Truvada and Epzicom?

See my post above


Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline ad2san

  • Member
  • Posts: 238
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2011, 04:27:11 am »

No, It's not the same   Truvada has Emtriva and  Viread,   Epzicom has Epivir and Abacavir


Ray


Does you insurance cover the separate doses  of  Viread and Emtriva ?

Right it is not the same but both belong to the same category NRTIs
Feb   2009 CD4 358 VL 2000 16%
May  2009 CD4 305 VL 3069  14% <---- Started TVD+ATZ/r
Jul  2009 CD4 512 VL <50   18%
Jul 2010 CD4 418 VL <50 24%                     
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Norvir + Reyataz (due to sleep problem)
Aug 2010 CD4 606 VL <50 25%
Jul 2011 CD4 494 UD 23%
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Viramune XR (due to kidney problems)
January 2012 CD4 564 UD 31%
January 2013 CD4 594 UD 26%
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Isentress due to BIG increase GammaGT
Feb 2013 CD4 699 UD 28%
Aug 2014 CD4 639 UD 25%
Switched January 2015 to Triumeq
May 2015 CD4 807 UD 31%
Switched Nov 2016 to Genvoya due to gastric problems
November 2016 CD4 847 UD 32%

Offline Betelgeuse

  • Member
  • Posts: 163
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #7 on: June 04, 2011, 04:27:42 am »
Ok, I just checked:

Viread
Emtriva
Epizicom

All covered.  So strange Truvada is not.
04/19/11 - Diagnosed positive
04/29/11 - CD4 188 @ 12.5% / VL 18k
05/03/11 - CD4 171 @ unk% / VL 7k
06/04/11 - Start Truvada/Isentress
07/11/11 - CD4 not tested / VL UD
09/07/11 - CD4 252 @ unk% / VL UD

Offline Betelgeuse

  • Member
  • Posts: 163
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #8 on: June 04, 2011, 04:28:56 am »
See my post above


Ray

Side effects-wise.  Truvada was the basis for my doctor's prescribing this med to me based on side effects.
04/19/11 - Diagnosed positive
04/29/11 - CD4 188 @ 12.5% / VL 18k
05/03/11 - CD4 171 @ unk% / VL 7k
06/04/11 - Start Truvada/Isentress
07/11/11 - CD4 not tested / VL UD
09/07/11 - CD4 252 @ unk% / VL UD

Offline J.R.E.

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  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #9 on: June 04, 2011, 04:30:13 am »
Right it is not the same but both belong to the same category NRTIs


Yes,  that's right !


Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline Betelgeuse

  • Member
  • Posts: 163
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #10 on: June 04, 2011, 04:32:13 am »
I'm having a WTF moment here.  The components IN Truvada are approved, but Truvada itself is NOT.  Atripla is approved, but Truvada is a component in Atripla.

I don't get it.  

 ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
04/19/11 - Diagnosed positive
04/29/11 - CD4 188 @ 12.5% / VL 18k
05/03/11 - CD4 171 @ unk% / VL 7k
06/04/11 - Start Truvada/Isentress
07/11/11 - CD4 not tested / VL UD
09/07/11 - CD4 252 @ unk% / VL UD

Offline ad2san

  • Member
  • Posts: 238
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #11 on: June 04, 2011, 04:32:35 am »
My doctor recommended Truvada/Isentress over Atripla because of my profession.  I work in transportation, requiring mental/physical acuity which he believed, for the time being, would be compromised by Atripla.

What are the main differences between Truvada and Epzicom?

Different molecules and manufacturers, same class of medication NRTIs.
So you have 2 options, take emtriva + viread + isenstress or epzicom + isenstress
Feb   2009 CD4 358 VL 2000 16%
May  2009 CD4 305 VL 3069  14% <---- Started TVD+ATZ/r
Jul  2009 CD4 512 VL <50   18%
Jul 2010 CD4 418 VL <50 24%                     
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Norvir + Reyataz (due to sleep problem)
Aug 2010 CD4 606 VL <50 25%
Jul 2011 CD4 494 UD 23%
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Viramune XR (due to kidney problems)
January 2012 CD4 564 UD 31%
January 2013 CD4 594 UD 26%
Switched to Kivexa (Epzicom) + Isentress due to BIG increase GammaGT
Feb 2013 CD4 699 UD 28%
Aug 2014 CD4 639 UD 25%
Switched January 2015 to Triumeq
May 2015 CD4 807 UD 31%
Switched Nov 2016 to Genvoya due to gastric problems
November 2016 CD4 847 UD 32%

Offline Betelgeuse

  • Member
  • Posts: 163
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #12 on: June 04, 2011, 04:34:02 am »
And of course, this gets into a financial bind for me.  Each additional drug carries an additional copay.

I think I might just go the easy way and request Atripla against my doc's better judgement.
04/19/11 - Diagnosed positive
04/29/11 - CD4 188 @ 12.5% / VL 18k
05/03/11 - CD4 171 @ unk% / VL 7k
06/04/11 - Start Truvada/Isentress
07/11/11 - CD4 not tested / VL UD
09/07/11 - CD4 252 @ unk% / VL UD

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #13 on: June 04, 2011, 04:34:57 am »
Ok, I just checked:

Viread
Emtriva
Epizicom

All covered.  So strange Truvada is not.

If that's the case, you would have to get prescriptions for Viread and Emtriva.  Which also means more co-pays.

And since it's 90 supply, you would get 3 bottles of Viread and 3 bottles  of Emtriva


I remember having insurance once that didn't cover Epzicom, but had no problem covering the separate doses of Abaqcavir and Epivir.

The problem ( and it might be a problem) your going to have more pills to swallow.  Is that going to be a problem for you, if you order separate doses?


Ray


Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline Betelgeuse

  • Member
  • Posts: 163
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #14 on: June 04, 2011, 04:36:27 am »
Swallowing more pills is not a problem for me.  Paying unnecessary copays is.

You bring up a good point, Ray.
04/19/11 - Diagnosed positive
04/29/11 - CD4 188 @ 12.5% / VL 18k
05/03/11 - CD4 171 @ unk% / VL 7k
06/04/11 - Start Truvada/Isentress
07/11/11 - CD4 not tested / VL UD
09/07/11 - CD4 252 @ unk% / VL UD

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #15 on: June 04, 2011, 04:41:49 am »
Hi,


Your best bet, is to sit down with you doctor , and explain the situation with him.


Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #16 on: June 04, 2011, 04:43:08 am »
 Paying unnecessary copays is.





I can definitely understand that.


Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #17 on: June 04, 2011, 05:36:20 am »


Don't forget to look into manufacturer  co-pay assistance cards. Your doctor should have info on this. For over a year, ( through my insurance),  my co-pay for Epzicom was $50.00 a month.  With the co-pay card, it wiped that off, and I payed nothing for the Epzicom.  That saved me $600.00 in one year.


Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline Assurbanipal

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  • Posts: 2,177
  • Taking a forums break, still see PM's
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #18 on: June 04, 2011, 11:58:10 am »
You might also ask the pharmacy benefits manager (who runs the mail order program) about why the components are available but not the combo. 

I wonder if this might have something to do with the fact that the patents started to expire on Emtriva last year, even though there is no generic available yet.  If it is something like this, which they have designed to encourage the use of generics, they might have an ability to waive any additional co-pays.
5/06 VL 1M+, CD4 22, 5% , pneumonia, thrush -- O2 support 2 months, 6/06 +Kaletra/Truvada
9/06 VL 3959 CD4 297 13.5% 12/06 VL <400 CD4 350 15.2% +Pravachol
2007 VL<400, 70, 50 CD4 408-729 16.0% -19.7%
2008 VL UD CD4 468 - 538 16.7% - 24.6% Osteoporosis 11/08 doubled Pravachol, +Calcium/D
02/09 VL 100 CD4 616 23.7% 03/09 VL 130 5/09 VL 100 CD4 540 28.4% +Actonel (osteoporosis) 7/09 VL 130
8/09  new regimen Isentress/Epzicom 9/09 VL UD CD4 621 32.7% 11/09 VL UD CD4 607 26.4% swap Isentress for Prezista/Norvir 12/09 (liver and muscle issues) VL 50
2010 VL UD CD4 573-680 26.1% - 30.9% 12/10 VL 20
2011 VL UD-20 CD4 568-673 24.7%-30.6%
2012 VL UD swap Prezista/Norvir for Reyataz drop statin CD4 768-828 26.7%-30.7%
2014 VL UD - 48
2015 VL 130 Moved to Triumeq

Offline Betelgeuse

  • Member
  • Posts: 163
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #19 on: June 04, 2011, 04:43:00 pm »
So just to confirm, I should just hold off on taking my starter Isentress/Truvada till I hear back from the doc?  I'd hate to screw something up on a viral level if I am forced to change meds so soon into a regimen because of an insurance bureaucracy.
04/19/11 - Diagnosed positive
04/29/11 - CD4 188 @ 12.5% / VL 18k
05/03/11 - CD4 171 @ unk% / VL 7k
06/04/11 - Start Truvada/Isentress
07/11/11 - CD4 not tested / VL UD
09/07/11 - CD4 252 @ unk% / VL UD

Offline Assurbanipal

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  • Taking a forums break, still see PM's
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #20 on: June 04, 2011, 05:44:06 pm »
If things aren't desperate, many people hold off starting their first set of drugs for a few weeks just to establish a stockpile/reserve in case of delays.  But its not clear you really need to do that if you have mail order -- since they typically allow for a reserve to build pretty fast anyway. 

As long as being forced to change regimens, well as long as there is no interruption in treatment, switching from the drugs you start on to another combo is not harmful, and a recent study suggested it may even be (modestly) helpful. 

5/06 VL 1M+, CD4 22, 5% , pneumonia, thrush -- O2 support 2 months, 6/06 +Kaletra/Truvada
9/06 VL 3959 CD4 297 13.5% 12/06 VL <400 CD4 350 15.2% +Pravachol
2007 VL<400, 70, 50 CD4 408-729 16.0% -19.7%
2008 VL UD CD4 468 - 538 16.7% - 24.6% Osteoporosis 11/08 doubled Pravachol, +Calcium/D
02/09 VL 100 CD4 616 23.7% 03/09 VL 130 5/09 VL 100 CD4 540 28.4% +Actonel (osteoporosis) 7/09 VL 130
8/09  new regimen Isentress/Epzicom 9/09 VL UD CD4 621 32.7% 11/09 VL UD CD4 607 26.4% swap Isentress for Prezista/Norvir 12/09 (liver and muscle issues) VL 50
2010 VL UD CD4 573-680 26.1% - 30.9% 12/10 VL 20
2011 VL UD-20 CD4 568-673 24.7%-30.6%
2012 VL UD swap Prezista/Norvir for Reyataz drop statin CD4 768-828 26.7%-30.7%
2014 VL UD - 48
2015 VL 130 Moved to Triumeq

Offline newt

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  • Posts: 3,900
  • the one and original newt
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #21 on: June 04, 2011, 05:57:29 pm »
Quote
I'm having a WTF moment here.  The components IN Truvada are approved, but Truvada itself is NOT.  Atripla is approved, but Truvada is a component in Atripla.

Me too...

If you haven't started, I personally say wait if you need to/can sort the co-pay/insurance thing out. Better to start on sommat you can stick with and pay for than have to switch drugs for bureaucratic reasons. A few weeks delay while you sort stuff out won't make any difference.

The Truvada alternative, Epzicom (abacavir + 3TC) works if you can take it. It has relatively few side effects for people not allergic to the abacavir that it contains. Your doc may have already done a test to see if you can take abacavir.

- matt
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline Betelgeuse

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  • Posts: 163
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #22 on: June 05, 2011, 10:04:29 pm »
My doctor surprisingly responded to an email I sent him yesterday.  I seriously was not expecting a response from him on a Sunday.

He said to go ahead and start the meds as planned.  We'll figure everything out when the weekday starts.

So far - thumbs up on the Isentress/Truvada combination.  I've got the Bactrim in there too since i'm <200 on my CD4.

I went for a nice run today and feel great.
04/19/11 - Diagnosed positive
04/29/11 - CD4 188 @ 12.5% / VL 18k
05/03/11 - CD4 171 @ unk% / VL 7k
06/04/11 - Start Truvada/Isentress
07/11/11 - CD4 not tested / VL UD
09/07/11 - CD4 252 @ unk% / VL UD

Offline newt

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  • the one and original newt
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #23 on: June 06, 2011, 05:49:00 pm »
Good for you and your doc. I hope paperwork don't interrupt your first time on treatment and wish you stellar results (and no side effects).

- matt
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline Betelgeuse

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  • Posts: 163
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #24 on: June 06, 2011, 08:39:51 pm »
Well the insurance bureaucracy thing required my doctor to call my insurance directly to tell them my medical necessity for it.

VERY UNFORTUNATELY, my copay for Truvada is 3x what it is for any other meds I get. :(

I've been on this combo 36 hours now with 0 side effects and would like to stay on it. I might have to switch to Atripla strictly for financial reasons though.
« Last Edit: June 06, 2011, 08:49:50 pm by Betelgeuse »
04/19/11 - Diagnosed positive
04/29/11 - CD4 188 @ 12.5% / VL 18k
05/03/11 - CD4 171 @ unk% / VL 7k
06/04/11 - Start Truvada/Isentress
07/11/11 - CD4 not tested / VL UD
09/07/11 - CD4 252 @ unk% / VL UD

Offline Betelgeuse

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  • Posts: 163
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #25 on: June 06, 2011, 08:48:05 pm »
....
04/19/11 - Diagnosed positive
04/29/11 - CD4 188 @ 12.5% / VL 18k
05/03/11 - CD4 171 @ unk% / VL 7k
06/04/11 - Start Truvada/Isentress
07/11/11 - CD4 not tested / VL UD
09/07/11 - CD4 252 @ unk% / VL UD

Offline leatherman

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Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #26 on: June 06, 2011, 08:56:02 pm »
VERY UNFORTUNATELY, my copay for Truvada is 3x what it is for any other meds I get. :(
did you check into copay assistance?
http://www.truvada.com/pat410_copay_assistance_program.aspx
leatherman (aka Michael)

We were standing all alone
You were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker
Dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
- Darren Hayes, "Chained to You"

Offline Assurbanipal

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,177
  • Taking a forums break, still see PM's
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #27 on: June 06, 2011, 08:57:06 pm »
A lot of people love that combo.


BTW has anyone mentioned the Truvada co-pay assistance program to you?  They will cover co-pays up to $200 /month.  The website says you had to enroll in 2010, but it might just be out of date -- they don't want to lose a customer over a co-pay.

The toll free number is 1-888-358-0398  http://www.truvada.com/pat410_copay_assistance_program.aspx

Might be worth a phone call.

edit -- I type slow  8)
5/06 VL 1M+, CD4 22, 5% , pneumonia, thrush -- O2 support 2 months, 6/06 +Kaletra/Truvada
9/06 VL 3959 CD4 297 13.5% 12/06 VL <400 CD4 350 15.2% +Pravachol
2007 VL<400, 70, 50 CD4 408-729 16.0% -19.7%
2008 VL UD CD4 468 - 538 16.7% - 24.6% Osteoporosis 11/08 doubled Pravachol, +Calcium/D
02/09 VL 100 CD4 616 23.7% 03/09 VL 130 5/09 VL 100 CD4 540 28.4% +Actonel (osteoporosis) 7/09 VL 130
8/09  new regimen Isentress/Epzicom 9/09 VL UD CD4 621 32.7% 11/09 VL UD CD4 607 26.4% swap Isentress for Prezista/Norvir 12/09 (liver and muscle issues) VL 50
2010 VL UD CD4 573-680 26.1% - 30.9% 12/10 VL 20
2011 VL UD-20 CD4 568-673 24.7%-30.6%
2012 VL UD swap Prezista/Norvir for Reyataz drop statin CD4 768-828 26.7%-30.7%
2014 VL UD - 48
2015 VL 130 Moved to Triumeq

Offline Betelgeuse

  • Member
  • Posts: 163
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #28 on: June 06, 2011, 11:25:21 pm »
I can't tell you guys how much I appreciate all of you.  Although my doc has been very active in keeping me informed, I would have never known about the assistance program, or the possible switch to Epizicom or anything without your kind advices.

I've already paid my copay for this round so I'm not sure if they (the copay assistance guys) can retroactively reimburse me, but I'll find out tomorrow when I call.

I think once I deplete my 90-day supply of Truvada/Isentress, I'm going to request to switch to Atripla.  Worrying about one copay/one pill will simplify things.

Thanks again you guys for all of your advice and help.
« Last Edit: June 06, 2011, 11:31:09 pm by Betelgeuse »
04/19/11 - Diagnosed positive
04/29/11 - CD4 188 @ 12.5% / VL 18k
05/03/11 - CD4 171 @ unk% / VL 7k
06/04/11 - Start Truvada/Isentress
07/11/11 - CD4 not tested / VL UD
09/07/11 - CD4 252 @ unk% / VL UD

Offline Betelgeuse

  • Member
  • Posts: 163
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #29 on: June 06, 2011, 11:29:07 pm »
Good for you and your doc. I hope paperwork don't interrupt your first time on treatment and wish you stellar results (and no side effects).

- matt


Speaking of side effects, I am happy to report none since taking them 2 days ago.  For my first ever antiretrovial regimen, I find it remarkable I have not experienced anything (I AM KNOCKING ON WOOD).

The Isentress I take in the morning gives me kind of a nice good-mood feeling that makes me want to go out on a nice run outside.
« Last Edit: June 06, 2011, 11:33:45 pm by Betelgeuse »
04/19/11 - Diagnosed positive
04/29/11 - CD4 188 @ 12.5% / VL 18k
05/03/11 - CD4 171 @ unk% / VL 7k
06/04/11 - Start Truvada/Isentress
07/11/11 - CD4 not tested / VL UD
09/07/11 - CD4 252 @ unk% / VL UD

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: Starting new treatment dilemma - need advice
« Reply #30 on: June 07, 2011, 07:44:29 am »


I think once I deplete my 90-day supply of Truvada/Isentress, I'm going to request to switch to Atripla.  Worrying about one copay/one pill will simplify things.



B,

You should call the insurance company and verify what the co-pay will be for The Atripla, should you go through with that change.

Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

 


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