Welcome, Guest. Please login or register.
March 28, 2024, 11:09:40 am

Login with username, password and session length


Members
Stats
  • Total Posts: 772945
  • Total Topics: 66310
  • Online Today: 379
  • Online Ever: 5484
  • (June 18, 2021, 11:15:29 pm)
Users Online
Users: 1
Guests: 348
Total: 349

Welcome


Welcome to the POZ Community Forums, a round-the-clock discussion area for people with HIV/AIDS, their friends/family/caregivers, and others concerned about HIV/AIDS.  Click on the links below to browse our various forums; scroll down for a glance at the most recent posts; or join in the conversation yourself by registering on the left side of this page.

Privacy Warning:  Please realize that these forums are open to all, and are fully searchable via Google and other search engines. If you are HIV positive and disclose this in our forums, then it is almost the same thing as telling the whole world (or at least the World Wide Web). If this concerns you, then do not use a username or avatar that are self-identifying in any way. We do not allow the deletion of anything you post in these forums, so think before you post.

  • The information shared in these forums, by moderators and members, is designed to complement, not replace, the relationship between an individual and his/her own physician.

  • All members of these forums are, by default, not considered to be licensed medical providers. If otherwise, users must clearly define themselves as such.

  • Forums members must behave at all times with respect and honesty. Posting guidelines, including time-out and banning policies, have been established by the moderators of these forums. Click here for “Do I Have HIV?” posting guidelines. Click here for posting guidelines pertaining to all other POZ community forums.

  • We ask all forums members to provide references for health/medical/scientific information they provide, when it is not a personal experience being discussed. Please provide hyperlinks with full URLs or full citations of published works not available via the Internet. Additionally, all forums members must post information which are true and correct to their knowledge.

  • Product advertisement—including links; banners; editorial content; and clinical trial, study or survey participation—is strictly prohibited by forums members unless permission has been secured from POZ.

To change forums navigation language settings, click here (members only), Register now

Para cambiar sus preferencias de los foros en español, haz clic aquí (sólo miembros), Regístrate ahora

Finished Reading This? You can collapse this or any other box on this page by clicking the symbol in each box.

Author Topic: ENORMOUS PILLS!  (Read 12354 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline london553

  • Member
  • Posts: 12
ENORMOUS PILLS!
« on: August 12, 2008, 01:39:02 pm »
Hey guys,

I'm starting on the Truvada, Reyataz & Norvir combination tonight! Eeeek, picked up the pills today and they're enormous! How can people swallow tablets like this. I have difficulty swallowing a small paracetamol (I even sometimes cut that up!). The Norvir especially is so big! :-s

Did/does anyone else have difficulties swallowing their pills?

Any help would be great

London553
x

Offline Winiroo

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,082
  • Positive since 1991
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #1 on: August 12, 2008, 01:41:45 pm »
Initially I had trouble with the Norvir. Taking the pill with cocoa helped but now I can take them all in one gulp.

Best of luck!

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #2 on: August 12, 2008, 01:53:12 pm »
I don't understand why people have trouble with the size of something like Norvir.  It's not larger than most food you'd swallow, much less a sexual organ.  I can throw back a dozen Norvir's at once I'm sure.

London553, try putting them in a small cup and throw them at the back of your throat while slightly tilting your head back, then follow quickly with another small cup that has water.  Practice.  Oh, and try not to think about what you're doing.  99% of this is psychological, not physical.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline dolcevita08

  • Member
  • Posts: 26
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2008, 02:30:01 pm »
I am on this combo and have no issue getting the pills down--I take them all at once in fact. I guess I am just used to taking big things in my throat...lol :-)

But seriously, you should be able to take them, the size isn't much greater than bites of food you consume. Good luck!
Dance as though no one is watching. Love as though you have never been hurt before. Sing as though no one can hear you. Live as though heaven is on earth.

Offline Roie

  • Member
  • Posts: 261
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2008, 03:26:43 pm »
My problem is not with swallowing, but more with Truvada's colour, It is this chemical blue, that looks so toxic.
Anyway good luck with your combo. I am sure that you will do well on it.


Cruise on down the High Way

"When people who are not ready jump in, things can go horribly wrong. For most of us, there is always time to take a deep breath, consider one's options and make a careful, sound decision based on clinical fact, not emotion."
MtD

Offline ozzie

  • Member
  • Posts: 57
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #5 on: August 12, 2008, 04:09:06 pm »
I recommend drinking a little bit of water first just to clear the way  ;D... but yea... like everyone else said... I've had bigger... err... pills  ;)

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #6 on: August 12, 2008, 05:14:55 pm »
Practice.  Oh, and try not to think about what you're doing.  99% of this is psychological, not physical.


And if it doesn't got down the first time around. Don't panic. I have no problem swallowing pills, but every once in a while one has to be stubborn.

Have a small drink of water first. Get your mouth wet. What I've done in those cases,( when it doesn't want to go down), is to stick the tongue out a little bit. Center the pill on the tongue, and get a good swallow of water, while throwing your head back slightly. It will get easier. I've never seen Reyataz or Norvir, so, I am not familiar with the size of them. Are they any larger than a 1200 mg fish oil capsule. Now those can be pretty large.


You can do it, Good luck----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: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #7 on: August 12, 2008, 05:16:13 pm »


One more thing, Once you swallow them, make sure to drink a full glass of water, to make sure their completely down !

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 penguin

  • Member
  • Posts: 747
  • The Penguin Whisperer
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #8 on: August 12, 2008, 05:28:29 pm »
not something i ever had a problem with, but some people do just have a kinda mental block on swallowing pills

back of tongue/lots of liquid, yes, good suggestions. somethign they often do with kiddies is put the tablet in a spoonful of yogurt, custard etc, then get em to swallow - sort of coats round the tab n makes it less noticeable

eating & drinking something directly after you swallow the pills will make sure they get where they nned to be too. do not try to cut them up.

if you still having problems make an appt with a clinic nurse, they can go through various strategies with you... good luck

kate (pill-popping penguin)
« Last Edit: August 12, 2008, 05:30:29 pm by penguin »

Offline emeraldize

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,397
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #9 on: August 12, 2008, 05:29:21 pm »
Use room temperature water, not cold.

Relax and pretend you're a pelican (nope, I am not kidding) put the pill in your mouth, side, centered, under your tongue (however I don't recommend throwing anything to the back of your throat) then fill your mouth with water (not bulging cheeks style) as if the area was a small cup or pond, hold the water and pill together for a millisecond and swallow.

Relax. Switch the image and language before you plop that Wonka Wonder Jelly Bean into Your Smile Machine. You're making this into a much bigger deal than is necessary. And, soon, you'll have figured out your own technique. Or, talk to a kid who has to take big pills, that will help you put it in perspective.

Offline Winiroo

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,082
  • Positive since 1991
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #10 on: August 12, 2008, 06:22:29 pm »
I've always filled my mouth with what ever I am drinking then tilted my head back and put the pill in my mouth while its full of liquid and let the pill fall to the back of my throat then swallowed.

Offline emeraldize

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,397
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #11 on: August 12, 2008, 09:16:57 pm »
That's called doin' the Pillican!

Offline Miss Philicia

  • Member
  • Posts: 24,793
  • celebrity poster, faker & poser
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #12 on: August 12, 2008, 09:45:52 pm »
If I fill my mouth with water first, the pills start to dissolve right before swallowing and frankly that's gross tasting.
"I’ve slept with enough men to know that I’m not gay"

Offline emeraldize

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,397
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #13 on: August 13, 2008, 12:39:38 am »
I don't tarry when I do this cuz I don't like dissolving pill taste either. I go as fast as possible. Room temp water helps.

Offline Winiroo

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,082
  • Positive since 1991
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #14 on: August 13, 2008, 11:36:36 am »
hummm they dont disolve in my mouth. I swallow as soon as it goes in pretty much. Putting it in my mouth without liquid in there I can taste the pill. yuck  ;D

Offline gemstone

  • Member
  • Posts: 11
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #15 on: August 13, 2008, 11:41:34 am »
I had the same problem 3 weeks ago when I started some of the same drugs... I'm not great at swallowing "BIG THINGS" either!  ;D

The Norvir is pretty big... just a little bit of liquid is all you need, a lot of water with the pills feel like too much and swallowing won't happen and I got too nervous.. so try that and try not to get too worked up when taking them, just relax and it will be OK...

I had a previous post to this about the same concern not too long ago and I was questioning if I could crush them.... Bad idea I hear so I followed the advise that the wonderful people hear gave me and its working for me... :)

Also try taking it with milk its smoother and you shouldn't taste anything.

gem
"A wise girl knows her limits, A smart girl knows she has none"

Offline Winiroo

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,082
  • Positive since 1991
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #16 on: August 13, 2008, 12:33:13 pm »
My biggest problem with Norvir initially was feeling it bounce around in my stomach after I took it. Taking it with a hot beverage helped. Thats not an issue for me anymore. No clue why.

Offline emeraldize

  • Member
  • Posts: 3,397
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #17 on: August 13, 2008, 06:35:36 pm »

My biggest problem with Norvir initially was feeling it bounce around in my stomach after I took it.


Hey, you doubling for the Tin Man these days?  ;D

Offline blondbeauty

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,787
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #18 on: August 13, 2008, 08:44:15 pm »
I swallow everything  :-[
The only member in these forums approved by WINBA: World International Nail and Beauty Association.
Epstein Barr +; CMV +; Toxoplasmosis +; HIV-1 +.
Counts when starting treatment:
V.L.:80.200 copies. CD4: 25%=503
Started Sustiva-Truvada 14/August/2006
Last V.L.count (Oct 2013): Undetectable
Last CD4 count (OCT 2013): 52%= 933

Offline Winiroo

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,082
  • Positive since 1991
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #19 on: August 13, 2008, 09:01:04 pm »

My biggest problem with Norvir initially was feeling it bounce around in my stomach after I took it.


Hey, you doubling for the Tin Man these days?  ;D

LOL I think with my tummy troubles I am just sensitive to all things ingested.

Offline BB

  • Member
  • Posts: 168
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #20 on: August 14, 2008, 06:27:51 am »
Everyone forgot the most basic technique for swallowing things. Get on you're knees, silly. I can swallow the most enormous "pill" once I kneel down. Honestly, Atripla pills are chunky but, with practice and the right attitude swallowing will get much easier. Remember, relax, kneel and swallow. Works every time.
Damn the Torpedoes! Full speed ahead! Adm. D. Farragut.

Started Atripla 8/18/06 and if I eat the right food when I take my meds, I get to go on a-trip-la.

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #21 on: August 14, 2008, 09:52:12 am »
Hello London,

So how did everything go, with your first dose ? Enquiring minds want to know !! Hope all is well...


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 london553

  • Member
  • Posts: 12
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #22 on: August 14, 2008, 10:31:20 am »
Hey guys,

Well...first night was hard trying to swallow them. It took me about an hour (no joke!) trying. Then I realised, if you tilt your head back and just take a massive gulp, they slip right down your throat! You can't even feel them going down. So yeah...sorted.

And I haven't had any side effects to talk of either (touch wood!). Hope all goes this well and my CD4 comes up.

It's such a good feeling staring the meds, I finally feel like I'm in control of this virus. :)

Thank you so much to everyone for their help, very kind.

London  ;)

Offline sharkdiver

  • Member
  • Posts: 1,353
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #23 on: August 14, 2008, 03:11:56 pm »
Being a speech pathologist that also works with feeding and swallowing, I often teach swallowing with a chin tuck. When your chin is tucked at first, your hyoid bone (where your tongue base is attached) is elevated and your pharynx (throat) is the most open. If you put your pills in first with a chin tuck, folowed by water , then begin to swallow and bring your chin up. you should be able to swallow easier

 Speech pathologists and occupational therapists are specialists who work with swallowing disorders (dysphagia)
truthfully, unless you are on a pureed diet, you should be mechanically able to swallow. But swallowing might often bring up psychological/emotional issues.

This has been your public service announcement


sharkie  ;D

P.S.  If you think those pills are huge, I hope you won't have to go on Lopid for cholesterol. Those are pretty big.  just sayin....    you will be fine.

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #24 on: August 14, 2008, 04:01:18 pm »
Hey guys,


It's such a good feeling staring the meds, I finally feel like I'm in control of this virus. :)



London  ;)

And that's a big part of living with HIV, Taking control !!


Take care, Keep us updated as to how things are going---------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 ArisGreekSquared

  • Member
  • Posts: 46
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #25 on: August 20, 2008, 02:39:02 pm »
Yeah, I don't have trouble swallowing pills...never did. But it's true, I don't understand why people have problem swallowing pills when  you could be putting a steak tip in your mouth that's 2 or 3 times the size, even if you cut it up...Maybe it's the fact you can't chew it...who knows.

;)

Offline denb45

  • Member
  • Posts: 5,048
  • "1987 Classic Old School POZ+"
Re: ENORMOUS PILLS!
« Reply #26 on: August 20, 2008, 02:56:26 pm »
Yeah, I don't have trouble swallowing pills...never did. But it's true, I don't understand why people have problem swallowing pills when  you could be putting a steak tip in your mouth that's 2 or 3 times the size, even if you cut it up...Maybe it's the fact you can't chew it...who knows.

;)

Well, I always look at it this way, after so many years of taking BIG PILLS, "if you can't chew it, then you might as well swallow it whole"  ;D
that seems to work for me  :D
"it's so nice to be insane, cause no-one ask you to explain" Helen Reddy cc 1974

 


Terms of Membership for these forums
 

© 2024 Smart + Strong. All Rights Reserved.   terms of use and your privacy
Smart + Strong® is a registered trademark of CDM Publishing, LLC.