Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
|
|
 |
 |
Cobra ran out...can I quit my meds for a month?
Sep 30, 2009
Hi,
I have been HIV+ since 12/06 and started immediatly on atripla. I have taken atripla religiously since diagnosed, (and its working really well) but i am in a dilema... my cobra ran out and i have a month before my new insurance is offered to me... can i quit cold turkey and go back on it in a month or so and have it work as well as it works for me now? Thanks.
|
 |
|
Advertisement
Response from Dr. McGowan
Unfortunately yours is not an uncommon problem these days. It is a good reason for people to advocate with their congressional reps to ensure true reform of our health care system (for those of us in the USA).
If you are no eligible for ADAP which may close the gap or assistance from Gilead or BMS who make Atripla, then you may have no choice but to have a temporary interruption in treatment.
Since your virus has been undetectable it would be best to stop all meds at once (do not try to space them out to keep on drugs at a low level for a longer period...that can cause drug resistance). If yuo stop all at once, most of the meds should be out of your system before the virsu "wakes up" and is detectable (usually after 7-10 days or so). Some would advise using truvada for a few days during the "washout" period, but this would be important if your virus were not undetectable. By stoppping all at once you will lessen your chances for the virus to develop resistance and can restart the meds when your insurance kicks in. You may have to watch for symptoms that may develop as your virus re-emerges (such as fever, rash, mouth sore and swollen glands).
Hope all goes well and you can get back on meds ASAP.
Joe
|
|
|
 Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
Copyright notice.
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
E-Mail
Glossary
