excuse me i been on atripla for 10 months. after my first results i was undetecable stayed like that until my dr called me today and said i need to come in for blood work. my virul load is detecable. i take my atripla everyday at 10 sometimes 1030. did i do something wrong im scared. i dont wanna change meds. i just started. im freaking out. my dr said i should but i cant help it. is this normal am i getting drug resistance ? please let me know thank you.

Hello and thanks for your post.

While having a detectable viral load could be a cause for concern, it's important for you to know that there are many circumstances where low-level viral loads can occur (we call them "blips") that don't represent resistance, but rather could be related to activation of your immune system (from things like colds, flu, cold sores and the like). In these situations, there's no risk of drug resistance and the viral loads return to normal after the inciting event resolves.

I think that your doctor's right in having you return for repeat test, but I wouldn't (yet) be in the freaking out category. The results of the follow up tests will determine what the best strategy will be.

Good luck and be well, BY