In September I switched from Viracept/Combivir to Sustiva/Combivir after having undetectable <400. When I went in January, my VL was 450. I was concerned that the change in meds might be affecting this. The doctor told me not to worry and come back in 4 months as I am doing very well. I talked with a counselor who said that I should probably go back in 6 weeks for a recheck to "ease my mind". I scheduled an appt for mid february. Do I have cause for concern? thanks

I think it is reasonable to get checked sooner rather than later if you are worried. It is fairly common to see the viral load bounce up to low detectable levels and then drop below 50 again. These are often called blips and can be caused by an infection, perhaps stress, or a few missed doses. If you have missed a few doses here and there, figure out what tricks you need to remember every dose every day. However, it is also possible that the virus has become resistant to one drug, in which case your next viral load is likely to be much higher.

I would be betting on a blip, because that is the most likely cause, but getting checked sooner makes sense. If you do have a viral load over 1000 on the next go around, a resistance test while you are on the combivir and sustiva could be helpful. Try not to obsess too much

Good luck

ATP