I am confused about proper way to take A new regimen I am going to start. It is a regimen of Reyataz boosted with Norvir, Truvada and Sustiva.

I ahve read some places to take Sustiva and Reyataz/Norvir together with light snack. Which means taking Truvada then too...all at bedtime I assume.

I have also read that it was recommended to spit the Reyataz/Norvir...since that should be taken with food and then take Sustiva on empty stomach at bedtime.

So I am writing to get your advice on how to take this combo...I am completely confused. I have already been taking the Truvada, and I ahve been taking it in the morning.

Thank you for your help.

Michael

This is a tough one. The combo you describe has some complex dru-drug interactions. For example, Norvir boosts Reyataz levels, Sustiva can decrease Reyataz levels, Reyataz lowers tenofovir (a part of Truvada) levels - the end results? Hard to predict. I have a patient on this regimen and when I checked his blood levels I found that his levels were okay but that his Reyataz dose was about what it would be without Norvir, meaning the balance of the interactions led to somewhat reduced Reyataz levels but on par with unboosted levels of this drug - levels which have been found to be effective.

Taking this regimen with a light snack is exactly what I would do. Too much food though and you would increase Sustiva levels leading to increased side effects and perhaps further reduction of Reyataz.

DW