Hi, I'm a 28 year old male, diagnosed HIV positive in 2005. My CD4 count has steadily dropped from 300 in Dec 2005 to 150 in Oct 2006. My viral load increased from 45,000 to 120,000 in that same time. My doctor has prescribed Combivir and Sustiva. This will be the first treatment I will be receiving. I would just like a second opinion from you as to if this is the best therapy to begin with, or if maybe there is a better alternative I can discuss with my doctor before starting therapy. I have no other notable medical problems. Thank you.

Recent studies have shown Truvada/Sustiva (or Atripla) to be more effective than Combivir and Sustiva. Some clinicians still prescribe his older combination, but the available evidence argues against this approach. Vinyl records had their day, so did Combivir and Sustiva. Thanks for posting and best of luck!