Hi Dr Ben, first of all l would like to thank you for your time and help on the forum...

my last blood test was %25 and CD4 371 and virol load 87,000.. my doctor asked me it looks like my next test l will start on meds..

Dr Ben l am so scared of meds and the side effects...

can you please help me in picking a once daily tablet to be taken in the morning with the least side effects and toxicity possible for me...

my doctor has told me l can take ritonavir with atazanavir once daily in the morning.... is that all l would need to take ??? or would l need a 3rd drug put into the mix ???

please answer....thank you

Rodney

Dear Rodney,

Thanks for your post and questions.

You should know that the very large majority of persons who start on treatment today experience few, if any, significant side effects. I'd agree with your doctor that it probably is time to start, if you're willing and able to adhere to the pills.

Morning dosing eliminates the single daily tablet option (Atripla) that you allude to, since this needs to be taken at bedtime.

The regimen that your doctor has discussed (boosted atazanavir) is a very commonly employed alternative (actually a first-line, preferred component on current guidelines) and should be administered with an additional pill (either Truvada or Epzicom). Remember too, that 'taz-based regimens should be taken with food--

I hope this helps and wish you well,

BY