I was recently diagnosed on Dec. 23rd 2009 after a routine check that came up positive. I was immediately put on Sulfa antibiotics due to my incredibly low T-Cell count (87) and started a regimen of Truvada, Reyataz, and Norvir. Its too early to know the benefits so far, but it concerns me to what effects these drugs will have physically. I have not been sick(knocking on wood). I have not had any side effects other than an occasional heart burn. But my problem lies in what long term effect i might have using this combination long term. I trust my doctors wholeheartedly in what they have chosen for me. I lucked into finding a doctor and staff who have been through this process since the start of the fight. This would be my first time signing on to TheBody.com (at the advise of my physician) and i was hoping to gain some insight. Johnny

Your regimen (ritonavir/atazanavir + Truvada) has a very good long term safety record (out to about 5 years so far) with an overall low risk for significant fat problems (very low risk for fat loss). Many patients will develop asymptomatic low-modest increased in bilirubin levels as the main lab abnormality. Lipid effects have been quite modest another positive attribute of that regimen. Our clinic has dozens of patients on that regimen with overall excellent toleratiblity and results over the first years of use. KH