Hi, about 1 year ago after taking Atripla for 4 years my viral load started having spikes. not very significant , in the 100s and 200s. My doctor then added Ziagen to my Atripla and ever since I have been dealing with very frequent diahrea. 3 different times we have done stool cultures which have come back negative. I know it has to be the Ziagen because I was fine when just taking the Atripla. I have asked if there was something else we could try instead of the Ziagen but he seems to be reluctant to do so but I am really over this whole thing. Its ruining my life and I am sure ther must be some alternatives. Any suggestions? My t cells are steadily in the 500-600s and I am in great health otherwise. Thank you!

Advice would be more useful if data available regarding presence of drug resistance mutations and how high your viral load level went. Abacavir is often tough to tolerate with Atripla. Many alternatives to abacavir exist (raltegravir, a boosted protease inhibitor, an alternative NNRTI such as etravirine, maraviroc and other options). KH