My doctor has proposed to possible treatments. Trizivir and Sustiva or Combivir and kaletra. What are the side effects associated with these drugs ? My viral load is greater than 75000 and CD4 is 105. I have never been treated and I have never had symtoms of HIV. So I am concerned about starting therapy and feeling bad from the drugs when I have been feeling good and asymtomatic. What are your thoughts ?

Treatment is a very good idea and those choices are good ones. A high percentage of patients starting either a Sustiva or Kaletra based regimen tolerated the drugs well over the frst year (maybe 10% can't tolerate them). For the Sustiva, central nervous side effects are the major concern (dreams, sleep abnormalities,etc.). For Kaletra, GI and lipid side effects are the most commonn problems. Many of the side effects are worse for the firstr several-4 weeks and then they diminish. If you have a sensitive stomach or have many risk factors for coronary artery disease, then Sustiva might be a good choice. If you already have sleeping/dreaming problems or active psychiatric problems then Kaletra might be more attractive. The simplest regimen is to go with the Sustiva option. Good luck! KH