Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
The participation of Dr. Joseph McGowan in this
Forum is made possible by Boehringer Ingelheim.
|
|
 |
|
Could I change med?
Dec 25, 2006
Dear Doc,
I have been on AZT+3tc+Viracept for around 7 years. I feel fine with some little high chores. I have lipo problem on face and limb. I have asked my doctor if I could change med especially Zerit, but he told me that it would be better to stick to the same med as it gives a good result to me. My CD4 is 604. Viral load not test (guess it is undetectable). If I change, then I might have a resistant.
What do you think?
bests.
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Daar
Thank you for your post.
Without more information it is difficult to assess what can be done safely. If you have never had detecable virus on therapy, then in all likelihood you do not have any underlying drug resistance and should be able to safely change to another regimen. There is data suggesting that people who switch off of AZT will experience at least a reduction if not reversal of lipoatrophy. In this case the best data is with switching to abacavir or tenofovir. Much less is known regarding the benefits of switching off of viracept, although there is at least on study showing that lipoatrophy was worse in those on AZT and viracept than AZT and sustiva-containing regimens.
It is important to note that anytime you make a change in therapy there is a risk of viral rebound and new toxicities. While I suggest above that a change may be possible, I would defer to your provider who knows you and your treatment history best.
Eric
|
|
|
 Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
Copyright notice.
|
|
|
|
