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.
|
|
 |
|
Is it really necessary to change meds?
Jun 8, 2007
I have been on 300 mg Reyataz, 100 mg Norvir, and truvada for almost 4 years and it has worked great for me and with minimal side effects. My bilirubin shot up, but I realize that was a side effect and wasn't worried.
Now my bilirubin has started going between 5 and 6 consistently and my doctor wants to tweak my regimine. Ultrasound-perfectly normal. LFTs-normal. The only thing wacky is the bilirubin and a slight elevation of ALP. There is some yellowness, but it is so small it is workable--the only way someone would notice is if I purposely pointed out that my eyes had a yellow tint.
1. Did I misunderstand when I thought the bilirubin wasn't harmful?
2. Do I really need to tweak the regimine as my doc wants to and potentially mess with success and possibly not be so lucky in the side effects department?
Any opinions very much welcomed. Thank you very much.
Kim
|
 |
|
 |
|
Response from Dr. Daar
Hi Kim,
It is terrific that you have done so well on your regimen. With regards to the bilirubin you are corret that in general isolated elevation when using atazanvir is not thought to be a reason for concern. It is important that the elevation is primarily in the "indirect" or "unconjugated" form of bilirubin, but if this is true the main problem is the cosmetic one you allude to.
I would discuss this further with your primary provider and directly ask her/him if they have any other concerns.
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.
|
|
|
|
