I was infected 10 March 2007, sero converted 16 days later and immediately put on meds.(Ritonavir, Atazanavir, Truvada) At 55 yrs of age, I am extremely robust and healthy person. I am gym fit and play squash. I do use recreational drugs at weekends but non smoker & non drinker. CD4 is now 400 & viral load undectable. Reducing the amount of drugs taken into my body I believe must be better for my overall health. Can I come off my meds?

Over the years there has been a great deal of interest in starting therapy as soon as possible after infection occurs. One of the great hopes of this strategy was that you would preserve part of your bodies immunity to HIV that would allow you to control the virus off of antiretroviral treatment. There continues to be limited data demonstrating that this consistently occurs. Consequently, at this time the decision as to whether treatment should be started very early is based upon a discussion regarding the theoretical benefits and real risks of treatment. In addition, once a decision is made to start it is not clear what the best strategy is for the future. Ultimatley, the decision regarding when if ever to stop treatment needs to be made after a detailed discussion with your provider. My bias is that there probably is no wrong answer as long as you continue to be followed closely either on or off of treatment.

Best, Eric