I have been HIV+ since 1998 and have taking the following cocktails: Combivir + Viramune (5yrs), Viracept + Videx + Viread (1.5 yrs), Truvada + Reyataz + Norvir(1 yr), Epzicom + Reyataz + Norvir (1yr) and now am on just Epivir + Reyataz + Norvir. I had an allergic reaction that could have possibly been from the Ziagen and was off all meds for 3 months. When my VL went up and CD4 went down my doctor said I needed to start meds again. She suggested the current combination and said it was highly unusual to just take the two + Norvir, but thought I could manage on it. And to her credit I have been on it for 18 months and been undetectable and my CD4 keeps going up slowly but surely. (440 now) I do have yellowing of the eyes and am getting a distended abdomen. Would you suggest a change? She mentioned Isentress when I was off of everything, but then changed her mind because at the time it was "too new".

I am glad you have found a cocktail that you can use that has been so successful. Whenever we think about changes in meds we always have to weigh the risks and benefits. In your case the change would be due to side effects, not lack of effectiveness. If you find that the yellow eyes and the bloated stomach are things that you cannot manage then other options should be explored. The key is to find 3 active drugs that will work (it may be especially true for Isentress to be combined with 2 other active drugs for its full and sustained success). Based on your extensive previous treatment and changes (? due to toxicity or drug resesitance) it may be challenging to find the right cocktail. You should go over your options with your doctor and see..sometimes the alternative cocktail may be more pills or more frequent dosing, but the benefit may be fewer or different side effects. As long as the problems are not too distressiing there is no urgency to make any change. Good luck, Joe