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neneroc
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Reged: 08/25/08
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Loc: Upstate New York
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starting treatment - Atripla ?
#241885 - 09/07/08 07:04 PM
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after a lot of blood work .. physicals etc etc .. Dr. has recomended me to start Atripla, honestly im nervous . Cd4 count is low and VL high, has to do with me being infected just recently (6-8months ago)
I need info on it !! please
from what ive heard from my bestfriend the side effects are very similar to HELL ..
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westernbear69
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All Star
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Reged: 03/22/08
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Posts: 79
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Loc: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
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Have you started on any meds yet? They usually start you on the seperate components in 2 different pills for the first month to see if there are side effects. If there is then it is easier to distinguish which meds caused the side effects..
I started Atripla back in December. One thing to remember is to take it on an empty stomache. (if you eat something high in fat, the dreams are wilder) Stay away from Garlic, and hopefully you will be fine with the side effects..
The main side effect I have is a mild rash, (like I have an allergy) and the dreams are very intense. Almost like they are real. The colours are so vivid. I used to find I had a hard time falling asleep, and now I have a hard time waking up
If you want to talk just send me a PM
I went from cd4 of 230 (14%) and VL of over100,000 (thats when they stop counting) in Dec 07
currently at cd4 of 540 (24%) and VL of 54 (undetectable is now 40)
Atripla definately works and is easy to take.
Brad
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I have started Atripla about 6 weeks ago. My viral load at that time was 120,000 and my CD4 count was 89. I just got my latest lab results 2 days ago from my doctor which was far more the best news that I have ever expected for only being on the drug for a short time. My viral load is now 1050 and my CD4 count is 127.
I too was very nervous about taking the drug after reading so much about it online and the side effects. However, my experience with the side effects in the first couple weeks was not very pleasant but they have gotten better and I have very little to notice.
Taking this drug and the outcome of my first lab results has me on cloud nine. Just as my doctor stated " Atripla is kicking butt". I expect by christmas to be UNDECTECTABLE and an increase in my CD4 count.
My advice to anyone who is thinking about taking this drug, please do not pass the chance up. I am glad I am taking it and I look forward on living a very long time.
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eleven11
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Reged: 09/16/08
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hello,
I started on Atripla this past July, mostly because the virus was attaching my blood platelets and I had to get my viral load down immediately before I became susceptible to hemorrhaging. I was nervous about starting meds right away, knowing that once you start you never stop. I started taking the pill at night before bed, like they suggest. I had the worst time sleeping for weeks -- maybe an hour or two a night. My mind wouldn't stop racing. I read on one of these boards to try taking it in the morning. so, about 3 months ago, I started taking my med in the morning before I get into work. On an empty stomach, I don't feel a thing and function just fine. If I forget and eat eggs or have coffee within and hour of taking my pill, I start to get really spacey with a slight buzz. Can be kinda fun, but just not at work at 8AM! I responded very well to Atripla. My viral load dropped to undetectable in two months and my platelets shot back up to 120! (normal blood platelets in mircoliters is 150 - 450). My platelets were down to 29 at their lowest.
Anyway, you'll most likely be just fine. Everyone reacts differently to the meds. Luckily, you have a great resource here! This site has helped me out a lot.
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AZguy
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Reged: 09/21/08
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I started Atripla in July, 2007. Within weeks VL went from 105,000 to 1,000 and either side of undectable since then. CD4 went from 300 to 700 and has stayed there.
I take my pill at 10:00 pm - usually finish dinner by 7:00 - 7:30 pm. I take either a half or full Lunesta sleeping pill within 15 minutes of taking the Atripla pill. I sleep very well until 5:00 pm on a full pill and until 2:00 or 3:00 with a half.
Only had dream problems for a day or 2 - very little since. My wife says the combination makes me more horny but I'm not sure about that.
I'm on Medicare Drug plan so quickly get into catastrophic (sp) category ($4,000) because Costco charges about $1,300 per month. After $4,000, I pay $68 p/month. Pretty reasonable for a "life-saver".
My strength is great for a 68 y.o guy who carrys his own golf bag 4 days a week. My handicap has fallen over the past year as I cope with the HIV. Got infected in fall of 2002.
Start Atripla as soon as possible - you will love it.
Be well.
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EJB
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Reged: 04/16/08
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I've been on Atripla for a couple of years now and find that it is working well for me. Side effects are negligible in the beginning. Now I'm experiencing lipodystrophy and elevated glucose and triglyceride levels (border line diabetic). The upside is that it is convenient to take and so far is keeping my VL undetectable and my CD 4s around 400-500. Try to exercise and pay attention to your diet. If you smoke cigarettes or drink etoh or use any kind of illegal drugs, the best thing you can do for your health is STOP using .Good Luck
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Hi there neneroc, believe it or not you sound just like me, my bloods where similar after a very recent infection 6-8 months also, I was very very reluctant to start on medication, probably the biggest decision I have ever made, but I was convince it had to be so started Atripla in June this year, to be honest I had a few side effects initially (first two weeks) of some light headedness and a little digestive reaction but after that everything has settled down, my cd4 is up and my VL is now undetectable after only 3 months, my doc is very pleased although he did say he expected it after seeing my initial blood tests showing I would respond to all the meds he tested me for , hopefull your experience will be similar to mine and a few others who have shared their experience with Atripla recently.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
--------------------
How Many Roads Must A Man Walk Down Before He Admits Hes lost
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AIDS2HIV
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Legend
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Reged: 12/19/05
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Quote:
Hi there neneroc, believe it or not you sound just like me, my bloods where similar after a very recent infection 6-8 months also, I was very very reluctant to start on medication, probably the biggest decision I have ever made, but I was convince it had to be so started Atripla in June this year, to be honest I had a few side effects initially (first two weeks) of some light headedness and a little digestive reaction but after that everything has settled down, my cd4 is up and my VL is now undetectable after only 3 months, my doc is very pleased although he did say he expected it after seeing my initial blood tests showing I would respond to all the meds he tested me for , hopefull your experience will be similar to mine and a few others who have shared their experience with Atripla recently.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
this poster is full of shit, I wouldnt believe a word out of them*...click on cunta's name and read all their other posts
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so you want to spoil another thread on this forum, way to go.
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How Many Roads Must A Man Walk Down Before He Admits Hes lost
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impoz
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Reged: 10/12/07
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I started atripla about six months ago and am doing great physically, yet I'm so depressed, and can't seem to get it together.
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westernbear69
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Reged: 03/22/08
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Loc: Vancouver, B.C., Canada
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The Pharmacist at the doctors office said the Sustiva component of Atripla really messes with the Mind. If you are prone to depression then the affects would be magnified. I need to go on Tuesday (after Thanksgiving) and talk to the doctor about the depression I am facing right now.
The Atripla has worked on getting the numbers to where the doctor likes, but there has been an emotional and mind altering consequence. Almost committed Suicide last week..Not a mind frame I want to be in..Ever...Holding in there until Tuesday..
Good luck, and take care of yourself. 
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I've been on Atripla for almost a year now and was doing fine until recently when I realized that I'm having some painful side effects that I had with other meds. I'm assuming that its probably normal but I may have to change again.
___________________
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Ekim
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I started meds on Atripla for 2 months at VL 57K and T 387. Great reaction in two months VL 180 and T 490, but Sustiva side effects and food restrictions were not good for me. Doc switched me to Truvada and Isentress. I'm doing great and feeling good. 6 weeks on Isentress VL went to <47 and T 500. I'm having no side effects, sleep well and feel great.
But...... My experience WILL NOT HELP YOU! Everyone is different. What is good for me may not be good for you. Let your doc guide you. For me, the once a day one pill was great convienence, but I gladly trade twice a day pill for zero side effects. Be well and best of luck.
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