Taking Epzicom When You're Hiv Positive

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Get the Facts

Epzicom/Kivexa (Abacavir + Lamivudine)

What Is Epzicom? Epzicom is a pill that contains two drugs used to fight HIV: abacavir (Ziagen) and Epivir (lamivudine, 3TC). Epzicom is manufactured by ViiV Healthcare. Outside the US, it is called Kivexa. Generic versions have been tentatively approved under PEPFAR (see Fact Sheet 475 ). The drugs in Epzicom are called nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors, or nukes. These drugs block the reverse transcriptase enzyme. This enzyme...

Ask the Experts

Kaletra / Epzicom - Would like holiday from Epzicom

My CD4 hovers around 400. Viral load undetectable for three years. Take Kaletra and Epzicom, no other medications. Experiencing some fatigue for a couple of years now. I know one common side effect of Epzicom can be fatigue. Would like to take a...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Fatigue is not that common with Epzicom compared to other drugs and is common in general population so hard to pin down if Epzicom is primary cause. Switch to alterantive drug (ie Truvada or raltegravir) with observation for several months to track... Read more »

Switch to Epzicom

I have been HIV positive for about 1.5 years now and taking a combo of Reyetaz/Norvir/Truvada for 1 year. So far, i've had great results (UD 3 weeks after starting meds) and have not had any side effects to the medication.I recently switched...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello,There is no one right answer when selecting an antiretroviral regimen. However, considering you've done extremely well on your current regimen with essentially no side effects, personally I would not switch to Epzicom. I would agree with... Read more »

Very concerned about PEP regimen Truvada & Epzicom

Thank you Dr. Bob for your priceless website. I had "receptive anal intercourse with ejaculation" with a promisuous 18-year-old drug user (and high school drop out) of unknown HIV status. I did bleed a little.I know this is one of the...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello,Assuming your "receptive anal intercourse with ejaculation" was unprotected, it is indeed the most risky sexual activity for potential HIV transmission. That there was bleeding increases the risk. PEP was certainly warranted.... Read more »

Change from Atripla to Epzicom

Hello Doc,i've been on Atripla+extra evafirenz 200 mg ( because i'm taking rifampicin for TB as well until July 27th later) for 5 months. My cd4 count became 437 ( 23%) from 50 on february, and VL now is 93So far, i can cope with efavirenz...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Epxicome (abacavir + lamivudine)does not contain efavirenz (the drug in Atripla that can cause false positive test for marijuana0 but is not recommended as a stand alone drug for HIV infeciton (only contains 2 drugs versus the 3 drugs in Atripla).... Read more »

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Connect With Others

Reyataz/Norvir/Truvada/Epzicom...morning or night?

Posted by Anonymous, 3 Replies

I'm starting in a study, and I just got my meds today. I'll be on Reyataz boosted with Norvir, and either Epzicom or Truvada (I won't know which).

Does anyone know if there are any advantages to taking these meds in the morning as opposed to the... Read more »

I am HIV positive, I tested positive a year ago.

Posted by DELRAELADAMSCH, 1 Reply

Hello I am HIV Positive and I have been taking the necessary medication and I tested positive a year ago. Read more »

New to Epzicom...Help with side-effects

Posted by Keoki, 1 Reply

Anybody out there on Intellence and Epzicom? I'm new to Epzicom. I had to stop Truvada, because of kidney function issues. I'm having a bit of a hard time adjusting to the Epzicom...nausea, lethargy, and just not "feeling right." Any information... Read more »

Reyataz,Norvir, Kivexa [abacavir/3TC, Epzicom].

Posted by Mondo

Is there anyone here at the forum taking the following cocktail?
I'm taking Reyataz[atazanavir], Norvir [ritonavir] and Kivexa [abacavir/3TC, Epzicom]. I would be interested to know how you are going with it and any problems or side effects that you... Read more »

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