Question
I’m resistant to my meds, what should I do?
2 September 2019. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Changing treatment.
Hi, I’ve been on treatment (Atripla) for 8 months (after acute infection in august last year)
In march my viral load were 1200, so the doctor ask to wait 2 months and test again.
After 2 months in May my VL was 1007. Due to my viral load still being detectable my doctor ordered some resistance tests.
I took the test in June and got my results back in August. From the three components of Atripla, two of them were highly resistant, only the tenofovir is partially resistant. My VL was 840.
What should I do in this situation?
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
From what you’ve said it sounds likely that you might have the resistance strain M184V for the 3TC and K103N for the efavirenz. Tenofovir partial resistance could be any thymidine analogue mutation.
Either way, with this resistance report, changing the efavirenz is essential. M184V resistance is sometimes okay to keep (ie continuing 3TC is sometimes ok) because it makes HIV less fit.
Changing to second like – ideally dolutegravir + two nukes would be recommended in the UK, while your VL is still low.
This is something that you’re going to need to discuss with your doctor.
Hi Emmaculate, how often have you tested and do you know the type of test you are using? Is your husband on treatment? Are you on PrEP/do you use condoms? Have you been to see a doctor about how you are feeling?
Hi . Mmy husband is hiv positive and my results says negative but am am very sick, I have all the symptoms of hiv but my results keeps saying negative. I see my self dieing slowly. What could be the problem pls help if I have any idea
Hi Lucy, I do agree. Not stopping ARV medication is very important to manage HIV. Some studies have stated potential benefits of these supplements but the research has yet to inform clinical practise. As the research is limited, further studies are required before it will be recommended by national guidelines to ensure patient safety.
Hi
Im not too sure about healing hiv but allegedly some studies have been conducted to some patience and found to be effective. I do not recommend stopping your meds black cumen seed and honey have some health benefit however not eradicating hiv from your body. Continue with your medication.