Question
What side effects can I expect on my new combination?
19 April 2012. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Side effects.
Hi. I have just started taking tenofovir,emtricitabine + Stocrin. My doctor said to take once a day (7pm my regular time taking my meds).
May I know what side effects I could get?
Previously I was on Stocrin+3TC+Lamivodine (7am and 7pm).
My latest CD4 was 501 and VL below 20.
Answer
It’s great that you have a good CD4 count and an undetectable viral load (less than 50 copies).
In response to your question, the combination of the drugs tenofovir, emtricitabine (also known as FTC) and Stocrin (also known as efavirenz) that you refer to is also found in one pill known as Atripla.
Some of the side effects associated with this drug, and in particular with efavirenz include: sleep disturbance (including nightmares) and mood changes ( including anxiety and depression). Nearly everyone will will get some of these side effects but for most people they will be mild and easy to manage. Most side effects will eventually go away – it can take days, weeks or even months. However, as with any other side effects, it is important that you tell your doctor if you feel you cannot tolerate them.
Many people find that taking the medication at night on an empty stomach can help reduce side effects as a high fat meal can increase drug levels and as such, increase side effects. An empty stomach does not mean that you have to be physically hungry. A cup of tea and a biscuit an hour before you take your medication should be fine. Alternatively, you can also leave a couple of hours before taking your medication especially if you have had a high fat meal.
In your question you mention that you take your medication at 7pm. Do you usually go to bed soon after? many people have also found that it helps to take the medication shortly before they go to bed as you are less likely to experience the side effects once you are asleep.
For more information on managing side effects, please follow this link to our guide to HIV and your quality of life.
Best wishes.
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