Question

Newly diagnosed – how to handle efavirenz side effects?

2 June 2016. Related: All topics, Living with HIV long-term, Side effects, Starting treatment.

I am 28 yo male from Indonesia, recently tested poz (May 2016).

My CD4 is 558 and VL is12.400. Liver, kidney, lung xray, and blood panel all normal (except my total cholesterol 233, LDL 174, HDL 44.2).

My doctor started tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz regimen straight away.

I now feel the side effects of efavirenz is quite a kick, but i think i can handle that. Beside, my doctor also prescribed me with atorvastatin 20mg/day and astaxanthin 6mg/day.

My question is, how bad is my condition? Is it very important for me to take the astaxanthin?

How to deal with the side effect of efavirenz? Thx

Answer

Answer: Simon Collins

Hi

Thanks for your questions.

I am sorry that you are HIV positive but good that you are now starting treatment.

Efavirenz side effects usually improve within a week or two – but please see this link for more information.

https://i-base.info/guides/side/cns-side-effects

Please talk to your doctor about how important astaxanthin is and how imprtant is is to take this.

i-Base advocates are not doctors and we only have limited information about you medical history to be able to answer this part of your question.