Question
Can I return to my first ARVs – I have side effects with second-line?
28 November 2016. Related: All topics, Changing treatment.
Hello can i change from second line back to first line cz the second line is giving me too much problems with side effects.
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
For me to be able to answer I need to know why you changed the first treatment?
If this was because your viral load had either increased or not become undetectable, then the first treatment was not working well enough.
This means going back to the first treatment would not be good.
If you changed for other reasons, and your viral load was undetectable when you changed, then you can use the first treatment again.
What treatment were you taking and what are you now taking now?
It would also help to know your CD4 and viral load? Also, which country do you live in?
Hi Busi,
You won’t be able to go back to first line. This is because there will have been a reason why you were changed from one to two. You may still be able to use second line. However, this is something that will need to be discussed with your doctor. How long have you been off meds for?
lets say u are on line 2 and u default .when u go bavk to start treatment wch line are u going to 1/2
Yes the reason is that viral load was 500 and I was on lamivudine nervirapine zidovine
Now am in second line its giving me problem ,can the doctor give me atripla for the first line??
Hi Diana,
A viral rebound above 500 can mean there is drug resistance. If there is drug resistance then your first-line ARVs were probably not working well. Please ask your doctor if that was the reason for changing meds. It can mean that it’s not a good idea to go back to your first-line meds.
The reason for changing on medication was due to viral load went above 500
Hi Diana,
Atripla is a first line med, therefore its very unlikely that you can go back to this. As Roy mentioned you’ll need to discuss this with your doctor.
Hi Simphiwe,
It’s a good idea to carry on now that you’ve got a new prescription. But you can talk to the clinic and ask them to test and check if they are still working. In South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign. They might be able to support you so that your prescriptions are not held up again.
Im using arvs(Truno) and got finished for a month…my prescription got delayed to receive new pack,if i restart dem agn what r the risks or should i consult first and check my cd4 count?i have oredi drand 1 n got so drained now m worried.
Hi Lauryn,
Please see the following guide:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
Also, why are you having to change meds?
What are the main side effects of second line regime?