Question
Why am I being given generics?
23 March 2017. Related: All topics, Changing treatment.
I have been on Atripla for over 2 years, have responded really well to it and never had any serious side effects, I was called by the clinic yesterday to learn that the NHS was no longer funding Atripla for me and that I would have to take the same combination therapy in the form of 2 tablets. This seems like a step backwards for me and I feel a bit disappointed as such, what are my options? I was most happy with Atripla as it meant taking only one table.
Answer
Thanks for getting in touch.
The combination that you’re being offered is no different to that of Atripla, other than the fact that you’ll need to take two pills rather than one. The justification for this switch will be cost related and will have been done due to commissioning guidelines for HIV treatment. Generics cost the NHS 90% less than non-generics. Which given the climate that we’re in and that HIV treatment is for life, makes sense. The important thing is that they do what they’re supposed to do, which is keep a persons HIV under control.
If you think that taking two pills rather than one will influence your ability to adhere to your meds, then this is something that you could talk to your consultant about. They may be able to still offer you Atripla. However, this depends of where you live and how things are in clinic. Though not ideal, this is the way things are.
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