Question
My clinic changed Atroiza to Luvigen without telling me…
15 April 2022. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, HIV transmission.
I was switched from atroiza to luvigen without nothing being explained?
Should I be worried?
My viral load was 103 in December 2021 which I didn’t understand why because I have been mostly consistent and now more than ever after the results I haven’t missed a single dose.
Is it possible that my viral load is lower than 100. I’m worried because I’m sexually active and my partner and I haven’t been using condoms because I’m thinking I can’t pass the infection to him.
Answer
These are two different types for HIV treatment (ART) so your doctor should definitely have talked to you about this change.
They are both generic versions of ART:
https://i-base.info/guides/12423
Atroza uses efavirenz which is an older drug.
Luvigen uses dolutegravir which is more modern. This is better for most people.
The main difference is that Atroiza needed to be taken at night and Luvigen needs to be taken in the morning.
Please call your doctor and clinic and ask why they didn’t give you this information.
Please do not worry about your viral load. This is still very low and it might just have been a lab error.
This will not have put your partner at any risk.
Hi Maggie, how long have you been taking Luvigen? and when did you first notice these symptoms?
What you have listed are common side effects of Luvigen. These should improve in the next few weeks as your body adjusts to the treatment.
What time of the day are you taking your treatment?
If these side effects are persistent or they are interfering with daily life, you can speak with your doctor and they can offer management of these symptoms while you are getting used to Luvigen.
Hi since taking luvigen I’ve been having pain all over body and weak dissy sometime sgain
Hi Fezka, Luvigen will not cause blood clots to come from your nose and a headache. Please go to speak to a doctor about these symptoms.
I was using Aluvia but I was changed to Lugiven and now I have blood clots coming from my nose and sever headache
Hi Bongy, kidney problems with Luvigen are only seen if your are already at risk. To avoid this your doctor should offer your kidney function tests prior to starting treatment. If you already have poor kidney function a different treatment should be offered to prevent risk of kidney damage.
What are my chances of developing kidney problems if I’m taking Luvigen?
Hi Patsy, what were you taking before you were switched to Luvigen?
I’ve been changed to be luvigen why I’m
Hi Rosie, yes the ART you take will work regardless of the time you take it. The most important thing is that you take it at the same time each day.
Different types of ART are suggested to be taken at different times to avoid side effects. Efavirenz based combinations are suggested to be taken in the evening so you sleep through the mood disturbance side effects. Dolutegravir based combinations are suggested to be taken in the morning to avoid it effecting your sleep.
If the current time you are taking your medication is working for you, there is no reason to change this.
I have been taking it at 6pm. I believe it is working right? Regardless of the time I have been taking it. Also, does that mean I should change and why does it has to be taken in the morning?