Question
Can women use Luvigen if they want to become pregnant?
15 April 2022. Related: All topics, Pregnancy.
Why is Luvigen not recommended for women who are planning to be pregnant?
Also I would like to understand the meaning behind “you can still pass HIV while taking Luvigen, it has not been proven that the risk of passing infection is lowered by effective antiretroviral therapy”.
Answer
Hi there
Thanks for these questions – all really important.
For the first question about pregnancy has changed over the last few years.
A few years ago there was a concern that the risk of serious problems for the baby. This was from taking dolutegravir when they became pregnant and during the first four week of the pregnancy.
Further research showed that the risks are now much lower than was first thought.
Please talk to your doctor about your plans. Some countries now recommend Luvigen (and dolutegravir() for everyone. A few countries might suggest using a different drug to become pregnant and then switch to Luvigen after the first weeks of pregnancy,
The second question is also a good one. This is because the information that comes with your meds is not up-to-date. Any HIV meds that reduce your viral load to undetectable (less than 200 copies/mL) will definitely prevent HIV transmission.
This is called U=U and all guidelines agree this is true.
The drug company information needs to be changed to recognise this. See:
https://i-base.info/u-equals-u
Hello Nompumelelo and thanks for getting in touch.
Any viral load under 200 copies per ml is considered undetectable.
Congratulations!
This is really good and well done to you.
Keep taking your medication every day. That is the best way to remain healthy and live a full, active life.
Please, read also here:
https://i-base.info/u-equals-u/
Hello I am HIV positive. When I went to the clinic they said my viral is 20 copies. I am confused: what does it mean? Am I not undetectable? Is this a good sign or its bad?