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
Hi Lindi, did your doctor tell you why you were started on Luvigen after testing negative?
Hi, I tested HIV negative,then dr recommended Me Luvigen, the is it positive to test positive while using Luvigen, what cause that?
Hi Mpho, I am sorry to hear this is how you are feeling. have you mentioned this to your doctor? Luvigen should not be causing you to have no feelings.
Since am using Luvigen I don’t hv feelings anymore??
Hi Fisani, Luvigen can increase your appetite. Have you noticed any changes in your weight since starting treatment? and if so how much has your weight changed?
Is this Luviden can make me eat to much?
Hi Buyiso, what are you on now and what do you want to change it to?
If i want to change the pill to this new 1 is it possible to change? Can I ask my dr to change to this one?
Hi Patricia, unfortunately not. Even when U=U applies you will still test positive. Tests use antibodies to identify HIV status. Antibodies are how the body responds to being infected with HIV. These antibodies do not go away even when your viral load is suppressed.
Can u test negative if u are HIV and U–U