Question
Has switching treatments caused my body to change?
4 October 2023. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Side effects.
Hi, I was using Atripla from 2016, and had little to no side effects effect for normal weight gain, around 2019, my Dr changed me to Rizene, which I understood was a generic version of Atripla, but since I’ve started it, I have rapid belly weight gain, bigger breast and thighs. I am very curvaceous and I recently noticed some weight loss in my legs, arms, and neck. I don’t know what has change suddenly and what I can do to correct it. My last quarterly check up was in June and my Dr did ask me if I would be comfortable to change to the new drug, which I unfortunately declined, for fear of trying something new. I also noticed that my blood sugar levels sometimes drop, to a point where I feel dizzy and shaking. What can I do is this instance?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
You are correct, Rizene is a generic version of Atripla. This means that even though it has a different name and might look different it will still contain the 3 drugs used to make Atripla.
Did anything else change in 2019 that could have lead to this weight gain? and how much have you gained since 2019?
As you have had weight gain followed by weight loss on an established regimen, these changes would not both be caused by Rizene. In some cases Reizene (Atripla) can lead to weight loss in the areas you have noticed however this wouldn’t happen after a period of weight gain.
Do you know how much weight you have lost and over how long?
Do you know what the name of this new drug is that your Dr has suggested you change to?
Have you been having your blood sugars monitored or is this something you are feeling? Has anything changed in your eating recently? and has anything changed with your patterns of urination/being thirsty?
Josh.
Hi Lesley, though there have been no changes in your diet, changing how much you eat of your regular food will change your weight. It is also possible that the stress of moving somewhere new could have impacted you.
It is good that you do not have any irregular urinating patterns.
Most people are being switched to TLD. This is a newer drug. Though it is recommended to be taken in the morning but it can be taken with/without food. This newer drug does have fewer side effects and is generally better tolerated by people. Some people have noticed a small increase in weight since starting this treatment. What is your biggest apprehension about switching?
Hi Josh,
The only changes that have happened is we moved to a new place, that has had some challenges, there were no changes in my diet, there were only changes in the portions that I usually ate. I do not have any unusual urination patterns except for some nights, which I would assume is because of my fluids intake before bedtime. Unfortunately I didn’t ask my Dr, about the medication she would like me to change to. The only thing I remember is that she said it’s the new drug which you can take anytime of the day.