Question
Are there benefits to switching to TLD?
10 January 2024. Related: Adherence, All topics, Changing treatment.
My cousin is living with HIV for the last 20 years. He was diagnosed positive in 2000 . Started ART in 2007. He is on Trustiva ( Emtricitabine+Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate+Efavirenz ). with in few months, the CD4 count became normal and viral load undetectable. He strictly adhered to this regime and living a normal life without any problem. Recently, he moved to an African country where a new generation combination ( Dolutegravir (50mg) + Lamivudine (300mg) + Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (300mg) ) is widely available. He wants to know are there any benefits in changing his ART regime to this new TLD combination. Kindly advise him. A mail to the below id will be of great help.
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
It is great to hear how well your brother has been doing on treatment and that his current regimen has been working for him for the last 16 years.
Does your brother manage well with his current treatment or does he experience any side effects?
Switching from efavirenz based combinations to TLD is very common. TLD is noted to be generally better tolerated by people with fewer side effects. There is also no restriction on food when taking TLD at the same time.
For further information please see this previous question.
Josh.
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