Question
Do I need to be on contraception?
2 February 2024. Related: All topics, CD4 and viral load, Changing treatment, Pregnancy.
I was using Tribuss after my diagnosis in 2018 and managed to be undetectable until I faced too many life challenges and defaulted. That’s when my viral load became detectable. To which my doctor changed me to Reydin and it truly worked well with my body. Zero side effects! However my viral load is still detectable and my doctor is suggesting Ranega. The challenge is that she says it’s compulsory I start a contraceptive as Ranega is known to be harmful to pregnancy (should there be one). I am not planning on being pregnant and I don’t want to use contraceptives as I’ve never used them in ny entire life. Is it really compulsory to be on contraceptives when using Ranega ?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
What is your viral load currently? It is great to hear that you have not experienced any side effects while on Reydin.
How long have you been on Reydin? and how many times have you had your viral load tested?
Ranega and Reydin are the same drug. They are both generic versions of TLD. They have different names because they have been made by a different manufacturer but they still contain the same drugs and work the same way.
You do not need to be on contraception. This is an old practise. TLD contains a drug called dolutegravir. It was though that this medication caused problems with baby’s development, however after being studied it was found that the risk is no different to what it is in the general population.
You do not need contraception. It is safe to use TLD while pregnant and does not have any risk to baby.
Which country are you based in?
Josh.
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