Question
Can I change from lamzid & aluvia to Atripla?
21 August 2012. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Resistance.
I was taking aspen lamzid (AZT/3TC) and Aluvia (lopinavir/r),and now it turns out i have to take Atripla (efavirenz, FTC + tenofovir). Is is safe to do so? Won’t my body develop resistance towards the meds?
Answer
Hello,
Thank-you for your email.
To answer your question I would need to know why you are changing medication.
If you are changing because you had virological failure- which means your viral load went up- then there is risk that you have resistance to some HIV medications, which may affect your use of Atripla. This is because resistance to AZT or 3TC can mean you also have resistance to FTC or tenofovir.
If you are changing for another reason, and have no resistance to AZT or 3TC, then it should be OK to switch.
Hi Sandra,
You should be OK with this new combination. But like with other meds, you may get some side effects when you start.
Hi I’ve been taking tribuss my viral load kept going up now they have changed me toaluvia andadco lamuvudine am scared of taking this meds what can I expect regarding my body changes coz my body never changed on previous meds I just gained weight until recently when the viral load changed I then lost a lot of killos
Hi Vero,
It’s good that you’ve changed treatment if there’s viral rebound. Please let us know when you get the results.
Hi my viral load is keeping going up bt know they charge me to second line fromantic January so I waiting from blood results
Hi Patience,
I’m sorry to hear your viral load keeps going up.
Do you have access to your viral load and CD4 count? If your viral load is over 50 it can mean that your HIV meds are not working well.
What does your doctor say about it? It’s important that you see your doctor and talk about switching to other meds.
d4T and AZT have both been associated with fat loss. Is that what you mean about your legs? These drugs are not used here in the UK anymore. Please see this guide to side effects.
But there should be other meds that can keep HIV undetectable. This might also help your possible side effects.
If you live in South Africa you can contact the Treatment Action Campaign. They might be able to give you local support.
Hi I have a problem I’ve been living with HIV since 2002 and I started my arvs in 2009. My problem is that I never understood why I was started with aluvia,d4t and 3tc. My viral load keep on going up then they removed D4T then put azt(lamzit) but still I don’t understand why m on that treatment. My legs looks like m a man n I can’t even wear short skirts #concerned.
Hi Xolelwa, Yes, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor and ask if you can change to an FDC. Your treatment is working because viral load is undetectable. But Alluvia&lamzid are older meds and they can have side effects that modern meds don’t. If you are worried and think your CD4 count is very low, you can discuss this with your doctor too.
Im on treatment Aluvia&lamzid bt ive got a problem of CD4 count ,my CD4count its low and my viral load is undetected ?can i change to FDC
Hi Geezo,
How often are you missing doses of meds?
Hi, I’ve been missing doses from time to time because of unexpected work movements..how long does it take for me to become resistant to aluvia and lamzid?