Question

Stopped treatment because of Atripla side effects.

21 September 2012. Related: All topics, Changing treatment, Side effects, South Africa.

Hi,

I have been HIV positive for 7 years.

I started ARVs when my CD4 was 200. But due to fluctuating working hours, I could not get to the clinic to get my meds, so I started buying Atripla. (VERY expensive).

It gave me horrible side effects, the worst of it being the psychological side effects. I was depressed, cried a lot, had terrible anger outbursts, moodiness, trouble sleeping, nausea, off balance, and a horrible constant zing in my ears, that intensified so at night, which then contributed to even more difficulty falling asleep.

I stopped Atripla, and I don’t ever, ever, ever want to take it again!

Anyway, for the past month to six weeks, I have only been on strong immune boosters (containing 30mg Sterols and Sterolins per capsule, I take 3 to 4 each day, recommended dosage is 2 a day) as well as a lot of other immune boosting ingredients.

Along with this I use Biosilver, I don’t know if you have heard about it, it is supposedly a very good booster and apparently helped patients with cancer, as well as people with immune deficient illnesses a lot.

I also take Vitamin B6 complex and added Vitamin C, and Calcium.

But I must admit, I am scared and unsure how long I can stay off ARVs.

I have no idea what my CD4 count is, I am just adamant that I will never ever use Atripla again. In my opinion, it is poison!

I will continue with these immune boosters for a few months, and then I will take a CD4 count, miracles still happen, don’t they?

And why, why, why are ARV meds so expensive? People like me who don’t have a medical aid / insurance, really suffer to afford these life saving meds. It has so many horrible side effects, don’t you do your poor body more harm than good by taking this poison?

Answer

Answer: Rebecca McDowall

Hello,

Thank-you for your email.

I’m very sorry to hear about the difficulties you had with Atripla. Atripla contains three drugs- efavirenz, FTC and tenofovir. The side effects you have mentioned are caused by efavirenz.

Up to 20% of people taking efavirenz change treatment in the first year because of these side effects. Others people don’t have the same difficulties and many people take efavirenz and Atripla successfully for long periods.

Efavirenz, and therefore Atripla, just isn’t for everybody. But there are many different options of HIV treatment. Other treatments do not have these side effects.

You say that you do not know your CD4 count, and that you were buying Atripla. Do you still attend a clinic for any monitoring? It is very important to have your CD4 count checked to see how you are getting on. This is especially important if you are not taking ARVs.

None of the herbal products or supplements you are currently taken will be able to help you CD4 count or reduce your viral load. The have no benefit against HIV. The only treatment that can improve your CD4 count is ARVs.

I understand your reluctance to start treatment again after your experiences with Atripla. But there are other treatment options available. By accessing treatment through a doctor or clinic you can be monitored. Some side effects can be reduced either with other medicines or by taking treatment in a different way. And when side effects are too difficult to cope with it is usually possible to change to a different treatment.

HIV meds cost different prices in different countries. Many countries, however, provide ARVs for free. Free treatment for HIV is available in the UK, South Africa, USA and many other countries. Which country do you live in?

It is important that you visit a doctor soon. Without knowing your CD4 count you can not assess your risk of developing opportunistic infections. The longer you are off treatment the more risk you have of developing infections live TB and pneumonia.

For more information about side effects and combination therapy please follow these links to our online guides:

HIV and your quality of life : A guide to side effects and other complications

Introduction to combination therapy