Question
Should I change to Eviplera?
2 April 2013. Related: All topics, Changing treatment.
I have been on atazanavir, ritonavir and truvada now for 2 years and doing very well. I am undetectable and have a cd4 count of over 350. My doctor wants to change me to eviplera – he says the combination is almost the same as the one I am on but in one tablet, which will make it easier for me.
Can you please tell me a bit about eviplera – what are the risks of it not working? And any side effects?
My first medication was efavirenz and I got an awful rash and reaction so am very nervous about this change but want to change to one tablet.
What are the risks of resistance? And can there be any change to my viral load or cd4 count for the worse? I know this is a new drug so am a bit concerned.
Any other information to consider when changing is great. Thank you so much.
Answer
Hello,
Thank-you for your email. I am glad to hear you are doing well on treatment.
It is normal to feel worried about changing to a different treatment, especially when you are doing well on your current combination or have had problems on a different drug like efavirenz. The first important thing to know is that if you do change, and you don’t like the new drug, there is nothing to stop you going back to the drugs you are taking now.
Eviplera is a very effective HIV treatment. As with all drugs it has some possible side effects which can include depression, and a rash- not everybody gets these though and the only way to know how you will respond would be to try it. You can read about this drug on our meds page, and the links that it suggests. Have a look at that, and then let me know if you have any questions about how to take Eviplera or the side effects associated with it.
Resistance to Eviplera is closely linked to less than perfect adherence. It’s very important to take Eviplera everyday at around the same time, and to take it with food. With this drug ‘take with food’ means you need at least 370 calories- which is a small meal or large snack- for the treatment to be effective. Taking it on an empty stomach, or regularly missing or being late with doses can lead to resistance.
You shouldn’t see any problems with your CD4 count or viral load from changing treatment, although these will need to be monitored carefully to make sure that you are getting on well with the new combination.
Please let me know if you have any questions or would like further information.
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