Question
Do I continue ARV treatment after my pregnancy?
19 May 2013. Related: All topics, Pregnancy.
Im HIV positive pregnant lady and my CD4 is above 350 and I am on Atroiza.
Will i continue with Atroiza after birth even if my CD4 count will still be above 350?
Answer
This is something to discuss with your doctor.
Some people continue taking ARVs after their baby is born, especially if their CD4 count is still close to 350. Some people continue treatment because they like being on treatment, and they see no point to taking what might only be a short break.
If your CD4 count is much higher – perhaps over 500 – then it is easier to decide to stop treatment if this is your choice.
Atroiza is a generic version of Atripla.
The i-Base guide to HIV and pregnancy includes info on this.
These links in the section “After the baby is born” may also be of interest.
- What will I need to consider for my own health?
- How and when will I know that my baby is HIV negative?
- Will my baby need to take HIV drugs after he/she is born?
- Will I need to use contraception after the baby is born?
Hi,
Odimune and Atroiza are both generic versions (copies) of a drug called Atripla. They contain the same medications. They only have different names because they are made by different companies.
Bot hare safe to take while you are pregnant. They will help prevent your baby becoming positive and will lso keep you healthy!
I’m HIV positive pregnant lady and I was using odimune now nurse give me atrozia is it go for the baby
Hi,
Atroiza is fine to take while you are pregnant. It will help prevent your baby becoming positive and also keep you healthy.
I have being taking arv’s for almost 4years now and last year I they changed my medication and that’s when I started Atroiza now I’m pregnant I wonder if it’s good for my unborn baby?
Hi Kate
Whether you continue with HIV meds or not will depend on many things.
This includes your previous CD4 count, your current media, your doctors advice and you own feelings.
Please talk to for doctor about this.
I’m hiv+. I was using Atroiza pills when I was pregnant. I want to know if I can continue with the pills and now I have just got the baby>
Hi Phumzile,
Congratulations on the birth of your baby! Can you tell me whether you are still breastfeeding? And what was your CD4 count when you started treatment? These two points are important when it comes to whether you will need to keep taking treatment after giving birth.
Either way you should not stop taking your ARVs unless your doctor or clinic advises you to do so.
For further information please see the links in the question above.
I gave birth on the 20 Dec last year,my baby is in good health. My question is: I am still on the ARVs should I stop taking them or what?
Hi
These questions about choice of delivery are important to ask your doctor and nurse about.
In the UK, if viral load is undetectable by the time the baby is due to be born, then there is no difference in safety.
With an undetectable viral load, C-secion is not any safer for your baby, because the risk of HIV is already so low.
Sometimes if there are complications or relating to your individual history, one may have advantages over another. It is still your choice though.
See this guide to HIV and pregnancy and especially the sections on “Delivering your baby”.
• Can I have a vaginal delivery?
• Caesarean section
• Can I have a vaginal birth if I have had a Caesarean before?
• Why is a Caesarean sometimes recommended if you are HIV positive?
• When should I have a planned Caesarean section?
• What if my waters break before my planned Caesarean section?
• Will a Caesarean section now stop me having a vaginal in the future?
• What else do I need to remember for the birth?
I’m HIV positive and I have been taking Atroiza from when I was 4 mnths pregnant. I want to know whether it is better to give birth naturally or by C-section.