Question
How long can I live on Atroiza?
18 June 2013. Related: All topics, Life expectancy.
I’m a girl aged 20 and I’m HIV positive. My CD4 is 174 and I’m taking atroiza.
I want to know how long can I live?
Answer
Hi,
Thanks for your email.
Having HIV can sometimes be difficult. But modern treatment is very effective. It means that you can have a near-normal life expectancy and a good quality of life.
Nobody can predict how long anyone will live. This depends on things you can change (smoking, exercise, medication) and thing you can’t (genetics and bad luck).
Do you have any support to deal with being HIV positive? If you are in South Africa you could contact the Treatment Action Campaign for information about treatment and support in your area.
The i-Base Introduction to combination therapy guide also has general information about treatment.
Atroiza is a generic version of Atripla.
Please me know if you have any questions or I can help further.
I’m currently on Atrozia. On march 24 my weight was 83kg and when I go back the following month it was 89kg. How will this effect me?
Hi Mmanketsi,
Its great to hear that you’ve gotten through the initial common side effects. And that you’re on medication.
With regards to the weight loss and vomiting this could be due to numerous things. Therefore, this is something that you should discuss with your doctor.
I’ve been taking Atrozia for 6 weeks. I’ve been through the side effects of feeling dizzy, feeling like I’m losing my mind etc.. Now, however, I have started losing weight and I always vomit.
Hi Happiness,
A CD4 of 999 is excellent. Do you know what your viral load is? Are you on meds?
If you want to have a baby, you will need to be on meds. Its being on meds that will reduce the risk of transmission to your baby.
Though your CD4 is important, when you’re pregnant its your viral load that’s important. For more info please see the following guide:
http://i-base.info/guides/pregnancy
My CD4 is 999, is this OK to have a baby?
Hi Wellington,
The World Health Organisation recommend that everyone who is HIV positive should be on ARVs. This is regardless of what their CD4 is. Therefore, you being on Atrozia now is a good thing.
Also, you don’t need to look sick to be on ARVs. Its being on ARVs that help prevent this.
l tested HIV positive and was given Atroiza tablets to use. l don’t look sick and was never told my CD4 count. At what stage is Atroiza recommended?
Hi Zama,
If you get them from a clinic they’ll be free. If you’d prefer to pay, that’s up to you. You can buy them from a pharmacy, however you’ll need a prescription from either your doctor or a nurse who is specialized in HIV care.
Because you’ve moved, you really should register with another clinic. This is because you’ll need to have check ups for your CD4 and viral load. Also, if you’re unwell, it would help to be registered with a clinic.
If you go to a clinic, if you show them your medical record and tell them that you’re about to run out then may give you some more there and then. You will though need to ask about this.
I’ve been taking Atrozia from the clinic in Durban but now I live here in Pretoria. I want to know if I can buy the pills over the counter. I have half a bottle left. Or should I go and get them for a clinic?
Hi Wellington,
Atrozia is a generic version of Atripla. For how is should be taken please see here:
http://i-base.info/guides/1561
Treatment for HIV is life long. Therefore, if you want to control your HIV you will need to take it for life. This may sound daunting, but it does work and works very well. Please see the following:
http://i-base.info/guides/starting
http://i-base.info/guides/7463