Question
What happens if I stop Rizene?
14 November 2023. Related: Adherence, All topics, CD4 and viral load, Side effects, Stopping treatment.
I am struggling with weight gain. I am not sure whether it’s the ARV (Rizene) causing this weight gain. If I stop taking the medication what would happen to me? Do you think I will be sick easily? I am planning to take multivitamins only. I am obese now and not happy with my weight gain at all.
Answer
Hi, how are you?
I am sorry to hear you are struggling with your weight.
Can I ask how long you have been feeling like this? and when did the weight gain start? Did it start at the same time as you started Rizene?
Do you know how much weight you have gained?
Has anything else in your life changed that could have lead to weight gain e.g., eating more, doing less exercise or switching jobs?
Do you have any other health problems or take regular medication for anything else?
Rizene is a generic form of Atripla. In most cases people find this causes weight gain as opposed to weight loss.
Stopping Rizene is not advised. HIV will no longer be suppressed and it will be able to damage your immune system leading you vulnerable to other infections and other health problems. Have you talked with your doctor if there are other treatments you can try?
Josh.
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