Question
I have a detectable viral load, should I change treatment ?
29 November 2011. Related: Adherence, All topics, Changing treatment, Resistance.
My latest CD4 count is 650, which is the highest its ever been since I found out about my diagnosis. My viral load is no longer undetectable at a reading of 300. I haven’t adhered as well as I should to my ARVs.
Does the change in viral load mean I have to change my ARVs?
Currently I am reluctant to do so and think I should wait a few months for another test! Is this ok?
Answer
Thank you for your question.
There is no immediate or urgent need for you to change your medication with a viral load of 300. Given the information you have provided, the important thing will be for you to have a repeat viral load test. The result will then determine whether you have treatment failure and whether you need to change treatment.
However, rather than wait for a few months to do the repeat test, it is advisable that you call the clinic in a day or so and make an appointment to have a repeat test done sooner. This is because, the detectable viral load could be due to any number of reasons. It could be due to what is referred to as a blip [ a fluctuation in your viral load which can happen at low levels], or it could be due to a lab error or it could also be due to treatment failure. The best way to determine this is to have a repeat test soon after the last one you had.
The other reason for the slight increase in your viral load, could be due to the fact that you have not been adhering as well as you should. Missing doses or taking your medication late a number of times can result in you not having the right level of medication to ensure you have an undetectable viral load. Can I ask what medication you are currently taking?
The important thing in the meantime, will be for you to continue taking your medication, as advised, while you wait for the confirmatory test result.
Best of luck with your repeat test and please let us know if we can help further, or again in the future.
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