Raltegravir (Isentress) is the first approved medication from the class of the integrase inhibitors. i-Base has followed the studies and its approval in the different parts of the world and has reported those in the HIV Treatment Bulletin.<\/p>\n
However, it is quite unusual to use Combivir and Isentress as a first line combination, unless you were infected with drug resistant HIV or you are part of a research study.<\/p>\n
This is for two main reasons:<\/p>\n
i) Combivir (AZT+3TC) is generally less frequently prescribed in first-line combinations – with either Truvada (tenofovir+FTC), or sometimes Kivexa (abacavir+3TC) being preferred. Also, the AZT in Combivir can sometimes reduce platelets and cause anaemia, so I’m not sure why your doctor is suggesting this.
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ii) Isentress is not approved as a first treatment unless there is already broad drug resistance. It is also a much more expensive drug.<\/p>\n
In your situation, where your CD4 count is strong and your viral load is low, I’m not sure why you are starting treatment so early (unless this is your choice) or why your doctor doesn’t just treat your anaemia.<\/p>\n
Nevertheles, here is some basic information on the new drug Istentress at this link<\/a>:<\/p>\n …and a good fact sheet from aidsmeds.com is at this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n