5 patient evaluations
for
Efavirenz-Emtricitabine-Tenofovir
taken for the purpose of 'HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)'
with a side effects
rating of Severe
As an ARV it does work very well in lowering VL and by taking it before bed many of the side effects are minimal. Unfortunately for me, the mental impact of the Efavirenz and physical impact of bone density from Truvada elements have warranted a switch of meds. If it were not for these effects I would have stayed on Atripla.
Cost
< $25 monthly
Date
Nov 10, 2009
Advice & Tips
As a once a day med, it's much easier than remembering to take than a handful of different tablets at different times of day. I take mine before bed and although I try to not eat for an hour or so before hand, I'm a junk food addict so I do find it hard! Although the dreams can be vivid and my sleep can be often interupted - I prefer this to having the foggy feeling throughout the day if I swapped to taking Atripla in the morning. As with all meds, don't be afraid of talking through all the options with your HCP.
Purpose:HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)(Started Nov 30, 2007)
Date
Dosage
Perceived effectiveness
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
Nov 20, 2009
600 mg-200 mg-300 mg
Daily
Major
Severe
Always
Not at all
Side effects:
Feeling of disconnection, Sleep problems, Anxious mood
Date
Nov 20, 2009
Advice & Tips
No matter what I did dietary wise (or relaxation wise before bed), for over a year I continued with nightmarish dreams, foggy head during the mornings and heightened anxiety. I waited to switch because despite the side effects Atripla was so effective in controlling my viral load and increasing my CD4 count. Lorazapam helped minimally with sleep and reduction in anxiety. But I am much happier now that I switched to Intellence and Truvada - with almost no side effects. The new regime is twice a day and it took me awhile to get used to the morning dosage (I'd forget - so I always left a few at the office incase I forgot before leaving the house)
Purpose:HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)(Started Jan 15, 2009)
Date
Dosage
Perceived effectiveness
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
Nov 20, 2009
600 mg-200 mg-300 mg
Daily
Major
Severe
Always
Not at all
Nov 14, 2009
600 mg-200 mg-300 mg
Daily
Moderate
Severe
Always
Not at all
Side effects:
Vivid dreams, Insomnia
Date
Nov 14, 2009
Advice & Tips
I take Atripla in the morning instead of at night. I experience none of the diarrhea problems I had on Sustiva and other medications.
I am about to ask the doctor (this week) to take me off this medication because of the side effect of both vivid and terrifying nightmares. This was a problem of moderate impact with Sustiva, but it is now intolerable. I awaken in fear and exhaustion.
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