Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2003. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.



Question:

I have a question about the meds that I am taking. Until about 3 months ago, I was taking 2 Fortovase twice a day, 4 Norvir twice a day, 1 Retrovir twice a day and 1 Zerit twice a day. I had been on that same regimen for almost 2 years. My doctor said that my triglycerides were over 500. He said it is not good on the heart. While taking this, I was undetectable, and almost 1,100 t-cells.

Now, I am taking Retrovir twicw a day, Viread once a day and Sustiva once a day. First count after a month, undectable,750 t-cells. T-cell count dropped. My last test I took, undetectable, and 500 t-cells. Dropped again. I don't think that my new meds are working. Do you think that I should go back to the old meds, or stay with the new ones? My doctor says that it is nothing to worry about. What do you think?
Thank-you.

Answer provided by Daniel H. Bowers, M.D.:


As long as your viral load is staying undetectable, I would stay on the new regimen. Your immune system should be fully competent anything CD4 count over 350. It is not any more competent with 500 or 1000 CD4's.

There is an old adage in medicine that the least amount of a medicine that works is the right amount. If your triglycerides are improving, then you are on a regimen that works with the least amount of problems.

So I agree with your doctor.


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