Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date. I started a once a day therapy a few months ago(Sustiva, Viread
and Videx 250). After one month my viral load dropped under 50
(it was around 13,000), but also my cd4 dropped from 350 to 280.
I am a bit concerned about this combo and I wonder if it is
better to change therapy....?
Thanks for the answer
Your question is really two different questions:
1. Am I doing ok?
2. Is this a good combination?
You are certainly doing well. If you are undetectable at one month, I would be completely unconcerned about your changes in T cell counts. Your T cell counts change normally from week to week. The change you describe, during one month, is pretty meaningless by itself. If the next numbers continue down, I would think again. Still, you should look not only at your total T cell numbers, but at the percents, as well. I bet those percents showed less difference, and they are ultimately, more important. So far, I think you're doing great.
Now, about the second question. While you are doing well, Viread and Videx have a known interaction problem, and this can make drug levels higher than they should be. It is possible to lower the doses, such that this is an okay combo, but it is not my first choice.
(For more information see: http://www.thebody.com/step/fall02/viread_videx.html )
You don't say if you are new to treatment, or not. I also don't know what medications are available to you, as I don't know where you are. If you have other choices, I would discuss that with your doctor.
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