HOME

Thinking about changing your regimen to something simpler?

In the past, doctors discouraged people with HIV from changing their medicines unless the regimen they were on stopped working. But things are changing. A new study suggests that switching to the simplest regimen available today-Atripla, which contains a full three-drug regimen in one pill that is taken just once a day-may do no harm, even for people who are already on a regimen that is working perfectly.

In the new study, 300 people with undetectable viral loads either switched to Atripla (efavirenz/tenofovir/emtricitabine), or stayed on their current regimen. 207 people made the switch, while 93 stuck with the tried-and-true.

After 48 weeks, 87% of people who switched to Atripla had viral loads below 50, compared to 85% of people who stayed on their old regimen. CD4+T cell counts stayed roughly the same in both groups. Statistically speaking, there was no difference.

One word of warning: there were more side effects reported by people who switched than by those who stood pat. No surprise there! Participants had been on their old regimens for an average of 2.5 - 3 years, and side effects are always more noticeable when you switch to a new regimen. Most of the side effects reported were typical of efavirenz, including dizziness and sleep disturbances. But the side effects weren't that severe-very few participants switched back because of them.

More than 90% of people in the study said they would rather take just one pill, once a day. 97% of people who switched to Atripla said their regimen was easy to take, compared to 81% of those who did not switch. Adherence was high in both groups, with no statistically significant difference.

Atripla is the most popular HIV drug for people just starting on meds. Of course, if you have known resistance to one or more of the three drugs that make up Atripla, then switching is not an option for you. But this study suggests Atripla can be used safely by experienced patients taking other drug regimens who are looking for something easier.

Copyright 2010, Positive Health Publications, Inc.

This magazine is intended to enhance your relationship with your doctor - not replace it! Medical treatments and products should always be discussed with a licensed physician who has experience treating HIV and AIDS!