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I've felt the same way since I heard of the new recommendations. Newer drugs may be somewhat safer, but even Viread in Truvada & Atripla is now showing some serious kidney issues in recent reports. It may sound a little 'conspiracy-ish', but the experts are mainly backed by the drug companies who will profit from expanded medication, and the governments recommending it are the entities that will be paying for most of it. It's almost as if the experts would rather stop the studies Dr Sonnabend recommends, and just blindly pay to medicate. Why find a cure when you can just medicate everyone forever?
"I miss Michael Callen. He would have reminded us that HIV positive individuals must demand that the best evidence be obtained to inform their treatment choices." Very well said, Dr Sonnabend. We must all ask ourselves if we have the best evidence in hand for everything we believe in HIV/AIDS, and whether we have considered all the alternatives.
Excellent piece, Dr. Sonnabend. Thank you for reminding us that empowerment is more than just deciding whether or when to start meds--though it is also that--and that the powerful legacy of empowerment modeled for us by Michael Callen and Richard Berkowitz can mean not going along with the "expert opinion" that lacks data to support it. I particularly appreciate your bringing the 'historic' perspective to this discussion in a way that shows the relevance today of what was achieved by brave, bold HIV+ people (and their doctors) even in the earliest years.
thank you, once again, joe sonnabend for your care and concern and COMMON SENSE. i wonder if fauci has seen this. i will forward it to him. love, and take care of yourself, please, larry kramer
Richard
Thanks so much for this article. It's always refreshing and gratifying to see doctors who really have the best interests of their patients in mind. You truly are helping so many people and opening people's eyes. Wish you the best and please keep up the good work. Best, Richard
April 28, 2012