A prediction from a little over 13 months ago:
It was also cool to finally see Kaletra demoted from a "preferred" to an "alternative" option for those starting treatment for the first time (except pregnant women, where it remains a preferred option). Kaletra is sold by Abbott, and they're still screwing us with that 400% price increase on Norvir. I never understood why more docs and patients weren't trying more lipid-friendly options like Reyataz. Now they will.
"...the next big change in the guidelines will come within two years, and recommend starting treatment when CD4's fall below 500."AIDSmeds.com has a great overview of the latest updates to the HIV treatment guidelines.
It was also cool to finally see Kaletra demoted from a "preferred" to an "alternative" option for those starting treatment for the first time (except pregnant women, where it remains a preferred option). Kaletra is sold by Abbott, and they're still screwing us with that 400% price increase on Norvir. I never understood why more docs and patients weren't trying more lipid-friendly options like Reyataz. Now they will.
I was diagnosed with AIDS in late 2002. Apparently, I had been testing FALSE NEGATIVE for many years. I am only 56 years old and I was recently diagnosed with Osteoporosis. To my knowledge none of my family members has ever had Osteoporosis. Additionally, over the last 7 years I have been battling with fatigue, severe arthritis in my hands, feet and most joints, as well as Chronic Ulcerative Colitis, memory blips and short term memory issues. I recently read that people living with HIV in their 40’s and 50’s are experiencing some of these similar issues. I have heard that these issues may be either side effects of the medications or just the fact that people are living with HIV longer (and growing older) and that we are experiencing problems that people 10-20 years older us would normally be getting. Any Thoughts?
I second that one on Kaletra! I know too many people that has started it as first treatment and then moved to something else due to side-effects. (plus the tablets are massive... kinda scary for 1st-timers!)
Glad to say I'm on Reyataz because of the lipid issues and because I have few side-effects. (except the yellow eyes - but I'm on 400 mg boosted which is not a common dosage).