Should we continue taking triomune?
Dec 20, 2009
IT is true many people on ARVs in Uganda at the moment are on triomune. This is because it is the cheapest on the market. Stavudine has been removed from the list of recommended first line drugs because of its many side effects.
Face HIV with Dr. Watiti
Dear doctor,
The current recommendations by
UNAIDS to remove stavudine from the
first line ARVs and to raise the CD4
count from 250 to 350 as when to
start ARVs has put many of us living
with HIV and using triomune which
contains stavudine in a dilemma. Do
we now stop taking triomune or continue? And if we have failed to put all
the people on ARVs using the 250
cells/ml as a cut off point, how shall
we manage with a raised cut off
point?
Kevin
Dear Kevin,
IT is true many people on ARVs in Uganda at the moment are on triomune. This is because it is the cheapest on the market. Stavudine has been removed from the list of recommended first line drugs because of its many side effects.
These make it difficult for us to fulfil one of the cardinal goals of ART— to improve the quality of life for persons living with HIV. So, all people on triomune or any other stavudine containing regimen should have it substituted with either zidovudine or tenofovir.
However, do not stop taking triomune until you have got a substitute. We are faced with a challenge. Out of the estimated 400,000 people who need ART because their CD4 count has fallen to 250 cells/ml and below, only 180,000 are getting the drugs.
With the new guidelines it means we have more people eligible for the drugs. However, all people who test HIV-positive should find out their CD4 count and if it is 350 cells/ml and below try to access ARVs. This will help the Government know the exact number of people living with HIV who need ARVs and plan for them better.
Dear doctor,
The current recommendations by
UNAIDS to remove stavudine from the
first line ARVs and to raise the CD4
count from 250 to 350 as when to
start ARVs has put many of us living
with HIV and using triomune which
contains stavudine in a dilemma. Do
we now stop taking triomune or continue? And if we have failed to put all
the people on ARVs using the 250
cells/ml as a cut off point, how shall
we manage with a raised cut off
point?
Kevin
Dear Kevin,
IT is true many people on ARVs in Uganda at the moment are on triomune. This is because it is the cheapest on the market. Stavudine has been removed from the list of recommended first line drugs because of its many side effects.
These make it difficult for us to fulfil one of the cardinal goals of ART— to improve the quality of life for persons living with HIV. So, all people on triomune or any other stavudine containing regimen should have it substituted with either zidovudine or tenofovir.
However, do not stop taking triomune until you have got a substitute. We are faced with a challenge. Out of the estimated 400,000 people who need ART because their CD4 count has fallen to 250 cells/ml and below, only 180,000 are getting the drugs.
With the new guidelines it means we have more people eligible for the drugs. However, all people who test HIV-positive should find out their CD4 count and if it is 350 cells/ml and below try to access ARVs. This will help the Government know the exact number of people living with HIV who need ARVs and plan for them better.